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.

[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.

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