Never ben to CA, moving there in September! (Los Angeles, San Diego: car rental, apartment)

[Mali15]

Ok so I'm a 23 year old girl from NYC & last week I made the spontaneous (and probably stupid) decision to buy a one way ticket to California (LAX) for mid-September. I've never even been there, although I'm not really concerned so much about that because I KNOW there must be some part of the state I'll love. From what I've been hearing from friends, family, and a couple of people I know who live there, I should be looking to move anywhere in Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego (wide range, I know).Like I said, this was a very spontaneous decision so right now I don't have much of a plan. I don't have a job lined up there yet & I will probably be staying in either a hotel or at a friend's for my first few weeks there. I was just hoping to get some feedback on where people would suggest I should start looking for an apt/jobs. I have a college degree & I've been working for a company as an admin. assistant for the past year & a half but I've grown to hate it, so I'd be willing to work pretty much anywhere while I get on my feet - office work, entry-level positions, waitressing, nannying, etc. I also have limited funds, so I can't afford anything more than $700/month MAX for an apartment.I want to live somewhere close to the beach, a safe area, with "fun" things to do, with people my age. Cool restaurants/places to go out, access to outdoor exercising (bike lanes, running trails, hiking, swimming, etc.) would be preferred. This is all so general, but again I'm still in the planning stages so ANY tips/advice/suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much =)

[BRinSM]

live on your friend's couch until you find a job

[LASam]

Start contacting temp agencies ASAP so you'll be able to hit the ground running when you get here.

[Dub D]

Its a pretty crappy job but Enterprise is always hiring new college grads. Like I said, its a pretty crappy job which includes about 50 hours a week and about 35k salary. I've heard its a good resume builder though.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

You may want to read others posts about moving here with no job, no place to live, and big dreams. Many of us seem to repeat ourselves here. The optimum way to enter the state is to have a job lined up.

$700 will get you a place as a roomate somewhere but chances are not a place to yourself. You said you have limited funds, so you are also limited on choices such as living near the beach, safe areas, ect. The less funds means the less choices you have. That is why the roomate thing is your most realistic option.

[EscapeCalifornia]

How do you feel about bartering for rent?

[PHItoLAX]

I think you're facing a steep uphill battle based on what you've said so far. Best of luck.

[nmnita]

ok, here we go again,

You have never been to California, you don't like your job, you have limited funds so can't pay over $700 a month and you want to move someplace with lots of young people, near the beach and a place that is fun and safe. Stop watching TV for heavens sake.

Now, if you do have a friend to live with, will that friend be willing to let you live there for maybe 3 or 4 months til you get on your feet?

Are you willing to rent nothing but a room in someone's house and can you live on not much more than min wage?

You mention waitressing and being a nanny. Most people hire professional nannies and you will not have a lot of time off to enjoy your life, and the restaurants that are upscale enough for earn good tips have few openings. The ones they have, go to experienced wait people.

If you have $5000 or more saved, are sure your friend will let you live there for a few months, have a car and are willing to live on very little money, then I guess you might as well give it a shot, but you might have to depend on family to help you get a ticket back to NY before you know it.

Now, as some have suggested to try Enterprise or other car rental agencies at the airports or near the airport or try temp companies. If you want to live near the beach I would suggest you look at places like El Segundo and Westchester. No they are not on the beach, but close and might be a little less pricey, but you won't find anything for $700.

Nita

[Mr. Fantastic]

This has failure written all over it; completely unplanned, and dubious rational... do you actually think you'll love an admin/sales job out here more than you would in NYC. Stop running away from your problems and do something about instead. Wherever you are, you are bound to hate your job, something about where you live, etc. Moving halfway across the country to escape adult responsibilities isn't a fix.

I hope the best for you, but you have to realize this is the economic equivalent of putting a knife in your chest and hoping you don't bleed out.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fantastic

This has failure written all over it; completely unplanned, and dubious rational... do you actually think you'll love an admin/sales job out here more than you would in NYC. Stop running away from your problems and do something about instead. Wherever you are, you are bound to hate your job, something about where you live, etc. Moving halfway across the country to escape adult responsibilities isn't a fix.

I hope the best for you, but you have to realize this is the economic equivalent of putting a knife in your chest and hoping you don't bleed out.

I may be skeptic, but I don't believe some of these OPs. I think many of these posters are TROLLS or just wanting to see what others are thinking. You notice she claims to have purchased a 1 way ticket, no mention of moving any furniature or personal belongings or a car, she has friends and family in the area but doesn't mention where..Plus check her posting, she must have hit enter 3 times as she posted the exact message 3 times, all 1 minute apart.

Nita