Moving to LA - Commute to West Century Blvd (Inglewood: hotel, purchase)

[lola scott]

Hi

I'm going to be moving from the UK to LA, starting work at a company on West Century Blvd (nr intersection with Aviation Blvd)

I plan to get a car/licence sorted when I arrive but will still probably be travelling on public transport to get to work for the first few weeks.

I've heard that the area around West Century Boulevard (Inglewood) is a bad area. I'm concerned about travelling to work.

I really like the area around Hermosa/Redondo Beach & wanted to live there.
I think I can catch a bus (109) or the Green Line Metro (Aviation/1-105) to get me within walking distance of West Century Blvd. Does anyone have experience of this? Will I be in danger??!

As a last resort, i was thinking of getting a taxi for the commute to & from work ... but to do this would probably have to live nearer ... Playa del rey??

I'm in my 30's and am pretty street-wise, just don't want to be naive & need to know the situation from people who have local knowledge.

Could I have your thoughts/advice please??

thanks,
Lola

[CESpeed]

The first thing you want to do is get a car. I believe that for a short time you are allowed to drive with a foreign license. Check California Department of Motor Vehicles to make sure. If you must take public transportation, please realize that the buses here are notoriously unreliable. The trains are fine and you shouldn't have any problems walking to and from the train.

[JTGJR]

West Century at Aviation is not a horrible or particularly dangerous area. It's about a mile from LAX and is pretty much industrial at the end of Hotel row. You shouldn't have a problem public transport to this area tho, as CESpeep continues to point out, it can be unreliable. There is a beach cities transit bus that covers the South Bay and I can say it seems pretty reliable because I often pass it when picking my son up from school each day.

[BRinSM]

A cab is going to cost you atleast $15 each way to work, which will add up quick. If I were you, I would make my first purchase a bicycle once you arrive. You can easily commute from the Playa Del Rey, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa to your work location via bicycle. In fact, the bicycle will probably be faster than taking the bus.

[JTGJR]

BRinSM is right. Cycling is doable tho Hermosa is a bit of a ride. Fortunately, you could take the beach bike path north-south. But cycling down Century or Aviation could be a bit stressful. And the cab will be very costly. Perhaps a Vespa scooter or something of the like? Playa del Rey, El Segundo and Westchester would be your best bets with Westchester being the closest to your destination.

[lola scott]

Thanks very much for your replies. Really helpful.