Moving from NY to LA (Los Angeles, San Francisco: real estate, budget, apartments)

[HmmMocha]

Very funny but I get where your coming from, SaintLaurent. Your the second person I come across that’s suggested West Hollywood. I plan to check it out when I arrive in LA. So, buying the car is not the issue it’s the insurance and storage (garage/insurance) although not much difference than NY? I was considering a Honda Accord. I guess West Hollywood would turn their BMW logos down on me huh? If I’m going to live in LA w/all those highways, I’m going to need GPS.

OK, something along the 405. I saw 405 is a major freeway during my research this weekend. Thanks UB50. I was looking at the street map and some of the locations don’t seem that far from my potential job. I guess it’s the traffic that makes the commute take so long and not necessarily the distance.

This is great, Katenik, marilyn220, milquetoast, leongaus!!! Thanks everyone, this is helping me narrow down my search quest. Culver City, West Hollywood, Westwood, Century City (for the more LA savvy. I guess I’m not there yet) Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Pacoima, and Marina del Rey. My rent budge should be increased to around $1500. The Calif. street map and a dry erase marker are going to be my best buddies for the moment.

I’ve just (today) spoken with my potential employer and the response was very positive. I have to step up the pace and make a "scouting" trip to LA within the next 2 weeks. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that all works in my favor. If you think of anything else that I should be considering please share. Like I said, I’m in a whirlpool right now and getting very dizzy so things might fall to the side. I appreciate all the help.

[katenik]

no, not pacoima.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by HmmMocha

Very funny but I get where your coming from, SaintLaurent. Your the second person I come across that’s suggested West Hollywood. I plan to check it out when I arrive in LA. So, buying the car is not the issue it’s the insurance and storage (garage/insurance) although not much difference than NY? I was considering a Honda Accord. I guess West Hollywood would turn their BMW logos down on me huh? If I’m going to live in LA w/all those highways, I’m going to need GPS.

OK, something along the 405. I saw 405 is a major freeway during my research this weekend. Thanks UB50. I was looking at the street map and some of the locations don’t seem that far from my potential job. I guess it’s the traffic that makes the commute take so long and not necessarily the distance.

This is great, Katenik, marilyn220, milquetoast, leongaus!!! Thanks everyone, this is helping me narrow down my search quest. Culver City, West Hollywood, Westwood, Century City (for the more LA savvy. I guess I’m not there yet) Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Pacoima, and Marina del Rey. My rent budge should be increased to around $1500. The Calif. street map and a dry erase marker are going to be my best buddies for the moment.

I’ve just (today) spoken with my potential employer and the response was very positive. I have to step up the pace and make a "scouting" trip to LA within the next 2 weeks. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that all works in my favor. If you think of anything else that I should be considering please share. Like I said, I’m in a whirlpool right now and getting very dizzy so things might fall to the side. I appreciate all the help.

Do NOT move to Pacoima! It has some of the most violent gang activity in LA. It's long been known as the most screwed up part of the Valley. It's also nowhere near the rest of the places you named.

[Sorcerer68]

Ignore the clowns. With a limited budget on the west side, check out Culver City.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by Sorcerer68

Ignore the clowns. With a limited budget on the west side, check out Culver City.

Good choice. Safe, diverse, and still pretty middle class. Also, it's been fixed up quite nicely. It's now a happening neighborhood for the first time since before WW2.

I will greatly regret leaving CC (and the west side, and LA in general). Unfortunately work demands that I move north. As my family and friends are still here, I'll be back to visit....

[HmmMocha]

OK thanks !! Pacoima out. This is really great. It's narrowing my search tremendously I'm statring to feel a littile better and less anxious.

[HmmMocha]

Hey what does the abbreviation OAC mean in rental lingo?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by HmmMocha

Hey what does the abbreviation OAC mean in rental lingo?

On Approved Credit???

OAC - What does OAC stand for? Acronyms and abbreviations by the Free Online Dictionary.

[HmmMocha]

Thank you.

[HmmMocha]

I'm noticing apartment postings with notes that the fridge and/or stove are included. Sometimes when pictures are posted, I don't necessarily see a fridge. Is that the norm in Calif.? A fridge and/or stove are not necessarily part of the apartment package? BTW, I'll be visiting your fair city for a few days beginning tomorrow. I've got my maps and GPS. I'm keeping my fingers crossed all goes well.