ABQ Transplant looking for the right area of LA (Los Angeles: apartments, rentals)

[nichole.hopkins]

So I decided to move to L.A in February

I'm looking for an area that has "culture".....i know L.A is no San Fran or New York, but being that I'm a young artist, I'd ideally like an area with an active arts community or an area with a lot of college-aged people. Nothing too expensive or congested by traffic is prefered. I'm planning on finding a job bartending or serving so any area with work opportunities at clubs, bars, etc would be nice. Ive been told to look at Silverlake..... ive never been there and cant find much info. I do love west/north hollywood and also santa monica. Any help would be much appreciated.

[ZenMaster2008]

The not too congested by traffic part is going to be tough to come by. Pasadena has a lot of what you are looking for. Lots of artsy people, lots of college-aged people, lots of opportunities for jobs at bars/clubs, and you can find a place relatively inexpensive if you don't live right in old town.

It's a bit different in the valley though compared to west hollywood and santa monica though. Visit all areas before you make a decision would be my advice.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by nichole.hopkins

So I decided to move to L.A in February

I'm looking for an area that has "culture".....i know L.A is no San Fran or New York, but being that I'm a young artist, I'd ideally like an area with an active arts community or an area with a lot of college-aged people. Nothing too expensive or congested by traffic is prefered. I'm planning on finding a job bartending or serving so any area with work opportunities at clubs, bars, etc would be nice. Ive been told to look at Silverlake..... ive never been there and cant find much info. I do love west/north hollywood and also santa monica. Any help would be much appreciated.

I am sure you know you are one of many who want to move to Los Angeles and have no clue what you are getting into. You say not too conjested and not too expensive: take the cost of apartments in ABQ and the traffic, multiply that by 2 to 3 and you will get the min in Los Angeles. I know, I have lived in both cities..

As for server jobs, they are very difficult to get in So Ca right now because of the unemployment rate.

The only positive thing, yes, Silverlake area would meet your cultural needs...


Nita

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by ZenMaster2008

The not too congested by traffic part is going to be tough to come by. Pasadena has a lot of what you are looking for. Lots of artsy people, lots of college-aged people, lots of opportunities for jobs at bars/clubs, and you can find a place relatively inexpensive if you don't live right in old town.

It's a bit different in the valley though compared to west hollywood and santa monica though. Visit all areas before you make a decision would be my advice.

Zen, I might agree with you most of the time, but she is coming from ABQ. The cost of rentals in any area and the traffic is going to send her into orbit I am afraid. It does sound like she has visited though. I certainly hope so.

Nita

[ZenMaster2008]

Originally Posted by nmnita

Zen, I might agree with you most of the time, but she is coming from ABQ. The cost of rentals in any area and the traffic is going to send her into orbit I am afraid. It does sound like she has visited though. I certainly hope so.

Nita

I gave my advice under the assumption she was aware of the cost of living increase here.

Hopefully she has done some research and knows what she is getting into and can take my advice for what it is.

[uptown_urbanist]

Look into Eagle Rock, downtown, maybe Highland Park. Much will depend on budget, of course. And of course I would assume that the OP is aware of the costs, the traffic, as well as the high unemployment levels in LA. And definitely visit before making a final decision or at least before signing a lease.

[Jonah1979]

I've lived all over the place and LA has as much "culture" as any city in the world. What are you talking about? Anything and everything is here!

[nichole.hopkins]

Originally Posted by nmnita

Zen, I might agree with you most of the time, but she is coming from ABQ. The cost of rentals in any area and the traffic is going to send her into orbit I am afraid. It does sound like she has visited though. I certainly hope so.

Nita

As much as possible. Ive visited LA only twice in the last 2 years but am well aware of the expenses, and traffic. I am also aware that some areas are not as close to freeways, etc.

[nichole.hopkins]

I was also considering moving to San Francisco........all things considered maybe it would be a better fit... My car doesnt work well and a new one isnt in my budget just yet, i know SF has wonderful public transit. And probably a much more "walkable" place.

[UB50]

You might consider looking into some of the artist loft areas in downtown LA. There are people who are doing art and getting by without cars there.