Moving from Michigan to Bel-Air (Simi Valley, Bell: high crime, home, transfer)

[thefunkyone]

But no I'm not the Fresh Prince.


Sometime this spring/summer I will be leaving Michigan to live in California indefinitely. I posted something about this awhile ago but it was in an old thread of mine and I don't think many paid attention to it. To make a long story short after around 17 years my biological dad has decided he wants to get to know his son again. We have been chatting for several months via e-mail and I have decided to take him up on his offer to visit and if I like it to move out there. It's a little weird to be 27 years old and moving in with your dad but it seems to have came along at the perfect time. I was laid off last year and started college but was in the midst of switching schools when this opportunity arose.

I found a school in Simi-Valley that offers the same program I was going to here and it's surprisingly much cheaper and better recommended. Not sure if I'll get in or not but it's something I'm going to try for.

Some questions: (i'm sure my dad will help me with lots of this stuff too but I still though i'd ask here)

What does it take to become a resident of the state? I looked on the states website and it seems like all I have to do is a change of address with the post office, transfer my drivers license and wait 6 months. Correct?

What is the commute like on the 405 from Bel-Air to Simi-Valley? I will be on Bellagio road very close to the 405 and if I get into the school I want then I will be attending class in the morning and coming home after 5pm. From what I understand Simi-Valley is a commuter bedroom town so if my math is correct I'll be going north in the morning when everyone is going south and visa versa in the evening. Yes?

Is there anything I need to know Bel-Air area? Specifically...... the general stuff one needs to know to live in the area like.... restaurants, bars, grocery stores, auto mechanics, movie theaters, malls...... etc..etc...


Anything else you guys can share about living around this area? Stuff to watch out for? I assume it's not a very high crime area. lol

[Lovetheoutdoors]

Originally Posted by thefunkyone

What does it take to become a resident of the state?
What is the commute like on the 405 from Bel-Air to Simi-Valley?
From what I understand Simi-Valley is a commuter bedroom town so if my math is correct I'll be going north in the morning when everyone is going south and visa versa in the evening. Yes?

First, congrats on connecting with your father. It's never too late for you two to be reacquainted. You are correct about what it takes to become a resident - drivers license, plates and I would even suggest you register to vote. If you can get a utility in your name, then that would be good. Even a phone land line.

The 405 is busy both ways as many people commute to businesses in the West and East Valley; however, once you pass the 101 interchange and head up north to 118, then you should be in pretty good shape.

Can't tell you what life is like in Bel-Air as I live in Encino but I can tell you that it will definitely be different from Michigan. And I mean that in a good way. The sunshine and warm weather alone will put a smile on your face everyday.

Best of luck!

[thefunkyone]

Thanks!

[thefunkyone]

Another thing. Does anyone know if points transfer on my license when I move or do I start over? I have a couple of tickets on my record.

[Fontucky]

Information For Persons New To California

[Fontucky]

And another thing, when the jury summons comes (and it will), please don't ignore it. Thank you.

[DowntownVentura]

Welcome to California funky guy

May I ask what school in Simi?

The commute won't be too bad except the 405 between 101 and Sunset. You could look at going north on Bellagio (it turns to Roscomare) to Mulholland and enter 405 there. Or from there, take one of the canyons north into the valley to catch 405. You will have to experiment.

[thefunkyone]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Information For Persons New To California

Thanks! I read that the other day and it does actually seem helpful. Surprising for a state government website. lol

[thefunkyone]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

And another thing, when the jury summons comes (and it will), please don't ignore it. Thank you.

Is that like a thing for new California residents? Mandatory jury duty?


I don't have a problem doing it. Just curious.

[thefunkyone]

Originally Posted by DowntownVentura

Welcome to California funky guy

May I ask what school in Simi?

The commute won't be too bad except the 405 between 101 and Sunset. You could look at going north on Bellagio (it turns to Roscomare) to Mulholland and enter 405 there. Or from there, take one of the canyons north into the valley to catch 405. You will have to experiment.

It's the simi valley adult school. I am going to college for Surgical Technology here in Michigan it would be an AAS. 2 years here is costing me just over $26k. In California I can basically get certified for a little over $5k. It's not an AAS degree however after doing some research I found out it doesn't really matter. All that really matters is getting my national AST certification and I guess the school in Simi Valley is highly regarded. They also have 84% job placement out of clinicals. Simi Valley Adult School and Career Institute

I have been looking all over google maps for various routes and the Roscomare to Mullholland route looks interesting. I love cruising around so i'll probably spend a few weeks just trying to get from home to various areas in the city and learning my way around.

I drove 2,200 miles in 10 days around the greater LA area last year when I was on vacation so I already have a handle on how to get from a lot of areas to others but the side streets still baffle me.