Can anyone give me advice on where to live? (SoCal) (Los Angeles: fit in, rent)

[DevonHardy]

I'm trying to finalize some plans before I move out to your neck of the woods in August.

I still haven't decided on where to live. I'm pretty much set on Los Angeles, somewhere in the Valley (I'm thinking; Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Burbank). But, I'm willing to hear out other places in LA or Orange County.

However, San Diego's looking more and more appealing with the weather and slightly cheaper rent ($1700 is max for me right now). I'm just worried that I'd be missing out on something not living in LA.

So where would a 19 year old (I'm black also if that matters) fit in and what are some things I should know before moving?

I'll be working remotely so location isn't an issue.

Thanks guys.

[talltale12]

Just so you know, San Diego has plenty of fun things for young people to do. It's such a college city, and there is a really cool microbrewery culture there
The valley is boring and is better for suburbs or to visit for food. It's not somewhere a 19 year old would enjoy, and it doesn't have typical 19 year old things to do. Ever heard the term valley girl? Yea, not an african-american's paradise either.

I think, if you really want LA, go ahead and look at Culver City. CC is decently affordable, and it's not too far from LA either. Also look into Westwood/Venice/Santa Monica if your job has decent pay (you'll need atleast 35-40k Plus and you will need to get roomates.) I would also look into Thousand Oaks if you really want to live through the "canyon". It's more exciting than the cities you listed while still having the small suburb feel (if that's what you want). Not exactly great for 19 year olds, though.

I would say SD just because it's less crowded than LA. Trust me, LA is only two hours away so you can still go all the time in weekends. SD has plenty of fun things to do and is beautiful to boot.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by talltale12

The valley is boring and is better for suburbs or to visit for food. It's not somewhere a 19 year old would enjoy, and it doesn't have typical 19 year old things to do. Ever heard the term valley girl? Yea, not an african-american's paradise either.

Maybe truer 40 years ago, really outdated and incorrect now.

[DevonHardy]

Originally Posted by talltale12

Just so you know, San Diego has plenty of fun things for young people to do. It's such a college city, and there is a really cool microbrewery culture there
The valley is boring and is better for suburbs or to visit for food. It's not somewhere a 19 year old would enjoy, and it doesn't have typical 19 year old things to do. Ever heard the term valley girl? Yea, not an african-american's paradise either.

I think, if you really want LA, go ahead and look at Culver City. CC is decently affordable, and it's not too far from LA either. Also look into Westwood/Venice/Santa Monica if your job has decent pay (you'll need atleast 35-40k Plus and you will need to get roomates.) I would also look into Thousand Oaks if you really want to live through the "canyon". It's more exciting than the cities you listed while still having the small suburb feel (if that's what you want). Not exactly great for 19 year olds, though.

I would say SD just because it's less crowded than LA. Trust me, LA is only two hours away so you can still go all the time in weekends. SD has plenty of fun things to do and is beautiful to boot.

Really appreciate it, I'm currently interviewing for a job that pays 40-50k right out of HS. Will I still need roommates? Santa Monica was really my first choice, but the 2k and up rent will probably cripple me just starting out.

[DevonHardy]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

Maybe truer 40 years ago, really outdated and incorrect now.

So where in the valley would you recommend?

[armourereric]

San Diego: Hillcrest, North Park, even Downtown

[skelaki]

If San Diego and you would like to be close to the beach, check Pacific Beach and Mission Beach.

And, yes, you probably will need at least one roommate where ever you choose to settle.

[goodbye_hello]

19? You can't legally drink. You have two main choices in San Diego

1) College area
2) Beach life

Most average & above social places have sophisticated ID checkers so you won't be able to sneak in anywhere worthwhile. If you aren't planning on attending SDSU, I wouldn't go to SD. Unless you plan on socializing with people from Work. Without proper means of meeting people (College, work) San Diego can be a very anti-social place because of how spread out it is.

San Diego = nice roommates but dogs
LA = unrealistic roommates "1 break away" from stardom

Sidenote: I think being underage and black, you'd prefer LA. There is just way more going on. San Diego can be clicky, you really need to be into beach life/bars to fully enjoy it.

[No_Recess]

Originally Posted by skelaki

If San Diego and you would like to be close to the beach, check Pacific Beach and Mission Beach.

And, yes, you probably will need at least one roommate where ever you choose to settle.

His budget is $1700. You don't need a roommate with that. Hell, you can get a really good studio in Santa Monica for less than that. Move over to Palms/Culver City and his dollar gets him even more.

$1700 in San Diego is even better. You might even be able to shoot for Coronado on that budget.

[DevonHardy]

Originally Posted by goodbye_hello

19? You can't legally drink. You have two main choices in San Diego

1) College area
2) Beach life

Most average & above social places have sophisticated ID checkers so you won't be able to sneak in anywhere worthwhile. If you aren't planning on attending SDSU, I wouldn't go to SD. Unless you plan on socializing with people from Work. Without proper means of meeting people (College, work) San Diego can be a very anti-social place because of how spread out it is.

San Diego = nice roommates but dogs
LA = unrealistic roommates "1 break away" from stardom

Sidenote: I think being underage and black, you'd prefer LA. There is just way more going on. San Diego can be clicky, you really need to be into beach life/bars to fully enjoy it.

I'm not really a beach guy (don't mind going though), so living near one doesn't really matter much. I'll probably be spending most my time exploring the city, checking out malls, talking to girls, etc.