Chicago to LA (Chill, urban, no-attitude neighborhood) (Santa Monica, West Hollywood: rent, unemployment)

[Gtownoe]

I'm a young professional possibly seeking relocation to the West Coast. LA and San Fran are on my list but I'm leaning towards LA because of the great weather you guys enjoy year round.

I've been to LA quite a few times but have not ventured out more than the usual tourist spots (Hollywood, Santa Monica, etc).

If I move I'm wanting to move to an urban area (can walk to get your basic amenities) that I can get a 1 bedroom for the 1000-1400 range. I prefer a diverse area that is fun and centrally located in regards to other entertainment spots.

Any suggestions?

[drew9000]

check craigslist and if you see something you like you could post it here and ask if anyone knows the neighborhood.

I pulled a few off craigslist that meet your requirements.

Brentwood - 1 Br $1295 - seems to good to be true because well it's Brentwood and most of the rent in the area is higher.
Brentwood/West LA - Large 1 Bedroom 1 Bath with Parking (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/1835925541.html - broken link)

West Hollywood - 1 Br $1250 - Close to a lot of night life. There's a shopping center about a block away.
Charming 1+1__Parking__Wood Flr__Tiled Kitchen/Bath__Granite__ (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/1835880855.html - broken link)

Beverly Hills 1 Br $1350 - Sounds like a good deal. Most of the rent in this area is usually $500 higher. This is right off Olympic and walking distance to the shops and restaurants on Beverly Blvd . Walking distance to Rodeo Dr.
Spacious 1 bedroom, air conditioning, covered parking, laundry on site (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/1835770468.html - broken link)

Santa Monica 1 Br $1,350 - This is in downtown Santa Monica at Pico and 4th. You could walk to the beach and 3rd st promenade. Santa Monica has it's ups and downs. Good nightlife, near the beach, great bars. But there's a lot of homeless
FOUR BLOCKS TO THE BEACH (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/1835749963.html - broken link)

[Lovetheoutdoors]

Do you have a job lined up? If not, I would go that route before moving out here. California is still in bad financial shape and unemployment is still high. And, of course, the cost of living here is still skyrocketing.

[bhcompy]

belmont shore comes to mind

[uptown_urbanist]

Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silverlake, downtown, etc. I'd line up the job first, then worry about finding the right neighborhood.