Who here lives in the L.A. area?

[MasterWIII]

So...I'm going to be making the big move from little ol' Moscow, Idaho to Los Angeles around the middle to end of June. I will be looking for a new job and a place to live and was wondering if anyone had any advice on where to live? Obviously cheap is good, but I don't want endanger the 4Runner either...I am going down to pursue my career and need to put myself in the thick of things. As I don't know anyone down there, any sort of advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

[DHC6twinotter]

I've been considering a move to the LA area as well. The housing in the high desert seems to be pretty fair. Look in Hesperia or Victorville. There are probably other cheaper areas too, but Hesperia was the only area I looked since I was eyeing a job in Rancho Cucomungo (eastern side of the greater LA area). Only downside to the high desert is that it can be a bit of a drive to some places down the hill (LA).

[RobG]

So when you say LA what do you mean? Downtown LA, Hollywood, LA county, OC, ......

Maybe it would help if we knew what you do and what you mean by in the thick of things.

My general advice is live as close to the beach as you can afford. Weather and air quality are generally better.

[2ndGen]

the Greater Los Angeles Area includes 83 incorporated cities, unincorporated Los Angeles county, Orange county and part of Ventura county, Riverside county, San Bernadino county.

that being said, my advise: unless you're looking for a career in man-whoring, DON'T come here to find a job. find a job or jobs or at least some solid interviews BEFORE even thinking about moving. it's too vast of an area, driving is the only option of transportaion, no public transportation what-so-ever. rental prices can be day and night just cross the street. Compton and Rolling Hills are just a stone throw away.

if possible, learn Spanish, that's the offical language. get a race car license, because everybody, or many many of them think they are race car drivers. make sure your car's horn works. the morning rush hour starts from 5am to 12noon, the afternoon rush hour starts from 12noon to 8pm. expect to pay 10% sales tax. trade your fur coat for a good pair of sun glasses. trade your trucker hat for a flat bill, rubber boots to sandles, shootgun to golf clubs. quit smoking.

remember the words "THE valley", if you are comfortable in Idaho, you will be choked in THE Valley and stay the F*&% outta there.

yada yada....

[Seanz0rz]

parts of the inland empire are pretty nice, parts are down right dangerous.

i think your location will be dependent on where your job is. try not to commute like everyone else, youll hate it.

come out here, im sure some of us, me included, would be more than happy to drive around and show you their respective areas for the cost of lunch or some gas money.

oh, and HAVE A JOB FIRST!

[Scuba]

Im in Temecula, Just south of riverside which is just east of LA.

Temecula is more of a highway town I like to call it..

Nice place, not much crime, and prices are affordable, Deff look at The inland Empire if your considering LA..
IE Riverside and surrounding areas.

Soo, Since no one has asked...What career are you pursuing..?

[DHC6twinotter]

Scuba, I didn't realize you were in Temecula. My aunt and uncle and cousins are bee keepers there. Nice area. :thumbup:

[Good Times]

I think the most important thing would be to find a job first. The unemployment in CA is well over 10% which does not help your cause but if you have some specialized skill-set I'd say you're in good shape. Once you get a few offers from various locations/cities, we can give you a better assessment as to what ares are "safer" than others.

Ideally speaking, most of the cities near the beach areas are going to be much better than any other city inland. Orange County in general is a better area compared to Los Angeles County.

Another option to consider is San Diego too.

Good luck!

[troyboy162]

i third the get a job first. in fact im a pretty big fan of find a good job and then move where ever that is

[Scuba]

Scuba, I didn't realize you were in Temecula. My aunt and uncle and cousins are bee keepers there. Nice area. :thumbup:


Ehh, Its ok, I keep to myself..
Tell them not to release the bees on me as punishment for wrecking too many trucks :D


:bling:

[MasterWIII]

I'm actually going to pursue my acting career. I love just about everything in Idaho but LA has what I'm looking for. I have been in the retail grocery business for about 8 years now, so I have that for job experience. Most people look at me like I'm crazy when I say I'm leaving since the economy is not all that happy, but I feel I need to chase my dream. I'll never know if I never try. So really I want to be as close to audition studios and whatnot as possible. I've been looking on roommates.com and rent.com for places in North Hollywood and around there, but like I said any sort of advice helps me out. I plan on using some vacation time to come down in May and scout around a bit. Thanks for all the replies so far guys!!

