Should I live in Culver City or West Hollywood?

[redturtle]

If you're looking for like-minded people (young musicians), then WeHo may not be your best bet. As mentioned before, because it's relatively expensive, most young folks are priced out of that area - a lot of residents are mid-30s and older (single/married no kids types gay or straight with a more established career in the film/fashion industry), mid-career professionals, Russian immigrants, and a handful of trust fund types in their 20s. I wouldn't say they're "fake LA" but it's not bohemian if that makes any sense. As mentioned there's definitely a nightlife on Sunset, Santa Monica Blvd, Melrose - but it's more a destination that attracts people from other parts of LA coming to party, rather than just catering to locals who live there. Also, on the weekends you get a ton of tourists and those from other parts of the southland coming in to eat, drink, party.

If you're looking for folks more like yourself (young artsy, esp. musicians), then they tend to live east: Los Feliz, Silverlake, Echo Park, Downtown, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, etc. These places were attractive initially because of cheap rents, but over time they've developed a community known for a more artsy creative bohemian vibe.

Since you're from the Bay Area, these neighborhoods in the east are more akin to the Mission / Potrero Hill, whereas WeHo can feel a bit more like Russian Hill, Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, Marina.

[OyCrumbler]

There are several music venues and bars near the Highland Park gold line stop in Highland Park. You also get a gold line stop that takes you to Little Tokyo/Arts District, Downtown, and Chinatown. Rent was pretty affordable near the stop a few years ago and it still might be.