First impressions of LA.... (Los Angeles, Burbank: rent, how much, buy)

[BarcelonaFan]

Well I finally made it to LA and I love it so far. It's definitely an eclectic town. It reminds me a lot of Houston only with a ton of scenery.

First I have to ask why are whole sections of this town stuck in the 80's? The buildings looks like they haven't been renovated for twenty years and there is a huge retro look to the town. Everyone keeps telling me that I live in the nicest part of NoHo bordering Burbank but while the area doesn't look ghetto, it does look really old. I guess I just have to adjust to what's considered nice in LA.

I love the mix of food, the relatively low cost of it, as I've noticed mostly gas and rent seem to be the big killers here. The metro rail was exciting and it reminds me of the T in Boston.

This might be a ridiculous thing to say but I feel like one of the taller people in this town which is a big switch from Texas where I was pretty average. At 5'11 ,6'0 with shoes I didn't feel like the shortest guy in the room like I did in Houston.

There is a noticeable class divide unlike I have ever seen before. Even worse than NYC. This is a town where you clearly know who has money and who doesn't. I feel bad because a lot of people here look spent.

I over dressed for this town too. I pictured it so much to look like Manhattan that I only brought my best clothes and everywhere I go people stare at me (in NOHO) like I'm a northeastern transplant or wandered off from Pepperdine. Point is, I look super douchey preppy. I need to just buy some shorts and t shirts.

I've been here three days and still haven't seen the beach yet which I will do today. Is there a way to get to the beach or as close as you can to to the beach on the rail? I do not mind walking the rest of the way even if it is a few miles.

So far it's been great and the town isn't as intimidating as I thought. It's not NYC on the West Coast like I thought. It's really just another town. A cool town, no doubt, but nothing too our of the ordinary besides the gorgeous scenery.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by BarcelonaFan

It's not NYC on the West Coast

Thank you.

[Nightscape]

Take the red line down to wilshire/vermont or wilshire/western and from there you can take the bus straight down wilshire to santa monica. Welcome to Los Angeles!

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by BarcelonaFan

Well I finally made it to LA and I love it so far. It's definitely an eclectic town. It reminds me a lot of Houston only with a ton of scenery.

First I have to ask why are whole sections of this town stuck in the 80's? The buildings looks like they haven't been renovated for twenty years and there is a huge retro look to the town. Everyone keeps telling me that I live in the nicest part of NoHo bordering Burbank but while the area doesn't look ghetto, it does look really old. I guess I just have to adjust to what's considered nice in LA.

I love the mix of food, the relatively low cost of it, as I've noticed mostly gas and rent seem to be the big killers here. The metro rail was exciting and it reminds me of the T in Boston.

The gas here is absurdly expensive, which is why I avoid driving at all costs Unfortunately the nature of my wife's job requires she drive a lot and very far distances. (Politically/policy wise, I think expensive gas is a good thing, but personally it's killing us!).

Originally Posted by BarcelonaFan

I over dressed for this town too. I pictured it so much to look like Manhattan that I only brought my best clothes and everywhere I go people stare at me (in NOHO) like I'm a northeastern transplant or wandered off from Pepperdine. Point is, I look super douchey preppy. I need to just buy some shorts and t shirts.

I usually just go out in shorts and a T shirt. I will say that I dress nicer in LA than I did in Boston.

Originally Posted by BarcelonaFan

I've been here three days and still haven't seen the beach yet which I will do today. Is there a way to get to the beach or as close as you can to to the beach on the rail? I do not mind walking the rest of the way even if it is a few miles.

Unfortunately getting to the beach is kind of time consuming right now... I think the best bet is take the Red Line to Wilshire/Vermont, get off and hop on a 720 Rapid Bus and it will take you directly to downtown Santa Monica.

Or this (never taken the Big Blue Bus express so I have no idea how much it is): Unknown road to Santa Monica, CA - Google Maps

[BarcelonaFan]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Thank you.

Yeah with the exception of the Hollywood industry and the gorgeous scenery, there is nothing exceptional about LA.

[Fontucky]

Charming. When are you leaving, dear?

[BarcelonaFan]

Another thing I've noticed is that the people here are super nice. I've yet to meet a complete hole. LA folk are nicer than even Texans which I found the most surprising.

Is this normal for LA?

[Nightscape]

Originally Posted by BarcelonaFan

Yeah with the exception of the Hollywood industry and the gorgeous scenery, there is nothing exceptional about LA.

You've been here for how long?

[BarcelonaFan]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Charming. When are you leaving, dear?

Never, I love it. The fact that it's not NYC West Coast like I thought, is the best thing about this town. It's a town with ample opportunities, stuff to do and gorgeous scenery, without the rude East Coast vibe, the super expensive food and stuff, and that intimidating feel that you're not good enough like NYC. The town makes you want to get out and try!

[Chicano3000X]

Well it is NYC if you split up all the building's floors and laid them all next to each other horizontally.