Moving to Los Angeles (Burbank, Orland: apartments, insurance, mortgage)

[agen_kolar]

Hello California,

I will likely be moving to Los Angeles this summer, after graduating from UCF in Orlando with my Bachelors in Social Science. The reason for my move is that I just need change. I've been so busy with school over the past few years that I'm really burnt out. I drove myself pretty hard, and got my AA Degree before graduating high school. I will graduate with my BS before I'm 21. Needless to say, I need a break before getting my Master's. I have several friends in the area that are going to help me with whatever questions I have, but I would like some other advice as well. Most of them haven't been in LA long, anyway.

That being said, I am 20 years old and I will have held a job at UCF as an assistant instructional designer for a year before I move. My job deals with the online courses of the school, setting them up and getting them in working order. I have also worked as data entry and customer service representative at Nationwide Insurance for nearly a year, and my very first job was customer service for nearly a year and a half. I'm pretty good with computers and tech. Photography I'm not bad at either, but I realize that's a relatively unrealistic job to find. So while I don't have a nice resume, I've at least got some references who will provide great word for my potential employers. So, what sort of jobs do you think are in the area that I should apply for? I know the economy is shot to pieces right now, and may be getting worse, so is finding a job out of the question for someone with so little experience?

Additionally, my friends live in North Hollywood, not too far from Burbank. I would prefer to live close to them, so is this a good area? If not, what areas close by should I look into? What prices should I expect on apartments, for 1 bedrooms and up? What about average utilities costs? I have a car, so how is gas in Cali right now?

Thank you so much for your help, everyone. If you need to ask for more info about me to better answer my questions, by all means, please do!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by agen_kolar

So, what sort of jobs do you think are in the area that I should apply for?


Additionally, my friends live in North Hollywood, not too far from Burbank. I would prefer to live close to them, so is this a good area?

If not, what areas close by should I look into? What prices should I expect on apartments, for 1 bedrooms and up? What about average utilities costs? I have a car, so how is gas in Cali right now?

I realize you have friends in LA.

If a change is your only requirement, then consider somewhere cheaper and with jobs.

You might be struggling as others in your shoes are:

Originally Posted by killer2021

I'm 20 years old and it sucks. Yea, I guess a 20 year old would like the night life but only if he can afford it. Most 20 somethings are broke seeing as how college is expensive and there are little to no good paying jobs for people without college degrees. The only 20 somethings who are loving it are those who live with their parents or are living beyond their means (ie. student loans, credit card etc). When I get out of college I am leaving and going to Texas simply because the lower cost of living and better live/work situation. When I am living on my own I want some place that offers low cost of living and plenty of jobs. I'll be working 8-5 monday through friday, I am not going to be going out constantly and when I do go out it'll be to the local bar to pick up some hot chick.

I'd rather take the 500/month 1bed and 40k in texas.

I wouldn't do anything until I had a job lined up and preferably near your friends - Nothing wrong with North Hollywood.

Use something like this to find cheap housing.

HousingMaps

Gas is cheap, I saw it last week in the $1.89 range.

Bottom line, find a job first and work around that.

[agen_kolar]

Well, I'm pretty dead set on living in LA. I probably won't stay forever, but since I'm young I want to experience things while I can before lots of responsibilities make my choices more narrow.

Does anyone know of good websites or places to look for jobs?

[TheRealAngelion]

You will do just fine in LA. You are young, not yet established professionally and have no real life commitments (children, spouse, mortgage payment, etc.) holding you back. Therefore, this is an ideal time to try living in a new place and experiencing a different part of the country. The fact that you have friends here is a big plus. Much better than coming here on your own and not knowing anyone.

As far as jobs are concerned, you should consider getting work through a temp agency. Having some work experience with references should help versus not having any work experience at all.

Good luck.

[KnoxTown]

Just make sure to either have 7,000+ saved up or a decent job waiting for you.

[agen_kolar]

Thanks for the advice. Do you have any suggestions for sites or agencies I should look into?

[Tasksgirl]

North Hollywood/Burbank is a pretty good area.. there are some run-down parts of North Hollywood that have more gangs but there are some really nice areas too.. I love that whole area personally..

Try applying for internet companies they are awesome.. like shopzilla, pricegrabber, google, yahoo, match.com, etc. etc. etc.