***FAQs for people wanting to move to Los Angeles*** (Santa Monica: sales, apartment)

[Green Irish Eyes]

Within this thread are some of the most commonly asked questions by people considering moving to Los Angeles. Our knowledgeable forum members have provided answers and other helpful information. Before asking a question about relocating to Southern California, check to see if it’s addressed here.

From the Los Angeles Times (7/22/09), Los Angeles Economic Forecast (don't expect a turn-around until 2011!). SandyCo

I've saved up $5,000 for the big move, is that enough to live on until I get a job?

No. If you add your first month's rent, plus security deposit, plus utility connections, plus assorted other initial charges, you'll be lucky if that $5,000 lasts you more than two months. You should consider staying where you are until you have a lot more saved up.

How’s the job market? Can I show up without a job and get hired right away?

Try applying for work first. Don't move out without a job lined up, money or a place to live unless you have a trust fund or someone to take care of your basic necessities. (MtnSurfer)

The unemployment rate in Los Angeles, as of June, 2009, is approximately 12%. Don’t expect to just show up and be handed a job. Make sure you have a marketable skill (waiting tables is NOT a marketable skill) BEFORE you arrive.

I’m coming from another country, can I get a job?

Yes, if you have the proper visa. Call the American Consulate in your home country for details. Then review the above section.

Where should I live?

Live near your job, if possible, or at least within the same general part of the city/metro area. Don't look at the map and try to guess commute time based on miles. People don't talk about distance in terms of miles in LA; they talk about distance in terms of minutes. A short distance can take a very long time due to traffic. LA and the LA area has types of neighborhoods for nearly every personality type and taste. It is extremely diverse in all senses of the word. (uptown_urbanist)

There are clusters of different kinds of industries in different areas. I do "internet" type new media work, and that is heavily on the west side and some in hollywood and downtown. I'm a native eastsider (I mean east of east l.a., not silver lake) and it's tougher to find that kind of work out there. It exists, but, doing the horizontal career moves would be more difficult. Oh well. So I moved closer to downtown and more westerly, to south l.a. If I had a career with the County, I'd have stayed out there, for sure, because there's more of that kind of work there and in downtown. If I were in education, same deal, because the pay is better out there. (wildgift)

I found an ad on Craigslist for a great 2BR apartment in Malibu/Beverly Hills/Santa Monica that’s only $1,000/month, aren’t I lucky?

No, you’re about to get scammed. $1,000 doesn’t go very far in Los Angeles and anything in a “desireable” area will cost you a lot more than that. Google Maps has a "Street View" feature that allows you to see a photograph of specific addresses. We suggest you use it.

Do I have to have a car? Is traffic and mass transit as bad as I’ve heard?

Once you're here you'll see that this isn't like most cities, with a central hub and distinct recognizable suburbs. And 'mass transit' is getting better, but still is only convenient around certain areas. so plan a car into your expenses. Auto insurance is mandatory, maintenance, the cost of gas. A place with assigned parking can be rare in the beach areas, for instance, so your car costs are something to keep in mind. (metaforical)

People often say you "have" to drive in LA. That is true for some people and some jobs, but if you don't drive or prefer not to you should not be scared off. There are many very walkable neighborhoods in LA, as well as a fairly decent public transportation system. If you choose your neighborhood wisely you should be able to live a car-free (or minimize driving time) life. (uptown_urbanist)

The traffic is horrible. Even the easiest commutes can take 40 minutes to move 8 miles! (wildgift)

I want to be an actor/actress/film director/musician/writer – how do I start?

If you’re just starting out, you’ll be joining the ranks of thousands of other newly-arrived, stars-in-their-eyes would-be actors. Yes, you’ll need a car to get to auditions, as studios and audition locations are scattered throughout the city. No, we can't recommend an acting coach, and we can’t help you get an agent. You’ll have better luck at forums that are dedicated to the business of show business: actorsaccess.com and backstage.com are two of the biggest. Agent mailing labels and other such supplies can be found at one of the Samuel French bookstore locations.

Where can I meet celebrities?

They’re around. If you’re here long enough, you’re certain to run into a few. But hey, celebrities are just regular people and prefer to not be accosted in public. Seriously.


Charles' most useful applications that should be in everyone's toolbox when looking for homes:

Southern California Home Resale Activity

Case Shiller home price index

The Most Accurate Free USPS Zip Code Map Anywhere!

City-Data's data display for a zip code, very good for finding recent sales data

California School Performance Maps

City Climate Comparisons (compare weather between two different cities)

Powerful Census data maps (though the data are old)

HousingMaps



Other useful links:

Sigalert / Realtime Traffic Conditions

Map of Los Angeles neighborhoods

Los Angeles MTA

MTA Trip Planner

California DMV

Los Angeles Public Library

LAPD Crime Maps

Los Angeles Unified School District

Craigslist Los Angeles

Westside Rentals


If you have suggestions for additional links or information, feel free to DM them to one of the moderators (SandyCo or Dark of the Moon)!