[cplvc]

There is plenty public transportation here, I take a bus to downtown LA. Lot of people come to "Hollywood" chasing the same dream so be prepared for the competition. North Hollywood is a decent area. To avoid driving find a place close to a subway or train line. Find a job first like everyone mentioned and look for auditions in your free time. There are also a lot of lofts in Downtown LA which is another place you can live which is not far from Hollywood. Other places include Silverlake, Santa Monica, West Hollywood (gay community), Westwood, venice, Marina Del Rey...these are some places I can think of which are close to Hollywood action. I'm not in that industry so I don't know how tough it is but I wish you all the best.

[Robinhood4x4]

You better not forget all us little folk when you become rich and famous. I fully expect you to mention UltimateYota.com when you're giving your speech at the oscars.

[Bob98SR5]

I'm actually going to pursue my acting career. I love just about everything in Idaho but LA has what I'm looking for. I have been in the retail grocery business for about 8 years now, so I have that for job experience. Most people look at me like I'm crazy when I say I'm leaving since the economy is not all that happy, but I feel I need to chase my dream. I'll never know if I never try. So really I want to be as close to audition studios and whatnot as possible. I've been looking on roommates.com and rent.com for places in North Hollywood and around there, but like I said any sort of advice helps me out. I plan on using some vacation time to come down in May and scout around a bit. Thanks for all the replies so far guys!!


I grew up in NH for 12 years. Its really funny now. First, they called the gay area (West Hollywood) "WEHO". Now I hear people in NH call it "NoHo" and Santa Monica "SaMo". So f'g gay if you ask me.

That aside, NH is even more gentrified than ever. The closer you live towards Studio City, the better. Past Magnolia Blvd northbound and you won't like it.

I'd say if you want to be close to the studios, live on the other side of the hills and not in the valley. Hollywood, Silverlake, etc. come to mind. Downtown has been goign through a revitalization and there are many downtown lofts. You might even consider Little Tokyo too.

[2ndGen]

my only memory of NoHo is this in early '97

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1221/intro4ii.jpg

[Scuba]

my only memory of NoHo is this in early '97

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1221/intro4ii.jpg




Ive seen that on TV once or twice...Crazy stuff..

:bling:

[Bob98SR5]

also consider working in the industry. it may not put you in front of the camera, but then you are still working in the industry. if so, then living in NH or Burbank would be idea. Most of the major studios and corp offices are in Burbank. but as others have said, unemployment is now over 10%.

[Bob98SR5]

...on another note, get used to people saying "i work in the industry". i think its so pretentious, but yeah, thats what people mean when they work in the film, acting, etc industry.

[Scuba]

That burger got me hungry :(

[troyboy162]

just skimmed through to get updated on this one. i dont want to rain on anyones parade but moving to california to be an actor? seems kinda like a pipe dream cliche at best. unless you have a trust fund, id suggest school to find a "career" and acting as a hobby you will always love.

oh man shoot me....im that square old guy now....

[DHC6twinotter]

That burger got me hungry :(


That reminds me, CA has In-N-Out! More reason to move there. :drool:

[Scuba]

just skimmed through to get updated on this one. i dont want to rain on anyones parade but moving to california to be an actor? seems kinda like a pipe dream cliche at best. unless you have a trust fund, id suggest school to find a "career" and acting as a hobby you will always love.

oh man shoot me....im that square old guy now....


Pipe dream, id say yea sorta..
But yes, You are the square old yankee... :tongueout:




That reminds me, CA has In-N-Out! More reason to move there. :drool:

hah had some yesterday :D


But on the real though, Apparently the big one is coming...Id wait a couple years to move out here if I were you, op...;)


:bling:

[MasterWIII]

just skimmed through to get updated on this one. i dont want to rain on anyones parade but moving to california to be an actor? seems kinda like a pipe dream cliche at best. unless you have a trust fund, id suggest school to find a "career" and acting as a hobby you will always love.

oh man shoot me....im that square old guy now....


