Is LA worth it on 40k? (Westwood: credit, loan, home)

[Benedizzle]

If this job can get you a better job in the future, I would do it. Live in Culver City ~1100-1300 for a small studio. The commute from Culver to WW is not bad and you can entirely bypass the 405 and/or 10.

[Exitus Acta Probat]

Originally Posted by JohnG72

3.) Guest house. There seem to be quite a few in Rancho Park which is not far from Westwood.

Just don't get accused of messing around with the owner's daughter like in The Crush because these days that Dateline guy will get you.

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by Benedizzle

If this job can get you a better job in the future, I would do it. Live in Culver City ~1100-1300 for a small studio. The commute from Culver to WW is not bad and you can entirely bypass the 405 and/or 10.

There's almost no way someone making $40k could afford that much in rent.

[Radical347]

Originally Posted by JohnG72

There's almost no way someone making $40k could afford that much in rent.

Why not? 1100 could be just fine on a 40k salary. Preferrably without large utility bills...and it also depends on what other expenses he has.

[drshang]

LA is worth it if you have a 40k job with a good career opportunity.

LA is NOT worth it to take a dead end job paying 40k, prestigious company or not (even good companies have dead end jobs). You are basically working poor/lower middle class making 40k in West LA. You can do it, it's doable, but largely depends on how much debt you have. If you are debt free, it's much easier vs lots of debt payments. But compared to other people in west LA, you will feel poor.

The difference is if you have a good career opportunity, it's a stepping stone, and only temporary. If it's a dead end job, you will always be working poor or lower middle class in west LA. It will get old after a few years for most people.

[Mr_Geek]

I would do it in a heartbeat if you have no other debts.

[s0nginmyheart]

at $40k I think you can do it IF:
1) you have a roommate or rent a room
2) no debt
3) no car payments

If you want your own place, have debt, and a car payment + insurance, you will be miserable and broke in no time.

[Cloudwalker]

Check out Palms as well as Mar Vista and Culver City. There are a couple of areas that you should be cautious of, but overall it's pretty safe, decent commute on surface streets, and you should be able to find a studio or small 1-bedroom for $850-1000.

Living with a roommate also great idea. Try looking at UCLA U Loop for grad students or seniors seeking roommates, would likely put you very close to Westwood, if not right in it, for a comparable price.

[macmyapples]

I wish I had 40K job when I move, Id totally do it even without a roommate. Just be smart and no debt

[Raziel]

Do it! Hunt for a decent roomate or rent a room in a house close to work (gas prices are high) which will be temporary anyway until you can afford your own place this will save you several $ and headaches in the long run.