25 sinlge black male moving to LA (Los Angeles, Long Beach: for sale, real estate, affordable apartment)

[blue3072]

I am a 25 year old single male living in Tallahassee Florida and seriously thinking of moving to the LA area. I have been in the Marines for 6 years, college educated, and live a fairly balanced life. I am looking for information on what life is like in Los Angeles. Is there anyone who can tell me about crime, cost of living, average entry level PR/Advertising salaries, and good places to start living? I know I have asked a lot of questions but if anyone can shed some light on these issues I would greatly appreciate it.

[Charles]

Most of what you are asking for has already been written about. Use the search button with keywords; Use advanced search to narrow it down to LA.

Normally I ask what a person can afford but since you are asking about salaries and affordability depends on salary I won't ask (unless you already have a good idea).

One repetitive piece of advice is to live near where you work. As a single person this should not be a huge problem.

Couple of basic tools to use:

Sigalert.com - Personalized Traffic Reports
REALTOR.com - Real Estate Listings & Homes For Sale

Check out careerbuilder and monster for jobs.

[calipoppy]

Entry level PR jobs in LA are not the easiest to get. Do you already have public relations/advertising or marketing experience? Do you have $$$ saved and other experience that you will need to supplement your entry level PR job income? Entry level PR does not pay very well. I would even go as far as to say that its not even an LA 'liveable' salary.

Are you really great at networking? You will need to be a pro at networking to even get your foot in the door of any of the top notch PR or Ad agencies. If you have any existing contacts - I would work them really hard. Do you have a polished look and demeanor? This is also extremely important.

For someone without industry connections I would suggest going the staffing agency route. This is a good way to get your foot in the door.

[jayolm]

Calipoppy is right, entry level PR and advertising jobs pay next to nothing, perhaps $40K to start. You could live on this, but you'd really have to hunt for a decent apartment to afford with this salary. But don't let it discourage you if this is what you want to do for a living, just be prepared to not make much money for a while. Perhaps go into something similar, like Marketing Coordinator? But even this wouldn't pay much either, but should be more job openings in this field. Try the Blackstone Apartments in Long Beach. My friend lives there. Its right in downtown long beach near Pine Avenue where all the bars and restaurants and nightlife is at. Very nice area, and its the most affordable apartment in that area. My friend pays $775/month for a studio which includes parking. The bldg is old, but its in a great area. You could catch the Blue Line metrorail walking distance from there into downtown LA to work. Or, try living in Pasadena, near old town. Also a very fun place to live, but more expensive than downtown Long Beach.

[MySecretSelf]

and the neighbor that many would appreciate. I have to admit your title made me smile, it sounds a little like you're also available and looking!

Here is a link that should get you started gathering information on many of the statistics (and more) that you were wondering about. Los Angeles, California (CA) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders

[blue3072]

Everyone has really helped give me some idea of what to expect in the LA market. I greatly appreciate it.