Moving to LA from the UK - looking for advice. (Manhattan Beach: apartment, rentals)

[coxy7]

Hi,

I am a single 30 male and I am relocating from the UK to LA in January for work. I will be based in the Hermosa Beach/Manhattan Beach area. I’m really looking for any advice, or pointers for when I arrive.

I have a place to stay for a few months in Hermosa, and ideally would like to stay close to the beach when I rent my own place.

Does anyone have any advice on areas to look at? I have been told Redondo is cheaper than Hermosa for rentals.

I currently own a 3 bed house in the UK, but am not expecting to be able to afford anything near that size due to the prices, I will be renting this out and will have a budget of around $1,500 a month for rent, so I guess I would be looking realistically at a 1 bedroom apartment.?

I have noticed there is a lot of house sharing that goes on, is this something that people would recommend or stay away from?

I have been pointed towards, craigslist and west side rentals are these sites ok?

Does anyone have experience with international shipping companies, and have any recommendations on what to bring and who to use?

Also what is the social scene like around the Hermosa / Manhattan / Redondo area? What would be the best way to meet new people and to make friends?

I have done some googling and found a few groups where local people meet up to socialise; do people have any experience with these?

I am a big soccer fan and would be interested in finding friends to watch local teams with. I also play rugby and would potentially be interested in joining a team if there are any local ones?

Any advice or pointers are much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[coxy7]

I guess not?

I am just really looking for any pointers or advice on things/areas to avoid etc and any helpful advice.

Is $1500 a realistic budget for renting in hermosa beach? What are the surrounding areas like?

Is westsiderentals the best site to use, does anyone have any experience using Craigslist when renting?

[Petemon]

Hey,

1500 sounds reasonable, check out Craigslist and west side rentals. Everyone uses it.

Hermosa and Redondo are nice but a bit sleepy if your coming from London.

You'll need a car btw!

Pete

[impala666]

Spend a couple of months in a long stay hotel.
Only bring personal stuff you can buy more consumer stuff than you could ever dream of here and if it breaks the shop is only down the road.
Leave your stuff in the UK until you have a proper place to live.
Talk to your work mates for info on available rentals.
Don’t be fooled with the price of Gas here..yes it will seem very cheap when compared to the UK but if you start driving a Mustang here it will still rip a hole in your wallet.
My advice ...take your time and blend in, this is a great place to live but like everywhere it has its problems.
As a Brit in LA, welcome and enjoy!