Moving and non-entertainment jobs in LA (Burbank, Santa Monica: apartments, for rent, movers)

[CookieToaster]

Hi, I'm in the process of moving/job search in LA and I was wondering if someone could tell me what areas of the city most of the normal jobs seem to be. I've visited many times and have family in the area, but I've dealt mainly with the entertainment industry. Likely, I will end up with a tech job within the entertainment industry of course, but still, I was wondering where most people in say .com's, software, etc. seem to work?

I already have 2 second interviews with companies in El Segundo and Burbank. I was hoping to also coordinate my job search somewhat with where I want to live as far as quality of life. Additionally, since I may take the El Segundo job if offered, I want to find a way to lessen the pain of the commute.

I currently earn about 120k and pay 2k a month rent, but since I am looking to change the type of job I have, I expect that number to drop to somewhere between 75-100k and 1700 for rent.

When I have visited LA for extended periods, the areas that seemed to appeal the most to me were Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and West Hollywood. I've driven through Pacific Palisades, Burbank, and some others that looked nice, but I didn't have time to get a great idea of the neighborhoods for more than a few hours. I looked at Los Feliz, other parts of Hollywood, Beverley Hills (too expensive), etc. but I was not sold.

Any suggestions for neighborhoods my income level? I want to live within a few blocks of the beach if possible or a short drive. I'd be living alone hopefully and I already have a car and anything else I might need, so most of my income would go to things like food, cable, gas, rent, etc. I would be moving from Washington, DC which is also a very expensive city (albeit smaller with huge suburban sprawl) with crime, etc. so I'm really uninitmidated by LA. I've driven in LA as well many times and the traffic to me is about the same, and often a toss-up depending on time and location.

I am also wondering how much a large scale move like this would cost on average given today's gas prices and random fees with movers. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[stevorilla]

Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and West Hollywood: The areas your looking into are very nice, and it should be okay if you can afford them Rent for a decent apartment in any of those three locations will run you about 2k and up. Burbank is okay, but it is quickly becoming over congested. Also, even if you are open to all types of people, make sure to look into the demographics for a region.

[CookieToaster]

We have the same rent in DC really. It's about roughly 2k to live in a non-dump in a nice, non-dead part of the city (Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, U St, Georgetown, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park). You pay a premium here to live alone. It's obviously much cheaper with a roomie, though it's not uncommon to find 2 bedrooms for 3k+ (and for what?).

[greggd]

Originally Posted by CookieToaster

Hi, I'm in the process of moving/job search in LA and I was wondering if someone could tell me what areas of the city most of the normal jobs seem to be. I've visited many times and have family in the area, but I've dealt mainly with the entertainment industry. Likely, I will end up with a tech job within the entertainment industry of course, but still, I was wondering where most people in say .com's, software, etc. seem to work?

I already have 2 second interviews with companies in El Segundo and Burbank. I was hoping to also coordinate my job search somewhat with where I want to live as far as quality of life. Additionally, since I may take the El Segundo job if offered, I want to find a way to lessen the pain of the commute.

I currently earn about 120k and pay 2k a month rent, but since I am looking to change the type of job I have, I expect that number to drop to somewhere between 75-100k and 1700 for rent.

Live in the nicest area closest to your work: You are in the pay range where a mandatory commute is unnecessary. El Segundo: Manhattan Beach and proximity to the sand depends on how much you want to spend and the size of the unit. Burbank: Find a very nice gated and landscaped apartment community in the Burbank or adjacent areas.

[stevorilla]

Look into Tuluca Lake; it's more upscale than Burbank. I personally would suggest living near the beach if you can afford it, because really, what's the point of living in L.A. unless your here for the beach and water. The more inland you go, the more of a mess it is. Sure there are pockets of niceness, but it's generally surrounded by not-so-nice neighborhoods. I say the beach if you can afford it. I'm moving from Burbank to a beach community...

[CookieToaster]

Yeah, I was hoping someone could recommend something near the beach. Walk (2 miles or less) or short drive would be best. I'm sure I've been to many beach neighborhoods/towns/etc. but they all blend in my mind from my many trips. Besides Santa Monica and Manhattan, what else is worth looking at? What about if I end up commuting to El Segundo?

[gwjcgwjc]

Are you looking for a job in the television industry? I was and I was having a really hard time finding one. Until, that is, I found TVCrossing.com. That web site really helped in my job search. It lists hundreds of great television jobs. If you are in the same situation as I was, it might be of help.

[JTGJR]

Apartments, homes and condos west of Main St., in El Segundo, are about a mile walk to the beach. There's also a beach shuttle that runs during the summer. $1700 could get you into an apartment.

[BRinSM]

El Segundo is a really nice city. It's pretty family oriented, but is located centrally to the westside, LAX, and south bay communities. The beaches aren't the best there, but your a quick bike ride from some nicer ones.