Moving to los angeles... Help (Pasadena, Santa Monica: apartments, lofts, find a job)

[rjcd]

I grew up in Pasadena but have been gone for almost 15 years now.

I am moving back to LA in less than two weeks, starting school downtown in late-September. I have two dilemmas:

1. I will most likely find a job downtown or central LA. I want downtown people's opinions on which neighborhoods are safe downtown (heard/read that its up and coming).

2. I'd rather not live in Pasadena again since most of my friends are now in SM or Venice. Because of this I was also thinking about living somewhere on the westside but I'm worried about traffic coming from the westside to downtown.

Your opinion is much appreciated.

[California Vagabond]

First thought that came to mind for me: download the Metro system map:

http://media.metro.net/riding_metro/...System_Map.pdf

and consider apartments within comfortable walking distance of either the Red Line or Purple Line. I'd also consider places close to the Gold Line -- although not too far out, and it couldn't hurt to do a trial run before saying 'Yes' to the apartment, to see if you can live with the commute time.

A place near the Purple Line will put you closest to your friends in Santa Monica and Venice ... although that's still a long trek west from Wilshire and Western.

[lalagonegaga]

Welp, I'd say just look in Downtown. You didn't say what your budget is like, but honestly, I think that would be your best bet.

I did the Downtown thing for a few years and really, you don't want up any part of Downtown that's up and coming. Just go for straight up, regular Downtown. I lived at Bunker Hill Towers and Pacific Electric Lofts and loved them both. Totally different characters, but both had their good points. I have to say, I'm a native and I was only truly scared walking around at night a couple of times. But I had my area pretty well mapped out and avoided the junkies/skid row area like the plague.

You could also look into Mid-Wilshire (that would also give you easy Red Line access). It's super convenient for Downtown and getting over to the West Side is just a matter of hopping on the 10 or shooting over on Venice. It's a little more up and coming and you'd likely find something a bit less expensive than DT.

[rjcd]

Thanks for the input!

[kurzie23]

my girlfriend and I just moved here about 2 months ago, we live in west hollywood and her commute downtown every day isn't terrible. I think it takes her about a half hour to and from, which in the grand scheme, is not too bad. i think living on the west side and working/going to school downtown is doable, but would certainly understand if someone would rather live downtown if they were going to/from classes frequently. if it were me, i would live in culver city for a pretty easy commute and close to friends in santa monica and venice. but i've only lived here for 2 months so what the hell do i know...