Do I really wanna do this? (Los Angeles, Pasadena: apartment, rent, crime)

[chef_rach]

I've read some posts here on the LA forum and now I've been asking myself, "Really, Rachel? You really want to move here?" I've applied to the Art Institute in LA. Not accepted yet but just looking and getting a heads up. That's why I came here. I'm trying to find out more about this city other than what I can find on the "official" websites. But mostly all I see is negative stuff. Is it honestly THAT bad? Am I really going to be murdered or robbed within about the first hour I'm there? (Complete dramatization right there). I'm not going to live in the ghetto or in the other rough areas. They provide student housing in gated complexes. I may be from West Virginia but I'm smart enough to stay out of business I obviously have no part in. I'm used to a big city (I don't mean in WV. There are none of those), I've traveled and lived in New York, DC, London, and Miami. I'm not saying that LA is exactly like these but it gives me an idea of how living in one of the largest cities works. What I'm trying to ask is can you put my mind at rest? I realize that every place in the world has good and bad and we tend to talk mostly about the negative because that's what we want to change. I think I've heard enough bad stuff about LA maybe you can show me some good things. If all goes well perhaps I just might see you there. If I can pick you out of the other millions. Thanks in advance.

[dereistic01]

ive been here 5 months and have yet to be murdered or robbed.

sure, there is crime here, but la doesnt even rank in the top 25 highest crime in the country.

[SandyCo]

How good or bad L.A. is depends on who you talk to and what their experiences have been. Although I'm stuck in a rent controlled apartment and deal with obnoxious neighbors, I'm also in a pretty good neighborhood that's relatively centrally located. If you keep yourself safe the way you would in any big city (keep your doors locked, don't go for a walk by yourself in a questionable area at midnight, etc.), you'll be fine.

There are a lot of good things here. There's never a shortage of things to do, including a lot of free concerts in the summer, etc. If you have any specific questions, maybe we can be more helpful. And welcome to City-Data!

[dereistic01]

i live in a great area, no crime at all. i love it here. everything i want is within 5 miles.

[laysayfair]

If you've lived in New York City you'll be fine. Plus you've lived in London and DC? I wouldn't even sweat it.

[PecanPie]

No it's not that bad, not in the ways you are talking about.

I hate much of So Cal, but that's personal preference and doesn't really reflect feeling in fear for my life or anything. I can see why people do like it, and you probably will too.

There are areas to be avoided of course, but as you say, you're smart enough, you'll know what to do and what to avoid. It's much mellower than NYC, that's for sure. Probably more like Miami, but on a much larger scale. Just my two cents, of course.

[wolfattack]

i just moved here last week because i will be attending Art Center in Pasadena. I feel totally safe so far and honestly do not feel like LA is as bad as it is made out to be. The weather is freaking fantastic too (at least compared to Austin TX right now, my hometown)

[adysmom]

Originally Posted by chef_rach

I've read some posts here on the LA forum and now I've been asking myself, "Really, Rachel? You really want to move here?" I've applied to the Art Institute in LA. Not accepted yet but just looking and getting a heads up. That's why I came here. I'm trying to find out more about this city other than what I can find on the "official" websites. But mostly all I see is negative stuff. Is it honestly THAT bad? Am I really going to be murdered or robbed within about the first hour I'm there? (Complete dramatization right there). I'm not going to live in the ghetto or in the other rough areas. They provide student housing in gated complexes. I may be from West Virginia but I'm smart enough to stay out of business I obviously have no part in. I'm used to a big city (I don't mean in WV. There are none of those), I've traveled and lived in New York, DC, London, and Miami. I'm not saying that LA is exactly like these but it gives me an idea of how living in one of the largest cities works. What I'm trying to ask is can you put my mind at rest? I realize that every place in the world has good and bad and we tend to talk mostly about the negative because that's what we want to change. I think I've heard enough bad stuff about LA maybe you can show me some good things. If all goes well perhaps I just might see you there. If I can pick you out of the other millions. Thanks in advance.

Is it honestly THAT bad? YES it's that bad. But if you are going to LA for school for a wile and then move that may work. But to live in Los Angeles, NO WAy.
LA Gangs are invading Catalina, And they have to take a boat to get their. So just think what Los Angeles is ilke?

[RPV2NC]

Live in a good area and you'll be fine.

[CESpeed]

I don't understand the point of this posting. It sounds to me like you read things that you didn't want to, so you want everyone to contradict what you've read and write what you want to hear so you can justify making a move. You obviously want to move to LA in spite of what you've read. Long story, short: I grew up here and I can't wait to leave. LA does not live up to the hype. If you've read the threads you know you need a lot of money to have a decent life here. Will you have that? If you don't believe or accept the things you've read here, just come on and you'll see for yourself.