LA neighborhoods? (Long Beach, Garden Grove, Torrance: for rent, lofts, find a job)

[Garyc3]

Hey everyone, my name is Gary and I am originally from Garden Grove but moved up to Seattle when I was young. Now,at age 22 with two quarters left at the University of Washington, I will be returning to LA but am a little unsure of which area will fit my interests best. I've always been attracted to the greater LA area (and no not because of the sunshine and the 'biz').

I am still young with no attachments so a lively area with young people would be best, however I don't think I'd like Santa Monica or Westwood. I also speak Spanish and Portguese having lived in both Mexico and Brazil but enjoy open minded genuine people, a good mix of culture, cool bars and lounges, and concerts and festivals. I was thinking of starting off by just renting a room/share before really committing. looking to spend between 500-900 for a room. Some areas I think I may like are...

-Culver City
-Lawndale
-Torrance
-Redondo Beach
(Maybe Long Beach and Huntington but both are a bit far)

So, with all of that said, I am wondering if anyone could help me figure this out before I move in July. I appreciate any opinions or help.
Thanks you guys.

[bhcompy]

Where will you be working?

I would put coastal Long Beach high on your list as it meets a lot of your criteria

[BRinSM]

you will need to find a job before you decide where to live. given the current economic environment, make sure you have a job before you move down here.

[sea7shalled]

Well I would think that Culver City would be Fun, depending what you are really into. The one thing you definitely don't want to do is to drive two hours each day to work, so I would suggest that you first find a job and only then weigh your options.

[timelesschild]

Don't forget Pasadena. I really like the warm genuine people of Pasadena, it has all the nightlife and culture you are looking for, and is an easy drive to downtown. It has a thriving economy of its own as well. Get that job first though, of course.

[Garyc3]

I'm sorry I should have mentioned that I have a job lined up in Marina Del Rey area. I have some family that lives in Long Beach as well I really like it there too, what are some of its pros and cons? I have never actually been to Pasadena, it sounds nice though, pros cons? Anyways, thanks you guys, I appreciate the help.

[King0fthehill]

Hmm...

How about Venice? It's cool, trendy, hip, bohemian, eclectic,etc..has a myriad of bars, cafes, lofts, boutiques and isn't far at all from Marina del Rey. One can even ride their bike there is they wish.

Same goes for Redondo Beach, except its a little more contained into one area and tends to be pricier. Redondo Beach is more of a yuppie/suburban vibe while Venice is a little more alternative/off the beaten path (though, as it gentrifies, this is becoming more and more sterilized).

I'd skip Torrance. Not much there in the forum of "happening" unless you dig generic, big box malls/shopping centers that be found in anywhere, USA. Also, its population is a lot traditional than the other cities, with many old-timey folks.

Downtown Culver City may be the perfect compromise, that or nearby Palms. Lots of stuff to do; tons of delicious mid-range cafes/restaurants, theaters, galleries, new loft developments and conversions, decent pedestrian foot traffic, decent amount of foliage and greenery, too.

Hope I was of some help to you, If you have any more questions, feel free to drop me a PM.

[calipoppy]

You actually may want to consider trying to find a room for rent in the Playa Vista area...lots of young professionals. And I second the suggestion of Venice and possibly Santa Monica.

[BRinSM]

traffic into the marina area can be very bad. i would probably want to live within a few miles of your office. i would definitely stay on the westside though espcially considering your history with Brazil. The Palms neighborhood that someone mentioned before is the center of the Brazilian community in LA. Ultimately it comes down to what you can afford. You will definitely need to share a place on your budget, maybe in the Playa Del Rey area.