Moving. Cleveland, OH to Los Angeles, CA. Nice areas to live?? (Huntington Beach: new home, neighborhoods)

[AdamP]

Originally Posted by KnoxTown

My car insurance almost tripled from Memphis to LA. When I moved from North Hollywood to Burbank, it went down... I guess it just depends on where you live in the city.

According to Geico, my insurance will double (boo!). Registration is incredibly high! Depending on what city I move to, registration will be $300-600. Obviously it's ridiculous, and there's no way around it, so just have to grin and bear it.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by AdamP

***Sorry. I posted this thread because I wanted to change the title from a previous post ***


Hello,

I am moving to the Los Angeles area by the end of March. To give a bit of an intro, I am a single, 27 year-old, outgoing male with a Bachelor's degree, and 3 years video production experience as a Videographer and Field Producer in the Cleveland sports market. I have some job contacts out in L.A. so I'm not too worried about that. Though, I am open to any inquiries.

I am mainly concerned with finding a studio apartment in a relatively safe area (not in a trashy area). I will have about $5000 saved by that time, and am prepared to pay between $900-1000 for rent. Areas that have peaked my interest through my last 8 months of research are Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Canoga Park, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Long Beach and Lakewood, and Anaheim area. It's obvious I'm around the map a little bit, but it's tough to research areas when you live over 2,000 miles away. I don't mind driving an hour or more to work, but I don't know if living north, south, east or west of the city is best.

I am well aware and prepared for the fact that L.A. life is expensive and has monster traffic. I know that some people love it there, and some hate it there based on the experiences they have had. I am moving there for the purpose of advancing my career to the next level and to experience an exciting change of atmosphere.

I am interested in well thought out responses and not impulse rants.

I appreciate any and all info you are able to share with me.

Thank you in advance.

Adam

if your experiences are in sports, you'll probably want to check out Fox (West LA) and ESPN who is almost complete with their west coast headquarters in downtown next to the staples center. unfortunately those locations are over 10 miles from each other and locations that are central to both have terrible traffic. good luck!

[premier soccer fan]

Definitely visit prior to moving anywhere! In California everyone is welcome - it's a huge melting-pot where everyone is from everywhere else.

That being said, you will find that it is a WORLD AWAY from Ohio. People are not (generally) as friendly. It's expensive to live here. Gas is up around $2.25 again and when it was at it's highest a few months ago, I paid over $4.50 per gallon. There are many people who don't have registration and insurance on their vehicles so they think nothing of hitting you and leaving the scene.

Best suggestion I can give you for gauging how long it will take you (I use this method when taking the kids to auditions) is....go to google maps (or yahoo maps) and input your travel information (from and to locations). It'll give you the approximate travel time. DOUBLE that and you will be there on time, if not early. Obviously, if traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego, you don't have to double the time, just add on 45 - 60 minutes to allow for traffic. Also, if you don't have a GPS Navigation system, get one. It's saved me HOURS of time when a traffic jam hits.

Do your research before signing any lease, purchase agreement, etc, if you choose to live here. In California we have "Megan's Law" where the sex offenders have to register where they live. Here's a link to that website. California Megan's Law - California Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. Once there, you can search by address, zip code, city, etc. Make wise decisions and stay alert. You may be male and 27 years old, but it doesn't mean that you want to live by the "trash".

Los Angeles County now has an unemployment rate of 10% so it's difficult to say what that will truly do to the economy and/or crime rates. Here's a link to the Los Angeles Police Department's website. official website of THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT. From there, you can take a look at the "crime maps".

Something else to think about....SAG is going to be putting out a strike authorization. It will probably pass. Because of SAG not having a contract, many many productions have not begun (and won't anytime soon). Non-union and AFTRA are still producing, but the competition is fierce for any work related to Hollywood, at this time.

I don't want to scare you by offering these suggestions, I want you to be educated. You'd be a long way from home, wide-eyed, and awe-struck. I want you to have a great experience in California and I want you to be safe while here. By doing your research, you'll be much more prepared for anything thrown your way.

Stay safe.

[AdamP]

Only 2 months away from moving day! Can't believe it's getting this close! I most likely will not have a "full-time position" before I move, so I am looking to find a temporary location (3-6 month lease) somewhere relatively equidistant from Downtown LA and Anaheim.

I have done a lot more research in the last couple weeks, and have found some studio apartments that fit in my "newly revised," more realistic rent range of $900-1100. The areas I have been looking at are: Culver City, Palms, Rancho Park, outside of Santa Monica (Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey, El Segundo), Long Beach (found an Archstone apt near harbor on w.3rd for $1075), Redondo Beach area, West Torrance.....

What are your opinions on these areas? (i.e. safety, atmosphere, night-life, stores).

Also, I am interested in searching out more areas, so any recommendations are welcome.

Thanks a lot!

[AdamP]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

if your experiences are in sports, you'll probably want to check out Fox (West LA) and ESPN who is almost complete with their west coast headquarters in downtown next to the staples center. unfortunately those locations are over 10 miles from each other and locations that are central to both have terrible traffic. good luck!

