Maybe moving from Northern Virginia to West LA/Santa Monica. (Malibu: apartment, car registration)

[noctemdiem]

I’ve never lived anywhere other than Northern Virginia in my 24 years, but I may be moving to the Santa Monica area for work (optional). My question is, how’s the lifestyle in that area? Do I need a car? Is that area a good place for young adults (20’s)? I’m currently making about 40-45k a year. Will I be able to afford to live there with that salary if I get a couple of roommates? How’s the nightlife in that part of town?

I know it’s a bunch of questions, but I appreciate the feedback. Thanks.

[BRinSM]

nova and SM are very different, but both can be good for young adults looking for work and to have a good time. SM prices are on par with DC and even more expensive if you want to live very close to the beach. you will most likely need a car here, but the bus system on the westside if pretty good or you really enjoy cycling since you can do so throughout the year here due to our mild winters. with regards to your salary, you'll definitely need a roomate or you'll need to find a studio apartment, which start at around $1000/month in less expensive areas. as for nightlife, the westside has plenty of bars but not many nightclubs or music venues. this is LA, so there are nightclubs and music venues in the city, but they are in other parts of town.

[noctemdiem]

Thanks for the information. That’s great information, but I was wondering if anyone had anything critical to say about SM/ West LA. In my head, it’s all sunshine, beaches, girls, and money, but I know that the reality is probably much different.

I wanted to make sure I have all the information before taking the plunge and moving 3k miles away from everything I know.

I’ll be working as a graphic designer, and also a waiter/bartender part time for the extra income, if that helps to give an honest/humbling review of SM.

[miyu]

Critical points about WLA/SM. It is a monetary sinkhole if you want to be really hip. A night at a very trendy club can run you $200. However, a night in an alternative club may cost you less than $20. When I was a young'un I played very cheaply, maybe $5/night but still had a good time. But to find these places you might need a car.

Parking is annoying as all hell. You are likely to get a parking ticket within a week of arrival. A car is really necessary if you want the true range of SoCal experience. You can get away with riding a bike for a few months but you will find that you will likely want to go places outside of the local area. Getting a zipcar isn't a good solution. Esp if you want girls, you will need transportation.

Drivers here are bad. To top it off, they think they are really, really good. That makes for a bad situation overall. Drive defensively. Work out your middle finger liberally, unless you accidentally wander off into a bad area of town.

People. I think they like mostly keep to themselves and their groups unless it is an obviously social situation. I hope you are social and can make friends quicky. I think you would need some friends to make friends. I haven't tried to get to know my neighbors etc.

Also be prepared to have a backup plan in case your job situation doesn't work out. Employment opportunities are not great in general.

[SoCalAngel2009]

Originally Posted by noctemdiem

Thanks for the information. That’s great information, but I was wondering if anyone had anything critical to say about SM/ West LA. In my head, it’s all sunshine, beaches, girls, and money, but I know that the reality is probably much different.

I wanted to make sure I have all the information before taking the plunge and moving 3k miles away from everything I know.

I’ll be working as a graphic designer, and also a waiter/bartender part time for the extra income, if that helps to give an honest/humbling review of SM.

It's not all sunshine... especially in June... we call it June gloom because there's fog every day and sometimes it doesn't even burn off.

Also SM beach isn't the place to find girls... I'd go to Zuma beach, which is up past Malibu and you would definitely need a car. And car registration is very expensive as well as insurance... those two things I would check on first... plus parking at the beach isn't free... they nickel and dime you every chance they get around here.

My best advice is to save as much money as you possibly can, because it can slip through your fingers so easily here as things are expensive... but if you're resourceful, you can find all kinds of free things to do.