Updated: No car, No money, No job. NOT coming to LA (Los Angeles: crime, loans)

[MrMinneapolis]

So basically I enrolled into LA City College. Im coming from Minnesota. I have minimal amounts of dough but I do have a place to stay. Ill be living on south bonnie brae street in LA. I wont have much more then a backpack and a duffle bag, my friend is putting me up for a little while.

My primary concerns are not having a CAR, and the next biggest is GANG CRIME. Im not someone who's used to rolling around hoods. Im streetsmart and not some sucker, im also part Hispanic but not a Spanish speaker. So by looks alone I may not stand out which helps I suppose...the thing is I dont want to have to deal with MS 13 chasing me with machete's or some cholo's asking me where Im from trying to make an easy target outta me.

Basically Im 24 and have no other shots left in life where im at... LA is the only place in the US that I have friends and family (aside from my current location). Im going to start a new life and that Moderator cut: language is scaring me.

So to sum it up, anyone know about South Bonnie brae street?

[Fontucky]

How far South on Bonnie Brae? Between what and what? Parts of S. Bonnie Brae are in the Pico-Union district. Lots of poor immigrants and historical homes. Pico-Union

There's a part of S. Bonnie Brae that's got some well-kept historical homes:
South Bonnie Brae Tract Historic District - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Northern reaches of S. Bonnie Brae are in The Westlake District.

Crime is no stranger to the area. As far as the gangs go, mind your own business, don't draw attention to yourself, and be respectful... you lessen your chances of a confrontation.

[Quatermass]

When you get here go check up in the San Fernando Valley; I understand they have acting jobs up there and are always willing to help newly-arrived young men and women in your situation.

[SandyCo]

To the OP, Quartermass is talking about the thriving p-o-r-n industry here in the Valley. The message is one I agree with, though: Don't come here without a firm job offer, i.e. one in writing. The unemployment rate is high here; it's tough to even get a toehold here, let alone a foothold! Please read the sticky post about moving to Los Angeles before you get stuck in a situation you can't get out of.

Originally Posted by Quatermass

When you get here go check up in the San Fernando Valley; I understand they have acting jobs up there and are always willing to help newly-arrived young men and women in your situation.

[JesusisLord]

Minnesota would probably be a better place for you right now, you sound pretty desperate to get out of dodge. It sounds like your life has been quite rocky, yea similiar to my situation. You should stay in Minnesota, Los Angeles is an entirely different world. That's my opinion.

[uptown_urbanist]

I agree; stay in MN for now, if at all possible. LA is great city, very diverse, tons of stuff going on, but the economy is really bad right now (worse than in MN) and you're probably to have a tough time finding a job. Factor in a higher cost of living in LA (I speak from personal experience, having lived in both places) and you're going to be in trouble if you don't have a job and have minimal savings. In a normal time I'd say you're young, have a place to crash while you get started, so go for it, but this year is different. Try putting it off a year if you can; take some classes in MN, save some money, then move to LA when the economy is looking at least a little better.

As far as the car thing goes, LA isn't as hard to get around without a car as some people say, but it all depends on where you're working (you should be able to get to your school just fine, though.) Some jobs require driving, and they're going to require you to have your own car. I don't drive and lived for three years in LA without problems, but my job was stationary and I both lived and worked in areas with good public transportation. The public transportation is, however (to give you some context), overall better than what you find in Minneapolis. It's not as good as what you find in other big cities like NYC.

[nmnita]

you can survive without a car, but it will be HELL. You have to go to school, get a job and eventually move from your friends. How are you getting to Calif from MInn? It sounds like your life is pretty much up in the air, but why do you think Ca is the only place for you? Oh, how are you paying for LACC if you have absolutely no money?

Nita

[Jer3784]

To be completely honest, seeing as though none of us know this person, none of us have the right to challenge his or her move. Of what Im reading, they have made up their mind that LA is where they want to live, and what is in question is the car situation and gang activity.

I know I personally would feel a bit taken back if someone told me that my best option for work was in porn. Please be aware that some of us have a bit of sefl respect. Yeah, the job situation sucks out here. But I would rather suggest someone working in Burger King than porn.

I have been living in LA for about a month, without a car. Now Im in West Hollywood, but I ave seriously have no problems at all getting around. I am a walker, so I have no problems with walking longer distances. And when I dont feel like it, there is a decent public transportation system here

[MrMinneapolis]

Thanks for ALL the input lol its much appreciated. Heres the situation. I would be moving around 500 S bonnie brae st FYI. After doing some thinking Ive come to the conclusion im going to come out to LA an visit for a few weeks and catch a vibe of the city, see if its even a place I would WANT to live.

Minnesota is not so bad but the cold winter SUCKS...its unbearable. As far as paying for college, grants and loans basically. The thing is my parents want to give me some money but I am refusing it because I dont want them financing my life. I have to make it on my own, sure Ill take a little help (like the plane ticket to get there) but after that I want it to be up to me. They are spreading themselves thin enough as it is with the minimal help I accept, let alone what they want to give me to go. I just dont want to blow it. Right now im eligible for 5k$ in grants for school.

The thing is im somewhat of a survivalist which means I like to have some backup stuff (water, firearm, basic survival stuff). And where would I store/put these things if I just go out there with a duffle bag and no vehicle? How am I going to haul around grocerys an cases of water/food on a bus and walking through hoods. My next problem is personal safety. California has some seriously Moderator cut: language conceal an carry laws which burns my Moderator cut: language. They let all these thugs run around shooting but you gotta jump through burning hoops as a law abiding private citizen to carry a handgun. Anyway with that little rant aside, Im still on the fence. Like I said Im going to take a little vacation out there for a couple weeks and check out the scene and go from there.

[Dark of the Moon]

Originally Posted by MrMinneapolis

Thanks for ALL the input lol its much appreciated. Heres the situation. I would be moving around 500 S bonnie brae st FYI. After doing some thinking Ive come to the conclusion im going to come out to LA an visit for a few weeks and catch a vibe of the city, see if its even a place I would WANT to live.

You should use Google Maps and look at the street view of the address. It'll give you an idea of what the neighborhood looks like. Be sure to check out the surrounding area, too, not just the specific address.