Thanks a lot. I had heard that about ESPN, but wasn't sure where it was going to be located.

[BRinSM]

the only place that you mentioned that is even remotely close to anaheim is long beach. the south bay and westside communities that you listed are close to an hour away without traffic, just keep that in mind if you will need to be going there on a regular basis.

[AdamP]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

the only place that you mentioned that is even remotely close to anaheim is long beach. the south bay and westside communities that you listed are close to an hour away without traffic, just keep that in mind if you will need to be going there on a regular basis.

Yeah, I noticed that by mapping it out on Google and realistically-estimating driving times. Having to commute one hour to work everyday doesn't bother me too much. I do it on a daily basis now M-F. If I were roughly an hour from each, I would be happy with that. Especially in the beginning, with a short-term lease.

Thanks!

[AdamP]

Originally Posted by premier soccer fan

Definitely visit prior to moving anywhere! In California everyone is welcome - it's a huge melting-pot where everyone is from everywhere else.

I would love to visit before I move, but it doesn't fit into my plans financially. I am considering staying in a hotel for the first day or two, and looking at places then.

Originally Posted by premier soccer fan

Best suggestion I can give you for gauging how long it will take you (I use this method when taking the kids to auditions) is....go to google maps (or yahoo maps) and input your travel information (from and to locations). It'll give you the approximate travel time. DOUBLE that and you will be there on time, if not early. Obviously, if traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego, you don't have to double the time, just add on 45 - 60 minutes to allow for traffic. Also, if you don't have a GPS Navigation system, get one. It's saved me HOURS of time when a traffic jam hits.

Great suggestion. I will definitely use that.

Originally Posted by premier soccer fan

Do your research before signing any lease, purchase agreement, etc, if you choose to live here. In California we have "Megan's Law" where the sex offenders have to register where they live. Here's a link to that website. California Megan's Law - California Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. Once there, you can search by address, zip code, city, etc. Make wise decisions and stay alert. You may be male and 27 years old, but it doesn't mean that you want to live by the "trash".

Los Angeles County now has an unemployment rate of 10% so it's difficult to say what that will truly do to the economy and/or crime rates. Here's a link to the Los Angeles Police Department's website. official website of THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT. From there, you can take a look at the "crime maps".

Great information!! Didn't think about looking into that.

Originally Posted by premier soccer fan

Something else to think about....SAG is going to be putting out a strike authorization. It will probably pass. Because of SAG not having a contract, many many productions have not begun (and won't anytime soon). Non-union and AFTRA are still producing, but the competition is fierce for any work related to Hollywood, at this time.

It's a shame isn't it? Hopefully it won't happen, but I will hopefully be working with one of the sports teams and other freelance work in the area for starters, and then go from there.

Originally Posted by premier soccer fan

I don't want to scare you by offering these suggestions, I want you to be educated. You'd be a long way from home, wide-eyed, and awe-struck. I want you to have a great experience in California and I want you to be safe while here. By doing your research, you'll be much more prepared for anything thrown your way.

Stay safe.

I really appreciate it. I hope to as prepared as possible before setting foot in CA. Thanks!

[alaplex]

Hi Adam,

I can relate. Moved to California 20 years ago and landed in Long Beach on my friend's advice. If I can tell you one thing. DON'T RELY ON OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINION. I fiddled around for a year in Long Beach, than another 4 years in Orange County. Took me 5 years to know where I wanted to live. Personally I am a very liberal person and nobody informed me that Orange County was so conservative. Unfortunately I relied on other people's opinon. That being said, you have to decide what is important to you. You are fortunate to have me guide you. Remeber, I am just pointing things out and trying to remain objective. The choice is yours
Santa Monica- Ocean ave and north of Wilshire great. The pier is very seedy. Overall a nice city but very expensive.
Brentwood- Santa Monica on steroids. Just north of Santa Monica, crowded, lot of yuppies super expensive.
Sherman Oaks- Nice city in the southern part of valley. Very nice businesses along Ventura blvd with good restaurants. Not too expensive Downside is that is borders Van Nuys, Heavy Hispanic community and low income residents.
Canoga Park- Never spent much time here but really not that nice. Probably inexpensive but not centrally located
Culver City- I live right near there. Very nice downtown but caters to very high end. Typical meal in a restaurant will cost about $25.00 and up. They are emulating a Beverly Hills vibe. Rent a bit high but that's normal for the west side.
Westwood- Again, very high end. Very expensive. UCLA students. Lots of Japanese students and caucasain students with money. Virtually no immigrant poplulation except for service workers.
Redondo Beach- Expensive. You will love this if you are into the whole beach culture. Volleyball, bike path, etc. If you are an urbanit like me you will be bored. No music scene at any of the beach cities. Just a So Cal phenomenom. If you like some excitement I would stay away from any beach city. Long Beach may be an exception because it is a big city. Lot of Mexican immigrants and prices are reasonable. Same with Lakewood.
Anaheim- typical Orange County city. Has a lot of restaurants, businesses. etc. Again, suburbia, very conservative pro Bush. Again, if you are a dyed in the wool Republican you will love Orange County.

