Considering moving to L.A. from Long Island? (Los Angeles, San Diego: apartment, transfer to)

[DStachelski]

Hi. I'm 19 and currently live on Long Island and go to school, also working a part time job. So for the past few months I've been thinking of moving to California. At first I thought San Diego but then I thought L.A. would be much cooler so I decided on there. I'm not sure on when to go though. I could always finish community college here and then transfer to a 4 year school over there. However, I know that it's difficult to get into a school in a different state since I would be an out of school student. I'm just so sick of Long Island and pretty much over of going to NYC from time to time. I'm seriously considering leaving everything behind here (except my cat, I love that guy) and starting a new chapter in my life. I long for blue skies, warm weather, and beautiful sunshine. (Lol yes I know California does get some rain).I just feel like in my heart, that's where I'm supposed to be. Only problem is that I don't know when would be a good time to actually move out there? I'm going to LA this summer with my dad for a vacation and to see if I really like it.

[ryanms3030]

A good time would be after you finish school. We probably are going to have $15/hr minimum wage soon but one bedroom apartment are also $1500+ in decent neighborhoods

[theraven24]

Just to be clear, you've never visited Los Angeles?

First, you should make sure you really want to move here. Second, you should do your research; look at schools, figure out what you'd like to major in, if you haven't done so already, look at neighborhoods, etc. You also need to save a nice amount of cash (at the VERY least, $5,000), and finish some college there in New York. That's what I'd recommend.

[Big-Bucks]

At first I thought San Diego

Don't discount the San Diego area. If you want to be in the middle of a great party scene then check out La Jolla. A whole bunch of bars all walking distance apart.

[John_marts]

I recently moved here 2 months ago with that same attitude and my life here has been a rollercoaster. so many ups and downs, and all in such little time. But many of it has to do with me, and not LA itself.

It hard moving on your own, especially across country, but although its been hard, hardly any of it hs had to do with LA itself. LA absolutely takes the cake over NY. There is no comparison. Its rough in many areas, but a city surrounded by huge mountains, palm trees, beaches to the west, incredible scenery, and all with great weather? I'll take it over NYC any day.

[ryanms3030]

Keep in mind that if you are planning on coming here to attend school that the state system is significantly more expensive for out of state. $13,400/year for CA residents and $38,108/year for non resident. You have to live here for a year to establish residency so you may have to find a cheaper option for a year or finish school where you are first

[SeaDoo342]

Originally Posted by ryanms3030

A good time would be after you finish school. We probably are going to have $15/hr minimum wage soon but one bedroom apartment are also $1500+ in decent neighborhoods

That's about what it runs in the Northeast... and may even be a bargain for a Long Islander...

[seain dublin]

OP, I was born in NYC and than later we moved out to Long Island. So I can identify with your post.

I wanted to live in LA since I was 15(first time I visited), the dream became a reality when I was 26. But I got my degree, had a couple of years of work experience under my belt, and as Raven said saved money and moved. I also have extensive family out here.

It was still tough, that was in the late 80s. I won't tell you not to do it. But you haven't even visited yet. See what you think, and just don't do touristy stuff.

Than go back to NY, finish your education(getting a useful degree) and revisit the idea.

If after visiting and you find you still have the desire after a few years than go for it.