Another one of those moving to LA posts (Los Angeles, Orange: rentals, student loans)

[SriKri]

I am pretty sure that if I get any comments at all they may be a little negative but what the heck...

I am a 22 year old aspiring actress in New York with a very flexible job that allows me to work overnight and/or daytime shifts. They also do transfers and one of the locations is in Los Angeles. I am aware that New York is also a great place to be for acting but I am more interested in film/tv. Not only that I want a change of scenery. I will have about $7,000 saved up and a job already set up before I move...I hate New York and its probably because I was born and raised here. I am always so suprised when people who move here from the West Coast or Down South say how much they love it here. I am wondering what should I expect?? Has anyone around my age or even actors moved to LA from New York and realized it wasn't all you made it up to be?? Basically I am afraid that I'll regret it and have wasted time setting myself up that I could have used to further my career in NY. I am also afraid I'll regret not going because I think I am better suited for LA. Not just because I want to be in film/tv rather than broadway but because of the lifestyle. I am very laid back, can't stand the changing of the seasons or the weather, I hate public transportation, and I hate how pressed for time I feel in New York.

So basically any advice on what you think would be best? Should I stay in New York, living with my parents so no bills except phone and student loans, and work on my acting career here? Or should i take the risk and move to LA ?

Anyone, but especially if you are from New York and in your 20's, please let me know what you think.

Sorry for this longwinded post! Thanks!!

[Ceece]

The worst that can happen is you get to LA and it doesn't work out. The only real risk in $$ and since you have a job you can transfer around in maybe you transfer back later. The question is does the job pay enough for you to live on your own in NY or LA? Although it can be done on the cheap for the places you probably want to be plan on $1k a month for rent and then add the usual expenses, including a car. If it's doable I would go for it. Even if you don't stay it's a great adventure.

[SriKri]

You're right. Yes, I make enough to live on my own but I live with family because I can save up so much that way. & I didn't think about the fact that I could most likely transfer back after a year if things really didn't work out. $1,000 a month is doable but is that the prices for the safe areas or areas where auditions/acting classes are? I would be moving into a studio because I don't need much space.

[Vary]

Where is the LA office for your company? That would be a factor in choosing where to live. But for the amount listed above, you could find a studio in areas near where you'd likely take classes.

Since you have an established job, and transfer options both in and out, why not give it a try? Personally, I would say consider North Hollywood, but you can also look at Studio City or West Hollywood. But first verify what your commute to work will look like. You may need to sacrifice close proximity to the acting classes if it means a reasonable work commute, at least at first. But if you're serious about it, you put up with it for a while. I commute a little over an hour right now to Hollywood and the valley, because life currently dictates Orange County as my home, as it does for plenty of other actors.

Be sure to give us an update now and then, we'd love to see how it goes!

[SriKri]

Thanks Vary! The Job is in century city..is that close to where auditions are? Do you know what the area/prices are like?

[SriKri]

Thanks Vary! The Job is in century city..is that close to where auditions are? Do you know what the area/prices are like?

[Vary]

With work in Century City, you might want to consider living somewhere like West Hollywood, the Miracle Mile area or Culver City. You'd still be able to make the jaunt to take classes if they're in the valley.

Edited to add that I'm not really familiar with prices in those areas...I would check Westside Rentals.com and Craigslist for some options.