I come from a very practical family that wants just that. Get a "real job", make money, have kids and be a good person. Believe me, I've taken a lot of criticism for wanting to do this, and I expect much much more. I went to school originally doing a double major in computer business technology and theatre. I dropped the computer degree and instead focused on theatre and writing and graduated with both of those while working full time graveyard shift at a WinCo Foods. WinCo is an employee owned company and I already have 80k in stock there and could retire happily down the road. Will I be happy that whole time? Maybe. Yes, its a very cliche dream but its a risk I'm willing to take, that many wouldn't and that many have failed at. But you only live once.

[Bob98SR5]

Will,

Go for it, don't let naysayers stop your dream. I am a product of naysayers up until about 10-15 yrs ago. If I had listened to me, I'd probably be in the Air Force and/or in a very different place. I hope you succeed, man.

Bob

[MasterWIII]

I am going to be making a trip down to LA the middle of this month, should be arriving the 18th and staying for 5 or 6 days. I will be driving down with a buddy and was wondering if any of you guys are available to meet up, put faces to the names and grab a beer or something. Let me know or shoot me a pm. Should be a fun trip!

[Seanz0rz]

give me a time and a place and ill come by and say hi!

[fustercluck]

http://media.pegasusnews.com/img/photos/2008/06/11/Jon-Lovitz-ACTING_t250.jpg

[Good Times]

post up when you arrive. there's a bunch of us nutheads in la/oc. i'm sure we can do a beer meet somewhere :)

[L33T35T Tacoma]

Beer? Did somebody say beer?

[surf4runner]

:drink:



DON'T come here to find a job. find a job or jobs or ...


if possible, learn Spanish, that's the offical language.

remember the words "THE valley", if you are comfortable in Idaho, you will be choked in THE Valley and stay the F*&% outta there.

X 100 on the job.
a union job at a grocery store pays well.
ever watch 'taxi' ? everyone was an (out of work) actor...

spanglish - the official SoCal language :rofl:


SFV :flipoff:

[Crinale]

spanglish - the official SoCal language :rofl:


SFV :flipoff:


haha... very true... if you dont know at least a little spanish, u wont get far out here... lol

[Seanz0rz]

heh, the only spanish i know is taco, burrito, gringo. hahaha.

[MasterWIII]

El banyo is fairly important as well...

[MasterWIII]

So Sean, do you live more directly in Pomona or Redlands? Just curious about the area as far as living there...I will probably transfer jobs down to our Pomona store until I can find something else with a more set schedule.

[Seanz0rz]

basically sunday night-friday midday im in pomona (live on campus) and go home to redlands for the weekend. i actually enjoy spending time with my parents, i get to do laundry for free, and i get to work on my truck, weld, or do projects around the house on the weekends. staying on campus at a commuter school sucks, no one is there.

next year i will be living in walnut (4.5 miles from school) and probably be spending more time out there than in redlands. i will probably still call redlands home though.

wayne, what company do you work for?

[Seanz0rz]

my only memory of NoHo is this in early '97

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1221/intro4ii.jpg




Ive seen that on TV once or twice...Crazy stuff..

:bling:


shoot, i remember watching that LIVE! one of the coolest things ive ever seen! tragic yes, but cool none the less.

oh and i see you answered my question previously. winco is pretty cool and i try to shop there when i can. its not too far from campus. the area surrounding is pretty upscale and generally nice and quiet. if you can afford to live there (even with roommates) then id pick that.

[RunnerUp]

i agree with bob on dont let the naysayers stop you, ive let other people tell me what to do up until i got into college and now im making my own decisions... im poor, but im happy, and when i want to do something i do it. live for today, because tomorrow might not come

[cplvc]

I work in downtown LA, if you want to see central LA from the top of LA City Hall on a weekday just PM me and I'll give you my contact info. On a non-smoggy day you can see most of LA City minus the Valley.

[MasterWIII]

Thanks again guys for all of the replies! Like I said, any help or advice is great, since I'm mostly an Idahoan. I will definitely let you guys know when I come down in a couple weeks.

[MasterWIII]

So I arrived in yesterday, stayed in the Hollywood Days Inn last night. Just been checking out the hollywood, west hollywood area. I don't have complete access to the internet, so I will check back on here later and Sean I'll send you a pm