If you are on a budget of $900.00 to $1000.00 for a studio you should probably forget Brentwood, S Monica, Westwood, Redondo Beach. You may want to consider Long Beach or Lakewood on that budget.

To summarize
Beach Cities- Generally next to no nightlife, colder weather, overcast can be expensive.
Orange County- Very nice physical landscape, new, modern, middle class families, clean, very Republican.
West LA Areas- (S Monica. Westwood, Brentwood, Culver City). Expensive, best climate if you live about 4-5 miles east of beach, cental to almost everything including West Hollywood, Hollywood, Los Angeles, beaches, and the valley. Very liberal and progressive. Lot of ex hippie types.

You have just gained some valuabel experience as I have lived in Long Beach, Gardern Grove, Santa Ana, Anaheim, West LA, Santa Monica, Mid Wishire, West Hollywood and Sherman Oaks in my over 20 year span. Bottom line is to drive around as much as you can until you feel the right vibe.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[AdamP]

Originally Posted by alaplex

Hi Adam,

I can relate. Moved to California 20 years ago and landed in Long Beach on my friend's advice. If I can tell you one thing. DON'T RELY ON OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINION. I fiddled around for a year in Long Beach, than another 4 years in Orange County. Took me 5 years to know where I wanted to live. Personally I am a very liberal person and nobody informed me that Orange County was so conservative. Unfortunately I relied on other people's opinon. That being said, you have to decide what is important to you. You are fortunate to have me guide you. Remeber, I am just pointing things out and trying to remain objective. The choice is yours
Santa Monica- Ocean ave and north of Wilshire great. The pier is very seedy. Overall a nice city but very expensive.
Brentwood- Santa Monica on steroids. Just north of Santa Monica, crowded, lot of yuppies super expensive.
Sherman Oaks- Nice city in the southern part of valley. Very nice businesses along Ventura blvd with good restaurants. Not too expensive Downside is that is borders Van Nuys, Heavy Hispanic community and low income residents.
Canoga Park- Never spent much time here but really not that nice. Probably inexpensive but not centrally located
Culver City- I live right near there. Very nice downtown but caters to very high end. Typical meal in a restaurant will cost about $25.00 and up. They are emulating a Beverly Hills vibe. Rent a bit high but that's normal for the west side.
Westwood- Again, very high end. Very expensive. UCLA students. Lots of Japanese students and caucasain students with money. Virtually no immigrant poplulation except for service workers.
Redondo Beach- Expensive. You will love this if you are into the whole beach culture. Volleyball, bike path, etc. If you are an urbanit like me you will be bored. No music scene at any of the beach cities. Just a So Cal phenomenom. If you like some excitement I would stay away from any beach city. Long Beach may be an exception because it is a big city. Lot of Mexican immigrants and prices are reasonable. Same with Lakewood.
Anaheim- typical Orange County city. Has a lot of restaurants, businesses. etc. Again, suburbia, very conservative pro Bush. Again, if you are a dyed in the wool Republican you will love Orange County.

If you are on a budget of $900.00 to $1000.00 for a studio you should probably forget Brentwood, S Monica, Westwood, Redondo Beach. You may want to consider Long Beach or Lakewood on that budget.

To summarize
Beach Cities- Generally next to no nightlife, colder weather, overcast can be expensive.
Orange County- Very nice physical landscape, new, modern, middle class families, clean, very Republican.
West LA Areas- (S Monica. Westwood, Brentwood, Culver City). Expensive, best climate if you live about 4-5 miles east of beach, cental to almost everything including West Hollywood, Hollywood, Los Angeles, beaches, and the valley. Very liberal and progressive. Lot of ex hippie types.

You have just gained some valuabel experience as I have lived in Long Beach, Gardern Grove, Santa Ana, Anaheim, West LA, Santa Monica, Mid Wishire, West Hollywood and Sherman Oaks in my over 20 year span. Bottom line is to drive around as much as you can until you feel the right vibe.

Hope this helps.

Bill

Sorry about the delay. Bill, thank you so much for all of the information. It definitely gave me an "insider" view of the surrounding areas. I've been working as much as possible since my last post, in order to save up as much money and I can. I recently scored a sub-lease (7 weeks) with someone I know in Larchmont, right near Larchmont Village. I've heard it's a pretty nice area, but I'm always open to 2nd, 3rd, etc. opinions.

I really appreciate all of the info everyone has provide me in the last month and a half. It's been extremely helpful. I will be leaving Cleveland, OH on roughly April 17. I have a blog set up to document my move (mainly for family and friends), but if anyone is interested, it will shed a little light about me. Moving from Cleveland, OH to Los Angeles, CA

Thanks again!