Moving to LA, need advice! (San Francisco, Glendale: 2015, rent, unemployment)

[Brushbell]

My dream has always been to live in California. My family is originally from San Francisco but there are more jobs available in my field in LA. But I don't know anything about living in LA, which boroughs are the best to live in and would love some advice from locals.

Here is my LA wishlist:

1. Cheapest rent possible while still in a safe neighborhood.

2. Community. I want to live in a walking community where I can spend my weekends walking through the neighborhood getting shopping done and maybe enjoying the company of other neighbors. Close proximity to grocery and retail would be a must.

What do you think? Is this a realistic wish list for someone with a projected budget of 500 to 800 bucks a month? (Possibly willing to pay more depending on job offers)

[jamills21]

Welcome to LA!

First off, there are no boroughs in LA; Just which side of town you live on. Second, where will you be working? First rule of LA is to live as close to where you work as possible. I've see places in decent areas for as low as 800 in certain areas but it wouldn't make sense if you lived on the other side of the city.

[Brushbell]

Originally Posted by jamills21

Welcome to LA!

First off, there are no boroughs in LA; Just which side of town you live on. Second, where will you be working? First rule of LA is to live as close to where you work as possible. I've see places in decent areas for as low as 800 in certain areas but it wouldn't make sense if you lived on the other side of the city.

I'll probably be working in Burbank with a film studio or some other production company

[jamills21]

North Hollywood, Glendale or Atwater Village for you my friend. $800 may be a little to low for these areas however. Check Padmapper.com to see the price ranges for each area. I would probably do North Hollywood and try to be as close to a redline station as possible. Then you will be close to Burbank and have access to the rest of the METRO system and be in easy access of DTLA, Hollywood, K-town, and Culver City ( to DT SM in 2015!). I would also get an awesome road bike then you could just bike to work from NOHO. Glendale is kinda boring and Atwater would be more of a mission to be able to have car-less access to the rest of the city.

[smokingGun]

if you're in the industry live in Hollywood, Eagle Rock or Echo Park so you can be close to others to network. The entertainment industry (especially the creative side) is a tough field with frequent bouts of unemployment/underemployment, so have at least 6 to 8 months worth of back-up rent money to be on the safe side.

[Ceece]

is this a realistic wish list for someone with a projected budget of 500 to 800 bucks a month?

[RoaminRebel]

If you're brave you might be able to get a roommate to save some $, but just make sure it's not one of those "be my sex slave for a place to live" deals... unless that's you're thing.. well. you get the picture..

[cdck]

Room mate is a possibility in your budget.
Burbank, glendale is your best bet.
If you want cheaper $800 for a studio or 1 br., look around north hollywood which is very close to burbank.

[PDF]

I hope you're willing to have a roommate.