Finally moving to LA (Long Beach, Torrance: apartments, lease, home)

[Colleen718]

I've posted a few messages on here over the course of the past year, and now I am finally moving out of NY.

I leave in 21 days!! (But who's counting)

I have some interviews lined up in or around the South Bay area. One that really looks like I might snag it in Torrance.

So....I am really feeling Redondo/Hermosa/Manhattan Beach, but the apartments are a bit more than my friend and I can afford right now....so I was checking out Long Beach....the prices are much more affordable for a 2 bedroom.

Anyone have some input on the Long Beach area? We are 2 girls in our mid 20's, tattoo'd, love going out to hear music, eat at chill places....etc. Would LB be a good area? And where should we avoid in LB? Would the commute be a ***** from LB to Torrance?

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

[BRinSM]

LB would probably be a perfect match for you. my advice is to stay within a half mile of the coast, if not closer. Downtown is really cool and very walkable, but you may also like Belmont Shore or the area between the two, Alamitos Beach.

Your commute might be a bit rough, but the 405 in that area does tend to move, albeit slowly. It could be worse, thats for sure. I know a guy in my office who commutes from LB to Century City. Not only is that 25 or 30 miles each way, the traffic must be horrendous for him.

[JTGJR]

Long Beach would work fine for you, but why not look in Torrance (South or West) too? It'll keep you close to your job and it's a short drive to Hollywood Riviera/Redondo/Hermosa/Manhattan for your entertainment.

[Colleen718]

I am definitely keeping the Torrance area open. Its a bike ride away from the beach, which is ideally what I want. I just don't want to "put all my eggs in one basket". Other than the Torrance, Redondo...etc. areas. We just want something else to check out.

Thanks!

[Lovehound]

Consider Torrance! After all, that's the shortest commute if you get the job in Torrance, and there's much of Torrance that's a nice area, nice to live in, nice to be in. I see nothing at all wrong with living in Torrance and I'm sure you can find a nice place there, a bit less expensive than Redondo, Hermosa etc.

[Alter]

Another vote for Torrance. You can always swing by the party areas but you're going to be coming home everyday. LA commutes suck!

[Colleen718]

Trueness about Torrance! Question though....I am pretty much over going out to party, but I do like to hit up the ocassional bar here and there. What is the deal with going out in the Torrance area and being able to get a cab home? Coming from NY I know it is NOTHING like the city, but just wondering how feasible it is to go out and be able to have a few drinks while taking a cab home.

[Lionhearted]

Concratulations on finally making it here. I know New Yorkers like to think they live in the capital of the world but LA is. It is the most influencential city in the world because of its television and movie industry. I've lived in Torrance, but after being a gypsy my whole life when I moved to Long Beach I fell in love and have lived here the past 14 years. I used to live in downtown LB and commute to Lomita which is just below Torrance in 20 minutes. Using a cost/benefit analysis I'd think you'd be better off in downtown LB. You'll save in taxi's.

[gypsystar]

I wouldn't move until I had the job already. If you sign a lease and move to Torrance or Long Beach, but then get a job in say, Burbank instead, you will be in for one hell of a commute.

[JTGJR]

Originally Posted by Colleen718

What is the deal with going out in the Torrance area and being able to get a cab home? Coming from NY I know it is NOTHING like the city, but just wondering how feasible it is to go out and be able to have a few drinks while taking a cab home.

Like the rest of public transportation, cabbing is much different in LA than in NY because it's so spread out. You just need to keep the phone numbers of a few companies handy. Most, you can even pre-schedule a la " I'd like a cab for pickup at ABC to delivery at 123 at 11:15 tonight." Most are reliable, but you will be stiffed sometimes.

Ironic too, I was having this conversation with the cab driver taking me to SFO for my flight back to LAX earlier today.