Is Los Angeles a dump??? (Long Beach, Santa Monica: apartment, rentals, home)

[LACAL1]

When I initially planned a move to Los Angeles, most of my friends in the area were always telling me that Los Angeles basin was a "run-down dump", and the only good parts were in the hills and/or the West Side and those areas were very expensive and talked me into looking for places on the west or outskirts of LA. Is this true?

I've been to LA once last July, and it wasn't so nice until I got to the nicer parts (West?) but I didn't explore much because it was a very short visit. The areas like Beverly Hills, Westwood and Brentwood that I went around looked nice and I LOVED the weather and vibrancy in those areas and could see myself living there.

Should I stretch my budget and stay on the Westside if I end up in LA?

Thanks.

[missionhome]

The West Side of LA is very nice and if you can afford it, you will probably really love it, just like your initial perception of those areas. Not all of Los Angeles is a dump. There are bad areas of the city, just like every other major city in the nation. In LA though, a dumpy home in a dangerous area cost the same amount of money as a mansion in other major cities. In the really expensive areas of Los Angeles like the West Side, well, you could get two mansions in another city! So, is ALL of Los Angeles a dump? -NO. Are parts of Los Angeles a dump?- YES.

[bhcompy]

Depends on what you're looking for.. if you're talking about LA city, sure, that sounds right. if you want the LA basin, you can find that vibrant city life much cheaper in Downtown Long Beach or Belmont Shore

[greggd]

Originally Posted by LACAL1

Should I stretch my budget and stay on the Westside if I end up in LA?
Thanks.

Where will you work?

[Sakana]

Yea. Number one factor is where you will work or plan on working.
If you find a job on the westside. Rent will be fairly higher. But you will be able to find some good deals if you have the time. My advice is to be very quick on any good rentals you come across. They will dissapear the next day if you weren't quick enough.

Is los angeles a dump?

Depends on your outlook. If your a glass half-empty kind of person. You may end up hating this city. Keep an open-mind and you may never leave.

[Caliguy2007]

L.A is Huge,so their are Good Parts and Bad Parts,but just remember that everyone has a different perception on what is considered as a Good or Bad Area,so some areas that may seem bad for others,may seem good to you,or vice versa.

Travel around L.A and i'm sure you'll find someplace you'll like

Originally Posted by LACAL1

When I initially planned a move to Los Angeles, most of my friends in the area were always telling me that Los Angeles basin was a "run-down dump", and the only good parts were in the hills and/or the West Side and those areas were very expensive and talked me into looking for places on the west or outskirts of LA. Is this true?

I've been to LA once last July, and it wasn't so nice until I got to the nicer parts (West?) but I didn't explore much because it was a very short visit. The areas like Beverly Hills, Westwood and Brentwood that I went around looked nice and I LOVED the weather and vibrancy in those areas and could see myself living there.

Should I stretch my budget and stay on the Westside if I end up in LA?

Thanks.

[timelesschild]

OK, the short answer is: No, LA is not a dump. Not all the good parts are hills or west side. There are beautiful parts all over the basin. Find your work, and find a place you like near it. There is plenty to love.

[CESpeed]

To live on the "westside" you should plan on a minimum of $ 1500 for a one bedroom apartment.

[calipoppy]

Is LA a DUMP? Well the answer is no, but...

People should ask themselves, "If I move to LA, can I truly afford to live in the very best parts of the city? " If your answer is, No, then you would probably consider LA a "dump". Your next question should be, "If I can only afford to live in the "dumps" why would I consider moving to LA?"

I will never understand why people who come from other places and do not have the best standards of living where they are, think that they will come to LA and start living the glamorous life. If your rent is $500 for a 2 bd apt in Whatsitsville USA(and you are struggling with that) what makes you think that you are going to be happy to start paying $2450 for a 2 bd apt in Santa Monica?

[califantastic]

10% of LA is wonderful. 90% of LA is a dump. Fortunately LA is enormous so the 10% that is wonderful is quite large. Like the other person said count on paying minimum $1500 for a 1 bedroom apartment in a decent area. Since such a small percentage of LA is desirable, the people who have money fight over the nicer areas and drive the prices up. I generally would not recommend moving to LA unless you are young, rich, or will be earning a very high salary.