Can any LA area residents tell me what its like? (Los Angeles: renting, crime rate)

[Disco_Dave]

Maybe I've seen too many movies and tv shows, maybe its because I've never left the east coast, maybe its just because I want to do something different but I'd really like to come to LA, possibly to stay.

It's not because I hope to make it big in Hollywood (that would be awesome though) Or pursue entertainment, but I've seen NYC and every state on the east coast and I wanna go to Cali in the worst way.

I already know that (LA residents please correct me if Im wrong) that LA has horrible traffic, a cost of living thats up in space, sunny weather, a high crime rate, its ethnically diverse, and HUGE in area but I wanna know more, what its really like to be in LA to visit or live.

What I want to know is what the norm is for LA area (suburbs included) I want to compare it to Orlando and see if it's really worth staying here.

Orlando, FL info
Avg home costs $150k - $300k depending on the neighborhood
Avg commute takes 20-30 mins, depending on traffic
We have the 9th worst traffic in the US (we tied with San Bernardino) though its gotten a lot better
The median income is about $45,000
We also have a very high crime rate
Tourists sometimes outnumber locals

I want some more realistic info on LA, can I get some feedback from any residents in LA County?

[Lumerian Feast]

The crime rate actually isn't that bad for such a large city. It very much depends on the neighborhood you're in; L.A.'s kind of a collection of mid-sized towns that all have unique characters.

Traffic is congested but not nearly as aggressive as the east coast.

The weather is as great as they say, and for many people (like me) that's a huge deal. I find cold and/or gray weather depressing and oppressive.

As far as entertainment: you can do absolutely anything that interests you here. If it exists as an entertainment option, it's here.

Invest in a plane ticket and come stay for a week. That will tell you a lot about the city. It always seems like there are people who want to move here sight unseen. (And if you can't afford to visit for a week...you can't afford to live here.)

[ZenMaster2008]

I've lived in both and can say I like the traffic in my area (Pasadena) better than I-4 or the 408 anyday of the week. The crime here is actually a different type of crime than Orlando. Here it's more gang related. If you keep to yourself and don't do anything stupid you should be fine. I heard of way too much random crime in Orlando.

Feel free to send me a direct message if you have any really specific questions.

[LuckyGem]

When you come. Have a job. Have an automobile. And learn Spanish.

The housing market has come down drastically with the crash. What was once the average cost of a home (I believe 480k) has dropped considerably.

You'll want to earn at least 4k per month (minimum in your pocket after taxes) to live in a decent area because you'll be renting.

Quality of life has deteriorated in Los Angeles if you ask me, there's a lot of people out of work. It's pretty much a one company town - entertainment - although there is work in other industries.

[Disco_Dave]

Originally Posted by LuckyGem

When you come. Have a job. Have an automobile. And learn Spanish.

The housing market has come down drastically with the crash. What was once the average cost of a home (I believe 480k) has dropped considerably.

You'll want to earn at least 4k per month (minimum in your pocket after taxes) to live in a decent area because you'll be renting.

Quality of life has deteriorated in Los Angeles if you ask me, there's a lot of people out of work. It's pretty much a one company town - entertainment - although there is work in other industries.

I think the same could be said about Orlando the average cost of a home used to be in the 350s here, now its high 100s low 200s, but the one company here is Disney. I work for Publix which I knowt hey dont have in California, so if I were to relocate I wouldn't be able to take my job with me.

[KnoxTown]

Originally Posted by Disco_Dave

I think the same could be said about Orlando the average cost of a home used to be in the 350s here, now its high 100s low 200s, but the one company here is Disney. I work for Publix which I knowt hey dont have in California, so if I were to relocate I wouldn't be able to take my job with me.

If you come to LA, you need to to have a job lined up. I got lucky when I got here because it was right before the economy crashed... Nowadays, I can't imagine coming here without work. There are thousands upon thousands of highly qualified people here in LA that are unemployed. Save your money, and wait till a better time.

[Disco_Dave]

Originally Posted by KnoxTown

If you come to LA, you need to to have a job lined up. I got lucky when I got here because it was right before the economy crashed... Nowadays, I can't imagine coming here without work. There are thousands upon thousands of highly qualified people here in LA that are unemployed. Save your money, and wait till a better time.

that would be my plan. can anybody tell me what areas if any of la county are decent, safe, and at least somewhat affordable?

[KnoxTown]

Originally Posted by Disco_Dave

that would be my plan. can anybody tell me what areas if any of la county are decent, safe, and at least somewhat affordable?

What do you mean by "affordable" and "decent"?

[Cato the Elder]

Unless you have an amazing opportunity in your sights that can only be accomplished here (i.e. entertainment), I would not move in this economy just b/c you have an itch. Maybe pack light and spend a month or summer here with cash to burn, which you will. Unless you're gunning for a job in entertainment, you can scratch your itch in a number of more manageable places in the country. Hell, even if I was gunning for Hollywood, I would still wait a year or two.

[gypsystar]

My husband and I have moved back and forth between L.A. and Florida this past year, and the cost of living has been about the same, believe it or not. We originally moved to Florida to save money, but the cost of electricity and all other utilites are sky high there, so it all evens out. We are living in a smaller apt. in L.A., but it is worth it. And yes, the Orlando crime rate is pretty bad. I feel a lot safer in L.A. than I did in the Orlando area. Pack up and go for it!!