Gearing Up for A Big Move... Any Thoughts? (Burbank, West Hollywood: apartment, rent)

[rossum911]

Since graduating from college in '06, I have been looking to move out of Baltimore. I have lived in MD all my life and would really like a change of scenery....

About 8 months ago, I couldn't take the monotony of BMore anymore and began planning to move somewhere in SoCal in early '09. My choice of destination is based on the nice weather and overall upgrade in quality of life (i.e. surfing, outdoor activities) Southern CA provides. In general, a "beachy" life seems very nice to me right now.

I've researched the job market (or lack there of) and it appears that the majority of job listings appear to be in the LA area. I have been to LA and it seems semi-appealing to me. Though I realize that LA isn't as "beachy" as I desire, I am looking to start a career as an AP in television /film and it seems LA is the right place to start.

I am headed out to CA on Friday for a week-long trip to check out some areas and meet with a recruiter or two.
Questions:
1. Where can I Live for $1800 per month in a 2 bedroom or that’s near or close to a really fun part of LA (I’m single and love to go out) ??
2. Is $8-$10k enough to come out with without having a job lined up?
3. Are there any other areas not in LA that have a beachy vibe with studios/ Production work?

[SandyCo]

The official unemployment rate is 9.9% for L.A. County, so you can bet that the unofficial unemployment rate is well above 10%.

Define "fun part"? Do you like to go clubbing? For that, you might want to live near Hollywood or West Hollywood.

Do you have a car? Because if you don't, you'll have to take some of your savings and buy one. Regardless of what others might tell you, L.A. is a big city and it's difficult to get around by public transportation.

You're taking a big risk to move out here with no job and very little money. Others have crashed and burned trying to do this, and this happened when the economy was in much better shape! I'd save up enough money for at least six months of expenses. $8-$10K is more like three or four months; I just don't think that's going to be enough time for you to find a decent paying job. If you really economize, then you might be able to make that money stretch, but you won't be living the lifestyle you're currently envisioning.

[Brandon26pdx]

Honestly could not blame you a bit for wanting to leave Baltimore, but you should really get a job lined up first before moving anywhere. You'll waste a lot of energy finding a nice place to live only to find the right job is a 30 miles away, sticking you in commute hell for 6-12 months. Also you'll p1ss away your nest egg while stressing over whether a position will turn up or not. Bad idea.

$1800/mo definitely gives you options though. At least you're realistic about what a nice place in a nice area will cost.

[kathryno]

Hello,

I read your note and It sounds a lot like what I want to do! I'd love to talk to you further about your "near future goal of moving," I have the same questions as well. I am also thinking it would be nice to meet someone with the same goals.

[uptown_urbanist]

You could get a lot more for your money if you could go with a one-bedroom instead of two. Also, if you do have a car, keep in mind that some places charge for parking; not a huge amount (I think we paid $75/month) but it's not necessarily reflected in the base rent. Hollywood is great for young people who want to go out - lots of bars, clubs, restaurants, etc. Although it's not by the beach it still feels a long way from Baltimore. Especially if you rent somewhere with a pool. There are some great old restored apartment buildings, a few with pools, that have that old Hollywood starlet vibe going. Although not by the beach you'd be near Griffith Park, Bronson Canyon, etc., and all of their outdoor options. Hollywood is also pretty central - just over the hills from Burbank and near a lot of studios.

I do second Brandon26's advice about trying to find a job and THEN a place to live, though - the LA area is so big that you could easily waste all your time sitting in traffic commuting. The best way to do it is to carve out your own little part of the metro area to live and work; you can visit the other areas for fun during your free time (which you'll have a lot more of if you live close to your work). And you can't just look at a map and tell what's going to be a bad commute or not just by distance. Some five mile drives can take a lot longer than other 15 mile commutes.