How common is it for people to randomly move to LA, whether for college or just because? (Los Angeles: cheap apartment, lease) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

Radical_Car · 07-24-2010, 10:00 PM

Maybe I've been watching too much TV, but well on TV it seems common for people to just move to LA. Now how common is it really for people to just randomly move there and how many people actually make it when they move here? Well, to me it seems like just about no one could make it by randomly moving unless they have a good job lined up or they have tons of money saved up. It seems to me it would be near impossible, though maybe it really isn't that hard even though it's really expensive? Im just wondering, Im not moving here or anything, just waondering.

Also, how common is it for kids to go to school in LA out of state who don't really have any money saved up and don't really have money from their parents? Either a University or community college? And how well do they generally do? Or is it rare for this to happen..?
Just wondering, Im not moving here or anything, just wondering how people with just about nothing make it in expensive places like LA. Thanks

scottykick · 07-25-2010, 02:41 PM

I'm not from LA, so I would not know first hand. However being from NYC, I see people "randomly" move here alot and as with anything, some do better then others. I am of the mind set, if you want something, you gotta really want it and you have to givve 100% to your goal. Those who do that tend to rise above and do well for themselves, regardless of if it is New York, Los Angeles or Des Moines.

Thats just my 10 cents of opinion, and the L.A. locals would be better suited to give you there take.

nmnita · 07-25-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radical_Car

Maybe I've been watching too much TV, but well on TV it seems common for people to just move to LA. Now how common is it really for people to just randomly move there and how many people actually make it when they move here? Well, to me it seems like just about no one could make it by randomly moving unless they have a good job lined up or they have tons of money saved up. It seems to me it would be near impossible, though maybe it really isn't that hard even though it's really expensive? Im just wondering, Im not moving here or anything, just waondering.

Also, how common is it for kids to go to school in LA out of state who don't really have any money saved up and don't really have money from their parents? Either a University or community college? And how well do they generally do? Or is it rare for this to happen..?
Just wondering, Im not moving here or anything, just wondering how people with just about nothing make it in expensive places like LA. Thanks

There is no true answer to your questions: no, it isn't any more common for kids from out of state to come to Ca for college than for those in Ca to decide to try out of state. There are lots of kids, with parents help that do choose out of state, even with the high tuition. As for the CC thing we have seen pop up in the past few days. No, it isn't all that common.

My guess, 90% of those who come here and ask about moving to Ca, especially the very young ones never really come. They would love to, but mainly they are curious. All of us had ideas and dreams at 17 or 18. Most of us were not able to fulfill them and eventually came back to reality.

Do they make it when they come with no money, no jobs etc? Who knows, most of them are not ever going to come back and say, damn, you were right, I should have listened. That is hard for all of us, but for kids, it is even harder. As old as I am, I do remember being 17, 18 or even 21. Then I got married and I don't remember anything after that..

Ceece · 07-25-2010, 08:07 PM

Here is what I know; after highschool many NorCal kids who don't have any firm college plans go there to "attend community college" while living with a bunch of friends in a cheap apartment financed by mom and dad and odd jobs. Then they come home when the lease is up. That is REALLY common! Not just LA but SB and SD too. Anything to get away from home I think.

readymade · 07-26-2010, 01:47 AM

What do you mean by "make it?"

I moved to LA from Boston about 10 years ago. Got a job, an apartment, etc...

It was just like moving anywhere, really. I didn't have any problems, although the job market wasn't as bad as it was now. Plus, I had about $5K in the bank when I moved.

I find it interesting that people really only refer to "making it" in regards to LA, and sometimes NYC. You'd never say "Did you make it in Austin/Boston/Duluth?"

Fontucky · 07-26-2010, 02:25 AM

Who moves to Duluth?

gypsystar · 07-26-2010, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Who moves to Duluth?

Visit a Library · 07-26-2010, 03:09 AM

I once tried randomly moving by spinning a globe, and then moving to wherever my finger stopped. Things did not work out particularly well for me, and in retrospect, it was probably not a good idea. I do not recommend the random moving approach to choosing a location at which to reside.

readymade · 07-26-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Who moves to Duluth?

Touche, Fontucky. Touche.

SOON2BNSURPRISE · 07-26-2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Visit a Library

I once tried randomly moving by spinning a globe, and then moving to wherever my finger stopped. Things did not work out particularly well for me, and in retrospect, it was probably not a good idea. I do not recommend the random moving approach to choosing a location at which to reside.

I did the same thing. Do you know how long it takes to drive to Pitcairn Islands? Do you? That was a disaster from the start. Next time I am taking a boat. LOL

Oh well now I know the benefit of a well thought out plan. Hope others would take this advice and start with a plan. It is ok for 18 year olds to move to Southern California on their own. I have no problem with it. Many have done it and are doing well. Others have lived to tell the tale. The differance between the two is the use of a good plan of action. Taking advice from this forum is one tool that you can use. Others are available for your use.

Some things to remember:

It cost a lot to attend school here if you are from out of state. If you just have to attend then maybe try spending a year working in the state first and establishing residency. Or attend a community college for a year, it will still cost you but not as much as a Cal State school.

See about getting a job before you get here.

It cost a lot for a place. you may need to rent a room or share a place with someone else. I know in Buckwheat Ohio places may rent for $250 a month, well out here it can cost 5 X that. No offence to those from Ohio, just thought it sounded cool. Ok, now your going to tell me that such a place exists and it is similar to Bel Air. LOL