LA versus Ft. Worth, TX

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by somewherebound76

I was hoping for a 30-minute commute

If you are working right down town L.A. Eagle Rock would be perfect, probably pasa and Glendale would fit as well. The Los Felix district is very close, but not all of it is desirable.. Of course this can be said about any community..

Good luck,

Nita

[Todd.LA]

You might also consider Hollywood, which includes many areas near the Red Line stops (which are at Hollywood/Vine and Hollywood/Highland). The Yucca Corridor is quite pleasant and transit friendly. Also Silverlake and Echo Park are pretty close in to downtown, though they're not so close to the subway as Los Feliz.

[matt345]

I think you'll be fine on $53,000/year. I'm doing fine at $35,000. Just a side note, I think one reason people feel that LA is so expensive is because so many here refuse to grocery shop at anywhere else other than Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.

[motoman]

Keep this in mind. Making $53k in Ft. Worth is the equivalent of making $42k in LA because of the higher taxes and higher cost of living.

Another thing to know is that for your $1,200-$1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, you are going to get a much less desirable place than where you are coming from, or for what you could get in Ft. Worth. You'll likely not have a washer or dryer, no dish washer, no air conditioning, the building will be older and only moderately maintained, some places do not furnish a refrigerator, and you might get a parking spot. And with your dog you may be required to pay a large pet deposit. Some places even charge pet rent, which is in addition to your base rent. So you'll really need to look around to find a place that suits you.

My boss lives in Pasadena. Not exactly sure where. It can take him anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to get to the far north end of downtown where our office is. His commute is about 15 miles I think he said.

Also realize that everything you buy will be more expensive, particularly if you like to go out at night. You can find dive bars and such that are a bit cheaper, but $5+ for a beer and $10+ for a mixed drink are pretty common, plus tip. Eating out is also much more expensive. An average restaurant, with an average meal and a drink or two is going to cost you $30 per person or more.

I could go on and on, but just realize, and do not discount for a second how expensive it can be out here. Certainly you can be very frugal, but if you aren't careful you'll easily blow through that $53k salary.

[BRinSM]

to add on to what motoman said, you also WON'T be in Texas and will have some the world's best entertainment options within a short drive. Have fun!

[motoman]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

to add on to what motoman said, you also WON'T be in Texas and will have some the world's best entertainment options within a short drive. Have fun!

Very true...if you can afford them!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

to add on to what motoman said, you also WON'T be in Texas and will have some the world's best entertainment options within a short drive. Have fun!

did you miss what was being said or did I? Living in Los Angels is so much more expensive then Texas having a little more entertainment really isn't the issue. There is a lot to do and see in Ft Worth as well.

Nita