Moving from Seattle to LA (San Diego, Long Beach: rental, condo, buying)

[TrishaJ]

Hello. My boyfriend and I are considering relocating from Seattle to LA just for a change of pace. I came across a thread for Long Beach and one of the replies gave some great information on safe zip codes to live in, in the area. I was wondering if anyone had the same info, but regarding west LA (i.e.: Santa Monica, Hollywood, parts of the valley still close to the water, or smaller towns still really close to LA etc) I've heard recently Santa Monica is slowly becoming a gang infested area??

Also we have a dog and a couple of cats, do you think it will be difficult to find a rental to accommodate us?

Thanks in advance.

[jessemh431]

Santa Monica is nowhere near gang infested. It's probably the safest place in the country that is still affordable. The areas you are looking at are very different, so let me ask you. What are you coming to LA for; the fast paced life, a beach life, the party life, or just an affordable place near LA?

Ventura the city in Ventura Country is the next county West of LA. I don't know if you've heard of Santa Barbara, but Ventura is pretty much the same thing except not many people have heard of it. The OC is a little cheaper, but overrun with Hispanics. The only good areas are on the beach, but theyre very expensive. If you can afford, Laguna Beach is a very fun area. So how old are you; that can also be a deciding factor in LA.

The main thing is what type of life you're looking for. Slow-paced, fast-paced, party, beach, or just living in LA so you can say you live in LA(living in Ventura and OC is still considered LA since they're so similar). Also, what is your price range b/c some places can be thousands more expensive than others.

Places with pets are very mixed, so first help me narrow down your choices by answering all or at least some of the questions I asked you.

[TrishaJ]

jessemh431, thanks for your reply. Currently we're just looking to relocate for a change of pace. I love the ocean, and just want to be closer to the beach and I’ve always wanted to learn how to surf. I just turned 35, and my "club/party" days are more of an every once in a while thing. Of course that could change a little bit depending on the vibe of the city.

We're looking for a 1+ bedroom for up to $1500/month to start. I've searched Craigslist and there seem to be a lot of choices in that price range, but I'm not sure it they’re actually in good area's. We were really hoping to find something in Santa Monica, until I heard gangs had started to move in. I was thinking Santa Monica was going to be like Venice. (I was told not to venture out at night if I was living in Venice due to gangs) Of course this could be all hear from someone who didn't have a clue as to what they were talking about.

We're hoping to stay more to the west side of LA due to most of the jobs we've been looking at are in that area.(I'm medical/appeals and my boyfriend is IT). Long Beach could be an exception though; I've noticed it is considerably cheaper in renting and buying(condo).

[monti]

Venice isn't that bad - I go to Digital Domain all the time - tons of post effects people (although the building used to share space with a porn studio, which is pretty cool/sleazy)

www.digitaldomain.com

But I'd definitely choose Santa Monica over anyplace else in Cali honestly - Love SMonica and the 3rd st. prom..

[jessemh431]

Santa Monica is definately the best then. If you can find a nice part of LB its cool. SM is definately better for nearby night-life b/c it's easy to get to Hollywood and Westwood and others. But there are definately no gangs there. The prices are too high for them there. I would definately suggest SM...or Venice is good if you find the right area. SM would be MY 1st choice. Actually, forget about LB since they don't get good surfing waves and you said you want to surf. B/c LB faces South and the current comes from the North, they don't get big waves. Also, it gets hotter there because of where it faces.

[TrishaJ]

Thanks for all the info, it sounds like Santa Monica is the place we want to be.

[TrishaJ]

Here is an off topic question. I've never visited LA, so what are the spots I HAVE to check out when we arrive? (i.e. Resturants, clubs, beaches, affordable shopping?)

[LASam]

Wow, that's a tough question. I'll just tell you what you should check out in Santa Monica, the rest of this lot can help you with the rest. In SaMo you should go to the pier, the promenade, walk the Palisades Park, take a bike ride on the beach bike path, check out Main St., check out Montana Ave., peruse Bergamot Station, and get dinner at the King's Head Pub!

[stregleshl]

I left Seattle 5 years ago and moved to San Diego. It will be a culture shock for you but not necessarily a bad one. there are a lot of good restaurants down here and tons of things to do. The weather is one big difference but the culture is different too.

One noticeable difference is driving. For the most part, people in Seattle do the speed limit or slightly over. In southern California, the speed limit is often ignored unless someone sees a police car. Drivers don't like to let other drivers merge into a land so turn signals get forgotten.

The other big difference is cost of housing. But it's a fun place to live and may be worth it depending on how you look at it.