Male, 28, single, gay, earns $100k a year - questions about moving to LA (San Francisco: apartment)

[LondonBoy99]

The title says most of it, but basically I am newly single after a 6.5 year relationship in London, and I am interested in moving to California (LA or surrounding area) for a couple of years. Problem is, I have only been there on vacation years ago (2005-ish), and although I liked it, I have no idea where I should look for a place to live, given my income and other characteristics. For example, although I'm gay, I don't necessarily want to live in the centre of a gay-party town, but at the same time I do want to socialise and meet new people...

My job involves travelling around, so it's not imperative that I live really close to work...

Anyone got some suggestions for great neighbourhoods which might be perfect for me? How much should I expect to spend on housing? Is sharing a house/apartment something I need to consider? As an example, almost everyone shares in London, and it's relatively easy to find a place to live, even with people you don't know.

And I guess as a wider question....is there somewhere else in California besides LA that I really should consider moving to instead?

[TimTheEnchanter]

I actually would look in West Hollywood, the center of LA's gay community because it is a great place to live and you can easily avoid the "party" areas. The advantages of being able to walk to nice restaurants, shopping etc are considerable and to do it in a gay friendly area is a bonus.

[karen_in_nh_2012]

Moderator cut: orphaned

OP, there are lots of great areas in California besides L.A. If you don't need to be in SoCal for your job, have you considered northern California? I lived in Berkeley for 11 years and not just when I was in school (actually if I'd been in school for 11 years that might be a problem!). Berkeley is right across the bay from San Francisco, which of course is also a great city.

Good luck with your decision!

[TimTheEnchanter]

Moderator cut: orphaned

Originally Posted by karen_in_nh_2012

OP, there are lots of great areas in California besides L.A. If you don't need to be in SoCal for your job, have you considered northern California? I lived in Berkeley for 11 years and not just when I was in school (actually if I'd been in school for 11 years that might be a problem!). Berkeley is right across the bay from San Francisco, which of course is also a great city.

Good luck with your decision!

Let's get the basics out of the way, Go Bears!

I do agree that Berkeley or the City would be good places too, but NorCal and SoCal are very different places and vibes (and weather). The OP needs to decide what kind of a vibe they want. I'd have no problem moving back to Berkeley, but that is partly because I would love being involved with the campus and old friends there again.

[disgruntled la native]

Moderator cut: orphaned

To the OP - Definitely West Hollywood, there is a small part of it that is party central but it's a diverse area with quieter neighborhoods as well.

[jackie100]

West Hollywood for sure.. I live there right now and its amazing. Right next to Beverly Hills, close to The Grove and Beverly Center. Lots of upscale restaurants and such. Not necessarily a party town on the residential streets... but close enough to the Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Blvd... Lots of celebs in this area too. Close enough to the beach... less than 1 hr away to Santa Monica beach and close enough to Malibu...

Weho/Socal has a glam /celeb vibe. Berkley/Norcal is more for the granola/down to earth types... I much prefer Socal over Norcal... I like it glitzy.