Honest Opinions on LA (Los Angeles, San Francisco: apartment, home, buy)

[RobE]

If I were you, Orange County would be worth looking into. More pleasant place to live and more conservative (in other words, more business friendly) and with better crime stats. But it is expensive to live there.

[Bunjee]

OK, you're just looking to dispel preconceptions.

...I don't know that I can do that...

If you're looking for shallow people you're certainly going to find them. If you're afraid all your friends will be shallow, that's a different issue. If you're afraid you'll have no friends, that's the same issue but deeper.

The thing is, when I moved to Boulder, CO, years ago, I wasn't looking for Mork and Mindy. When I lived in Queens I wasn't looking for Archie Bunker. (In San Francisco, yes I suppose I could have been inspired to seek out and assassinate the Full House kids.) None of that occurred to me, though it was indeed easier in some and harder in other locations to find my own place there; but, at heart, that had nothing to do with the city. I know this sounds like parent-speak, but I really don't know what else to tell ya. So make getting to know intelligent, down-to-earth people one of your ambitions...?

[timelesschild]

^ Great post, Bunjee!

[nmnita]

People are people, it is that simple. Yes, if you think of yourself as an intellect and want to be around nothing but your type you may want to look at places like, someone said, OC or perhaps Westwood, certainly not West Hollywood I wouldn't think. If you are looking for areas that remind you of say, Mid Manhattan or Boston forget L.A period.
This isn't meant to blast anywhere, just to make you realize the west coast and east coast are very different. San Francisco would be the closest to life on the east. You will be happier if you look for how different and interesting Ca is, then trying to find a place like you are leaving.

Nita

[BRinSM]

My wife works with ivy leaguers in santa monica and i've met a few myself, so I know they're here. however, LA isn't really an intellectual town, certainly not in the vein of SF, NYC, Boston, Seattle, etc. with that said, there are plenty of smart people here who make a lot of money. understand though that much of our economy revolves around the entertainment industry. even if you don't end up working directly in the business, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of other companies out there that service the large media companies in one way or another. there's also the standard big four accounting representation, as well as regional banks and small financial companies, but the economy doesn't feel as diversified as the numbers say. most of those other jobs have to do with the service sector, manufacturing, and the ports, which may or may not interest you. I almost forgot the shrinking aerospace industry that still has a decent sized presence.

[WantOut456]

honest opinion of LA ???

well, from a ivy grad female who moved to LA twice (don't ask), in the 1980's ...........

there is NO BETTER place for a young person with ambition and talent to be. i was pulled out via a former boss in 1986, for decent money and a couple of free months in the residence inn in torrance (free donuts and booze !!).

i ended up loving LA. various twists and turns popped up in life ... it's 23 years later, and i'm heading back to LA this summer to start my business. guess it's good for oldie moldies with ambition and drive !!

a couple of points ...............

......... lose the tude. no one really cares if you are an ivy league graduate. you need to prove yourself on what you can do, not where you came from. everyone here has an impressive large sized horn they can toot. don't toot it.

.......... the school can't do Moderator cut: language to get you a job. you need to work it and perform and impress the right people the old fashioned way. then you are golden.

.............. if you are starting a new life, don't classify people and situations by the past. open yourself up to a new way of life and what people can be, and you will both succeed and be happier.

good luck making that decision.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by WantOut456

honest opinion of LA ???

well, from a ivy grad female who moved to LA twice (don't ask), in the 1980's ...........

there is NO BETTER place for a young person with ambition and talent to be. i was pulled out via a former boss in 1986, for decent money and a couple of free months in the residence inn in torrance (free donuts and booze !!).

i ended up loving LA. various twists and turns popped up in life ... it's 23 years later, and i'm heading back to LA this summer to start my business. guess it's good for oldie moldies with ambition and drive !!

a couple of points ...............

......... lose the tude. no one really cares if you are an ivy league graduate. you need to prove yourself on what you can do, not where you came from. everyone here has an impressive large sized horn they can toot. don't toot it.

.......... the school can't do Moderator cut: language to get you a job. you need to work it and perform and impress the right people the old fashioned way. then you are golden.

.............. if you are starting a new life, don't classify people and situations by the past. open yourself up to a new way of life and what people can be, and you will both succeed and be happier.

good luck making that decision.

What a down to earth and honest posting!!!

Nita

[WantOut456]

thanks, nita, i try to to cut through the Moderator cut: language, when ever i can.

the whole world is different than it was 23 years ago. the upswing boom times are over. the lean rougher times are here. LA is more crowded, more rigid, more tense than it used to be.

but somethings remain the same ............ like people. are people in LA shallow ??? well, hell yeah, some ARE. but some are cool and groovy and not into classfying others right out of the chute. in a large diverse area like lA, one can pick the types of people one wants. one can create, or re-create, oneself endlessly.

but the upside definitely has a downside to it. that's what the 23 years since 1986 taught me.

i like this comment ............ Massive competition driven by unparalleled opportunity all of which creates an environment which is exiting and dynamic, for the few who are successful the rest will crash and burn.

i've succeeded a time or two. i've crashed and burned a few times also. LA is a FABULOUS place to play out the dynamic.

but always always ALWAYS save yourself energy and time by cutting through the Moderator cut: language.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by WantOut456

honest opinion of LA ???

well, from a ivy grad female who moved to LA twice (don't ask), in the 1980's ...........

there is NO BETTER place for a young person with ambition and talent to be. i was pulled out via a former boss in 1986, for decent money and a couple of free months in the residence inn in torrance (free donuts and booze !!).

i ended up loving LA. various twists and turns popped up in life ... it's 23 years later, and i'm heading back to LA this summer to start my business. guess it's good for oldie moldies with ambition and drive !!

a couple of points ...............

......... lose the tude. no one really cares if you are an ivy league graduate. you need to prove yourself on what you can do, not where you came from. everyone here has an impressive large sized horn they can toot. don't toot it.

.......... the school can't do Moderator cut: language to get you a job. you need to work it and perform and impress the right people the old fashioned way. then you are golden.

.............. if you are starting a new life, don't classify people and situations by the past. open yourself up to a new way of life and what people can be, and you will both succeed and be happier.

good luck making that decision.

that was a great post!!! Although I didn't attend a prestigious university, my experiences in LA have been that having harvard or yale on your resume only helps you get your foot in the door. Beyond that, it is up to you and your own initiative. people in LA don't really talk (or care for that matter) about what college you went to, where you are from or what your family does for work.

[krock1dk]

As exciting as a city LA is, it is NOT ideal for just starting your career, even if you've lived in CA yopur whole life. The cost of living is the biggest factor. You probably dont make much when you are fresh out of college, but then your salary progresses as your career does. When youve been working for a while and have significantly more money saved, LA may be well-suited. But not until. Do you know how many people go to CA or L.A. fresh out of college, hoping to make their dreams come true, and then fail? Their dream often becomes a nightmare. Employers in L.A. and the rest of CA know people want to live there, so they seek only the cream of the crop. As the one poster said, "LA is the place to go to watch your dreams die." Please dont let this discourage you, its just reality. But good luck nonetheless.