In all seriousness... what's the appeal? (Los Angeles, San Francisco: best city, 2014, crime rates)

[madrone2k]

With so many previous posts, I'm not sure how much I want to say is original. But, here goes ... First off, I'm a 64-yo native Houstonian, but have had family in the LA area all my life. Spent summers there as a kid and since then have visited pretty much once or twice every year. My sister has lived in Torrance for 40 years.

As a kid, it seemed idyllic. However, its true that parts have declined over the years. Despite that, I still think its a great place and I may wind up living somewhere in the vicinity in my retirement. I don't have to worry about commuting and I can afford something reasonably nice, although probably not a place as nice as I'd like close to the ocean. So, at least that releases me from suffering from some of the issues mentioned in previous posts.

As for having neighbors of different ethnicities, I like it as long as they are good well-behaved neighbors. In Houston, I live in a condo building in which I think most of my neighbors are from other countries, and they are great. I know that always doesn't apply everywhere, but I think my experience serves as an observation counter to a lot of negative stereotyping that I've read here and elsewhere. (Admittedly, I have friends here who have observed bad behavior on the part of some -- but they live in other neighborhoods here. My point is that generalizations are not always true. And, as pointed out earlier, there are a lot of Anglo people who are inconsiderate of other people, too.)

[sean1the1]

I'm glad they're so many people that can appreciate this city, and state the way I do.

I've never been so happy, and satisfied to call a place home

i just hope the OP is able to understand the appeal at this point. lol

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by madrone2k

As a kid, it seemed idyllic. However, its true that parts have declined over the years.

Parts have improved as well, though. I used to work on Melrose Avenue, and the part of it I saw daily has gone from seriously skeevy to boheme-chic to $500K condos in the span of less than a decade.

My employer used to have security guards escort people to parking lots across the street. Not any more.

[GO JACKETS]

Originally Posted by Cinema Cat

Free Thinking People welcome intellectual and political diversity.

But just tell anyone that you voted for Trump, and you'll see that these "free thinking" Californians ... really aren't.

“People aren’t tolerant of my intolerance!” I always laugh at this. I know plenty of conservatives here (I’m in OC) it’s only the ones who think Mexicans are ruining the city and that gay marriage should be banned that complain about people being intolerant. Yes if you are trying to take away other people’s freedoms it’s not looked upon kindly here. Like others here I’ve lived all around the US and SoCal is definitely the most live and let live area I’ve ever been in. I very much appreciate it.

[Bert_from_back_East]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

The house was taken over by 8 young Asian men who were professional computer gamers (I swear, this is the gospel truth) and they couldn't have been nicer.

I'm sorry, but that's not normal, even in Los Angeles.

[disgruntled la native]

LA was appealing when it was affordable and not choked by traffic and overdevelopment. The days when a single person on a waiter's salary could afford a studio in Santa Monica or Venice. When a solidly middle class family could buy a nice house in Mar Vista or Culver City. When streets like Barrington and Ohio weren't complete parking lots, and you could actually go east of the 405 in a decent amount of time.
Even 10 years ago was pretty decent compared to now. Now I don't see the appeal.

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Bert_from_back_East

I'm sorry, but that's not normal, even in Los Angeles.

I'd counter and say that Los Angeles is one of the few places where that can be considered perfectly normal. They had the best time - swam daily, hung out on the deck to watch the sunset, just taking in the LA experience.

[saibot]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

The house was taken over by 8 young Asian men who were professional computer gamers (I swear, this is the gospel truth) and they couldn't have been nicer.

Are the playing in the Overwatch League? My kids would be thrilled to have them as neighbors.

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by sickofla

Why do people choose to uproot their lives to live in an overpopulated, overpriced city?

"I love the weather." It's boring... you have summer, and summer light.

"It's liberal". What's liberal about paying several thousand dollars in rent for a modest apartment?! Or millions to buy a house that's worth maybe 50k tops?!

"I'm here to make it! This is where dreams come true in the entertainment industry!" Grow up! You aren't 12!

"I want to pay a ridiculous sum of money to have the privilege of traveling 20 miles in an hour and a half." Wouldn't you prefer to park your car in your drive way rather than the 405?!

Why do so many buy into it?

People have a variety of reasons for moving to LA, even if you don't like it, and are apparently relocating there in relative "droves." Why worry about their choices?

Irvine, Los Angeles high on U.S. cities’ population growth list
https://www.ocregister.com/2018/05/2...-growth-lists/

"Giant Los Angeles and relatively small Irvine made the list of the 15 U.S. cities adding the most residents in the year ended July 1.

Population growth in the two Southern California cities was highlighted in a Census Bureau report released Thursday, May 24.

At the city level for the 12 months studied, Los Angeles added 18,643 people — the nation’s No. 5 gain in population count and just 241 people shy of 4 million. That’s a modest growth of 0.47 percent. L.A., by the way, was the nation’s No. 2 city for overall population behind New York City.

Irvine added 11,068 people in the year — the No. 14 gain in population count — to 277,453. That’s a 4.15 percent growth. The city is undergoing a homebuilding surge that is luring new residents."

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by saibot

Are the playing in the Overwatch League? My kids would be thrilled to have them as neighbors.

I will be honest and admit that I asked - once - and they might as well have responded in Korean. I didn't pursue the subject.