Things I NEED to do once I move to LA (sales, 2014)

[goldenglory18]

All,

I finally got the official moving date. As of March 7th, I'll be a resident of the beautiful state of California (kinda...I'll be in temporary corporate housing for the first 30 days.)

This very much isn't a "go see the ocean, or stop by Roscoe's" thread. What I'm looking for is more "grownup problem stuff."

When do I need to get a CA drivers license?
When do I need to get my vehicle(s) registered in CA?
Is there a big healthcare network here that I can use to look for a new doctor?
Is there a popular credit union that covers a large area in LA?
Tell me more about this Metro system. Is it worth buying into if we have two vehicles?

Anything else you all can think of? Thanks in advance, and see you all in a few weeks.....

[Iorina]

You'll need to register your vehicle at the DMV. This is also where you'll be able to get your drivers license. Highly suggest you make an appointment rather than just showing up and waiting in line. Also keep in mind that not all DMV locations offer all of the services, so make sure the one you do go to can do it all for you.

There are many different healthcare providers here in the state, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Anthem), Kaiser, and a few others that escape me right now. Each provider will have websites that allow you to search for doctors in your area. If you get PPO you'll be able to select the doctors, especially if you need to see a specialist. HMO will assign you a primary care physician and all specialists will have to be referred and chosen for you. I personally always go with PPO even though it's a bit more expensive.

There are some credit unions, like First Entertainment Credit Union, Kinecta, or the one for USC, but there are also major banking institutions all over the place like Bank of America and Chase. All depends on your personal preference, but keep in mind that going with a smaller credit union also means a lack of ATMs and potential fees should you need to use one that isn't your banks.

The Metro is a combination of busses and trains throughout LA. Honestly, it all depends on where you're living, where you need to go, and the time you need to get to that destination. My SO and I have cars, but 2 days a week he takes the Metro to one of his jobs to cut down on gas, it's faster, and he won't have to worry about parking at that job as the parking situation there is terrible. Here's the website for the Metro so you can get more information about routes, pricing, etc. LA Metro Home | Getting Started

[PDF]

Metro is great depending on where you live. Even if you have two cars, this is why public transit exists. Sometimes it's much easier to take for a weekend stroll around the city than driving is.

[goldenglory18]

Thanks for the responses all!

Originally Posted by Iorina

You'll need to register your vehicle at the DMV. This is also where you'll be able to get your drivers license. Highly suggest you make an appointment rather than just showing up and waiting in line. Also keep in mind that not all DMV locations offer all of the services, so make sure the one you do go to can do it all for you.

Any specifics I need to know? When is the deadline once I have an established address?

There are many different healthcare providers here in the state, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Anthem), Kaiser, and a few others that escape me right now. Each provider will have websites that allow you to search for doctors in your area. If you get PPO you'll be able to select the doctors, especially if you need to see a specialist. HMO will assign you a primary care physician and all specialists will have to be referred and chosen for you. I personally always go with PPO even though it's a bit more expensive.

Pretty sure I have Anthem. I think thats the provider (it's ringing bells in my head)....

There are some credit unions, like First Entertainment Credit Union, Kinecta, or the one for USC, but there are also major banking institutions all over the place like Bank of America and Chase. All depends on your personal preference, but keep in mind that going with a smaller credit union also means a lack of ATMs and potential fees should you need to use one that isn't your banks.

I'm very much small bank/credit union. I'll look into those suggested, thanks.

The Metro is a combination of busses and trains throughout LA. Honestly, it all depends on where you're living, where you need to go, and the time you need to get to that destination. My SO and I have cars, but 2 days a week he takes the Metro to one of his jobs to cut down on gas, it's faster, and he won't have to worry about parking at that job as the parking situation there is terrible. Here's the website for the Metro so you can get more information about routes, pricing, etc. LA Metro Home | Getting Started

Awesome, thanks for the link!

Originally Posted by PDF

Metro is great depending on where you live. Even if you have two cars, this is why public transit exists. Sometimes it's much easier to take for a weekend stroll around the city than driving is.

Coming from a small city, this public transportation thing is such a foreign concept. LOL

[bpeeps]

Originally Posted by Iorina

You'll need to register your vehicle at the DMV. This is also where you'll be able to get your drivers license. Highly suggest you make an appointment rather than just showing up and waiting in line. Also keep in mind that not all DMV locations offer all of the services, so make sure the one you do go to can do it all for you.

There are many different healthcare providers here in the state, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Anthem), Kaiser, and a few others that escape me right now. Each provider will have websites that allow you to search for doctors in your area. If you get PPO you'll be able to select the doctors, especially if you need to see a specialist. HMO will assign you a primary care physician and all specialists will have to be referred and chosen for you. I personally always go with PPO even though it's a bit more expensive.

There are some credit unions, like First Entertainment Credit Union, Kinecta, or the one for USC, but there are also major banking institutions all over the place like Bank of America and Chase. All depends on your personal preference, but keep in mind that going with a smaller credit union also means a lack of ATMs and potential fees should you need to use one that isn't your banks.

The Metro is a combination of busses and trains throughout LA. Honestly, it all depends on where you're living, where you need to go, and the time you need to get to that destination. My SO and I have cars, but 2 days a week he takes the Metro to one of his jobs to cut down on gas, it's faster, and he won't have to worry about parking at that job as the parking situation there is terrible. Here's the website for the Metro so you can get more information about routes, pricing, etc. LA Metro Home | Getting Started

Just one note Blue Cross/Blue Shield is the same company in other states. In California, they are separate companies. Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross.


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20 days to register your car, you'll need an electronic smog check approval. 10 days to change your license, you'll need to take a written test for your license. I did neither of these in this timeframe.

[goldenglory18]

Originally Posted by bpeeps

Just one note Blue Cross/Blue Shield is the same company in other states. In California, they are separate companies. Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross.


-------
20 days to register your car, you'll need an electronic smog check approval. 10 days to change your license, you'll need to take a written test for your license. I did neither of these in this timeframe.

Most excellent. Thanks as always, bpeeps.

[Dave Osborn LA]

Also something to keep in mind is sales tax on your car(s). Even if you bought the car in your state and already paid tax on it you may have to pay additional CA sales tax once you move and register it here.

I think the cut off is if you bought it more than one year ago in your state, from time of move, then you're in the clear and no CA tax is owed!

[goldenglory18]

Originally Posted by Dave Osborn LA

Also something to keep in mind is sales tax on your car(s). Even if you bought the car in your state and already paid tax on it you may have to pay additional CA sales tax once you move and register it here.

I think the cut off is if you bought it more than one year ago in your state, from time of move, then you're in the clear and no CA tax is owed!

Dear lord, really?? One vehicle we have is over 10 years old so thats not a problem but we bought a 2014 Hyundai Elantra last year. Son of a ***** that is going to **** me off....