new kids in town need advice on best location to live

[NickelDime]

North Hollywood is accessible with Red line and Orange line running through it (access to auditions in the valley, Burbank, Hollywood via public transit), meets your budget, funky/cool area. Just stay close to the arts district and you'll be fine.

Burbank is a second choice but involves a free Burbank bus ride to the metro station (adds 20-40 minutes depending on where you live).

Santa Monica = NO.

[the one]

it is possible to be in LA without a car. hundreds of thousands of people do it. of course it just requires factoring Public transiT into the equation. biking can also be another factor to consider when living car-free.

if you or your friend are tryng to make it in "the industry", live close to the red line (koreatown, east hollywood, or downtown). in downtown and areas east and south of DT, PT is more reliable than in the valley or south bay. i can usually set my clock to the bus schedule (i live in a dense, transit dependant area). that isnt the case in the more suburban areas like the valley. they have good buses, but getting "over the hill" into LA can be a daunting task (if you are not on the train of course).

its all very possible. figure out what works. many young people move to LA and dotn always have an apt to rent or a car to drive, but they manage. im sure you will too.

biking works also. i ride the train and bus everyday. there are plenty of people that use a bus/train/bike combo... i doubt many of them are carrying head shots or on their way to an audition. but its all possible.

[charlieright]

Downtown / West Hollywood / Venice Beach
Best spot to live?

[Christine Joan]

Koreatown, which is near downtown is the best option out of those three: W. Hollywood, Venice Beach and Downtown - if you will be without a car. Koreatown is near the Purple Line subway, which will allow you access to much of the city through public transit, especially when you combine the Metrolink/Amtrak trains. West Hollywood and Venice would be fun and both have a lot of young people, but you will have a very difficult time getting around without a car in both of those locations.