Why would you buy a home here in Ca? (Los Angeles: luxury, budget)

[ness]

Originally Posted by JerZ

Yeah, they definitely do, and for that matter, L.A. isn't even really all that high up there in crime per capita as compared to other cities. But, I think the point is about why one would go overboard on housing costs when they're not even getting safety or armspace in return. The thing is that as an above poster noted in another thread, L.A. isn't just AN expensive city, it is THE most expensive city to live in overall in the U.S. based on housing and cost of living v. income. So that's the "why"? part. If it were the least affordable place in the nation BUT what you got in return was something above and beyond the average city--say, to take one example, safety in those expensive areas--then it would probably be worth it to more people.

Now, of course L.A. does offer great things. It's hard to generalize, L.A. being so huge and varied, but it offers culture, events, night life, diversity, access to stores, all that "city" stuff that's great. But frankly, most other major U.S. cities do, too. The single outstanding feature that could make L.A. more worth it might be the weather, for people who like year-round warm weather, and scenic beaches. I believe those are the top features that make people at least try out L.A. (non-wealthy people).

ETA: How could I forget this? The weather isn't the only thing...it also has to do with people who were born and raised here. Their families are here, and familiarity is here, and that's probably another answer to "why?".

also....two words....film business.

if you're in it you have two choices to live--- NY or LA. period.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by ness

also....two words....film business.

if you're in it you have two choices to live--- NY or LA. period.

So, is the conclusion that if you're in the film business you wouldn't have too much choice as to where to live?

And, if you don't have too much choice as to where to live, you'd be inclined to promote the region you live in?

[ness]

Originally Posted by Charles

So, is the conclusion that if you're in the film business you wouldn't have too much choice as to where to live?

And, if you don't have too much choice as to where to live, you'd be inclined to promote the region you live in?

If you are in the film business or trying to be in the film business then it is LA or NY. Yes.....your options are limited. My Dad (in the bus) was always trying to get us out of LA, but only succeeded in giving himself a five hour commute up to NorCal on weeekends in an attempt for us to live someplace with clean air. That didn't work out (commute was too long), so it was back to LA where the work is. This is one of the reasons I chose not to follow in the family footsteps.

As far as the second part of your question--I'm not promoting LA. I'm actually pretty sick of it here, but the film business is definitely a reason why people come to and stay in LA. I only know a few people who "love" LA. Most of us just live here because it's where we grew up.

[TedTrent]

I own a loft in Downtown Los Angeles and love it.

I can't think of a better place to live. I grew up on a farm in the midwest...BORING!

I've got EVERYTHING at my door step including the best weather in the world.

I also love selling lofts and Downtown condos to people too.

Agreed that Los Angeles living isn't right for some people. But for those of us who are up to accomplishing great things, it's the perfect match!

[JerZ]

Originally Posted by TedTrent

I own a loft in Downtown Los Angeles and love it.

I can't think of a better place to live. I grew up on a farm in the midwest...BORING!

I've got EVERYTHING at my door step including the best weather in the world.

I also love selling lofts and Downtown condos to people too.

Agreed that Los Angeles living isn't right for some people. But for those of us who are up to accomplishing great things, it's the perfect match!

Do you have children? Do they go to school locally or private school? Just curious.

[SunsetCowboy]

Originally Posted by ness

also....two words....film business.

if you're in it you have two choices to live--- NY or LA. period.

years ago maybe but now films are made all over the world.Vancouver,Miami,Louisiana,Massachusetts,etc. An independent film maker can live anywhere.Lionsgate is building a huge studio in New Mexico and Sony just moved over 100 special effects jobs to New Mexico because of tax savings and lower costs.Californias high taxes cost jobs.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by SunsetCowboy

years ago maybe but now films are made all over the world.

The other places where there is considerable filmmaking activity are not within US borders. However, those who are already established and legendary in the film business can go wherever they want.

[ness]

Originally Posted by majoun

The other places where there is considerable filmmaking activity are not within US borders. However, those who are already established and legendary in the film business can go wherever they want.

I'm sure there are film jobs elsewhere....but in my experience (with the fam) when Dad gets a job they are most often filming at a studio in LA...with location work elsewhere. And attempts to live and find work elsewhere were not successfull. I think it probably also depends on what type of job you do in bus. People who work in TV tend to have more options it seems. ???? I would say that my family is established (academy award winning, etc.) but legendary? who knows. they still have trouble finding work sometimes. I guess that's just the nature of the bus. =)

[majoun]

Originally Posted by ness

I'm sure there are film jobs elsewhere....but in my experience (with the fam) when Dad gets a job they are most often filming at a studio in LA...with location work elsewhere. And attempts to live and find work elsewhere were not successfull. I think it probably also depends on what type of job you do in bus. People who work in TV tend to have more options it seems. ???? I would say that my family is established (academy award winning, etc.) but legendary? who knows. they still have trouble finding work sometimes. I guess that's just the nature of the bus. =)

True. But Vancouver is probably the true "Entertainment capital of the world" considering more films are made there than L.A. It's not within
US borders but it is on the West Coast of North America.

[ness]

Originally Posted by majoun

True. But Vancouver is probably the true "Entertainment capital of the world" considering more films are made there than L.A. It's not within
US borders but it is on the West Coast of North America.

i don't think Dad ever considered moving us to Canada. ?? = ) I love it in Canada. Might not have been a bad move. Oh well...I'm on my own now and options are open. WA state is looking pretty good to us if we don't stay in SoCal.