Enough to move>? (Vista, Culver City: apartments, renting, loft)

[jblake86]

I have been offered a position in LA close to LAX that is paying 80k. I currently live in Indianapolis and make 45k. I heard housing was the most expensive. Currently renting a 2b 2 ba for 1k

[BRinSM]

housing is expensive, you won't find a 2br apartment for $1k. however, with an $80k income you could easily afford more here in LA. Check out a place like playa del rey (which is near LAX) where you can find a nice 1br apartment for under $1500.

[jblake86]

So in reality how much of a raise is 45k to 80k? I looked on a couple sites and saw 45 here is 60 in LA???

[disgruntled la native]

It's still a raise despite the higher cost of living in LA. and look, far more people would rather be in LA than indianapolis. sounds like a good idea to move, unless you have lots of family obligations or really love indianapolis

[JohnG72]

Jblake, I make about what you make and live in a luxury loft in downtown LA around the price range that BRinSM posted.

If you're currently paying $1000 on a 2BR, you won't really have too much of a problem in LA. As long as you're ok with older build, you can find 2BR apartments and bungalows in nice enough areas in the $1400-1800/range. Taxes might be higher also as well as gas. Everything else is probably about the same.

TBH, theres a neighborhood about 18 miles from LAX (str8 shot down the 105) where you will probably be able to afford to buy soon(homes currently $350-450K, down from median of almost $700K in 2006) and another slightly less desireable one where you currently can afford(homes in the $275-350K range, down from $550K median in 2006). 45 minute commute in rush hour.

But for the here and now, you can afford things. If you don't need schools, Westchester and Mar Vista are close by and a bit cheaper than surrounding areas. If you need schools, El Segundo is great and while this place is not ideal(next to the airport) it is within your price range for a 2bd:

LARGE 2 BDRM 2 FULL BATH PRIVATE PATIO AVAIL MAR 1, 2011 (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/2239092001.html - broken link)

Also Culver City might be a good fit, but you have to drive a bit. Sent you a pm also.

[30STM]

awesome and good luck you should be a ok with your salary.