Planning on moving to LA...bad decision? (Brea: for rent, neighborhood)

[nicole_bell]

I've ready many posts on people moving to LA, but none for a single, 23yo female, with Masters in chemistry (dec 08), no kids but a BAD shopping habit... I am waiting on my exam date for a criminalist position with LAPD. The job listing has salary from 57-71k a year. People have told me that moving to LA isn't a good decision...it's too expensive...you won't make any friends...is this a good move?

I've visited LA twice before and have absolutely fell in love. I've been looking at apts in the downtown area as this is where I stayed when I visited...is this an affordable area for me?

[KnoxTown]

Originally Posted by nicole_bell

I've ready many posts on people moving to LA, but none for a single, 23yo female, with Masters in chemistry (dec 08), and no kids. I am waiting on my exam date for a criminalist position with LAPD. The job listing has salary from 57-71k a year. People have told me that moving to LA isn't a good decision...it's too expensive...you won't make any friends...is this a good move?

A single 23 yr old making 50,000+ a year will be just fine.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by nicole_bell

..is this an affordable area for me?

What is the rent?

[nicole_bell]

I've been looking at several places and what I have seen for a 1 br is about 1500-1800 a month

[KnoxTown]

Originally Posted by nicole_bell

I've been looking at several places and what I have seen for a 1 br is about 1500-1800 a month

The rule of thumb, I think, is to make sure that rent is a third of your income or less.

[lesallimc]

If you've got a bad shopping habbit, you are probably going to have to watch it on your budget. It's doable, but will be tight.

[CESpeed]

If you have a shopping jones, I would recommend the Park LaBrea/Miracle Mile area. You'll be near the Grove and in a much, much nicer neighborhood than Downtown.

[TheRealAngelion]

Originally Posted by nicole_bell

I've ready many posts on people moving to LA, but none for a single, 23yo female, with Masters in chemistry (dec 08), no kids but a BAD shopping habit... I am waiting on my exam date for a criminalist position with LAPD. The job listing has salary from 57-71k a year. People have told me that moving to LA isn't a good decision...it's too expensive...you won't make any friends...is this a good move?

I've visited LA twice before and have absolutely fell in love. I've been looking at apts in the downtown area as this is where I stayed when I visited...is this an affordable area for me?

If you fell in love upon your visits to LA, then it's the place for you. Loving where you live has a huge impact on your quality of life and state of mind.

I would recommend living in the Miracle Mile area near The Grove if you want great shopping at your fingertips. Downtown is fine too. It doesn't have as many shopping options, but there are a lot of young people your age who live there and plus you'd be close to your job if you'll be working at LAPD headquarters.

[Freezer41]

Where are you going to be moving from? I think you'll do fine with that salary if you get that job. Maybe look for rent in the 1200-1400 range until you work your way up the ladder

[Sorcerer68]

Downtown has the diamond district, the fashion district...you'd be in heaven if you like discount and high-end labels. There are some great fakes too. Higher end shops are in a different part of town. You can afford a place Downtown. Ignore the naysayers if you like it here. If you offer friendship, you'll find it. I often hear mean, nasty people complain about having no friends. Hmmmm.

L.A. residents often give Downtown a bad rap. They are speaking of what they like personally and seem to forget everyone does not like the same thing. I think Downtown is awesome. You'll do fine with that income.