/r/MovingToLosAngeles

Photograph via snooOG

The subreddit dedicated to questions and comments for anyone considering a move to Los Angeles.

Moderator here is /u/WilliamMcCarty, I am NOT the OP on most of the submissions here, any question in other L.A. related subs about moving to our fine town I always crosspost here for easy access/reference.

NO DOWNVOTING HERE. IT IS OKAY TO ASK ANY QUESTION ABOUT MOVING TO L.A.

This sub is dedicated specifically to questions and comments by and for those considering moving to Los Angeles or the surrounding areas. If you post on /r/LosAngeles or /r/AskLosAngeles you're liable to get downvoted to oblivion, thus there's this subreddit specifically for these questions.

Here's what you need to know about moving here, the short version:

Come with at least $10K, come with a car, have a job lined up, find a place to live near that job.

Anything else, ask away or browse below.

The Reddit Guide to L.A.

Moving here to be an actor?

Looking for work in L.A.?

Here you'll find housing, jobs or other stuff for sale in L.A.

There's also the LA FAQ

The Moving to L.A. megathread!

Other local subreddits:

/r/antelopevalley

/r/AskLosAngeles

/r/burbank

/r/burbankcity

/r/canogaparkca

/r/CityOfLA

/r/dtla

/r/EAGLEROCK

/r/FoodLosAngeles

/r/Foodsocal

/r/glendale

/r/HelpfulLosAngeles

/r/la_real_estate

/r/LAApartments

/r/LACounty

/r/LAEastside

/r/LAFD

/r/LAfoodies

/r/LAforSale

/r/LAjobs

/r/LAlist

/r/LancasterCA

/r/LAnightowls

/r/LARentals

/r/LAsunsets

/r/LAWestside

/r/LosAngeles

/r/losangelesevents

/r/LosAngelesRealEstate

/r/losfeliz

/r/NortheastLA

/r/palmdale

/r/pasadena

/r/Reseda

/r/SantaClarita

/r/SFV

/r/sgv

/r/silverlake

/r/socal

/r/southerncalifornia

/r/southland

/r/TodayLA

/r/venice

/r/VintageLA

/r/WestHillsCA

/r/MovingToLosAngeles

27,040 Subscribers

7

Under $2k in Santa Monica—too good to be true, right?

Sorry for the typical “is this a scam?” post, but I am truly baffled. These have to be a scam right?

https://www.apartments.com/2122-ocean-park-blvd-santa-monica-ca/ljt139g/?utm_source=mobile_app

$1995 for 650 sq ft, 1 bed.

I’m seeing a few other Santa Monica apartments around this price range too, and they tend to have a few things in common:

  1. No property website
  2. Availability just marked as “Soon”
  3. No definite open hours for the “office”, just says something like “Open 12am-12am”

Just trying to differentiate between a true scam, and a small business landlord. The golden rule in apartment hunting just seems to be: if it’s too good to be true, it is. So I’m leaning towards a scam.

Final note: I have texted a few people with listings like this in Santa Monica, as well as Hollywood. Nice 1 beds around $2k. They send application forms for me to fill out that just ask for pretty general info, nothing that’s an immediate red flag like a deposit payment.

31 Comments
2024/12/01
23:18 UTC

0

Best neighborhoods for commute to SD for work?

I have a hybrid position in San Diego, where I have to be in office two days a week. I like my job but I don’t like SD, so I would like to move to LA. I would like to find a studio or 1 bd for less than $2000. I have a car, but I am considering also taking the train sometimes.

What areas would make my commute the easiest?

17 Comments
2024/12/01
21:03 UTC

9

Moving to LA temporarily - location advice appreciated

My family (myself, wife, 1yo child) are temporarily relocating for my job from NYC to LA, from approx mid Jan to April. My job will be hybrid - 1-2 days per week remote, 3-4 days per week commuting to the Burbank area, maybe one day every 1-2 weeks to Inglewood. My company will pay reasonable living expenses (lodging, car, a stipend for childcare). Trying to optimize for the following:

  • Family-friendly neighborhoods: We are carless in NYC, and know that will not be the same in LA, but looking for an area with some parks and walkable to some attractions (groceries, restaurants, etc.). We also plan to find short-term childcare (ideally a daycare), so an area where those would be abundant is another factor.
  • Reasonable commute: Optimizing for a Burbank-area commute, since that's where I'll be most of the time. Assuming the rarer Inglewood commute is just something I'll suck up and do as needed. That said, my job will have me going to different parts of LA, so something that is not too far tucked away is ideal.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! We'll unfortunately not be able to visit before selecting a location, so will be going off of what our friends have told us (various and conflicting opinions) and what we're finding online.

14 Comments
2024/12/01
19:34 UTC

3

Dangerous & Safe parts of LA west of 405?

1 Comment
2024/12/01
18:32 UTC

8

Can I afford WeHo on my income?

Moving to LA in about a month, will be near 90k salary, was hoping to snag an apartment in the $1850-2200 range, hopefully closer to $2000 max. Im in my mid to late 20s, thinking I would love West Hollywood for the walkability and liveliness.

Doubt I could afford much in Tri-West or the west side of WeHo, but could I find something reasonable in central or eastside weho (around Plummer Park). I have cats so really cant do anything under 500sq feet, and can’t really live w roommates either.

Other places I’ve considered are Studio City/NoHo, Highland Park, and Pasadena areas. (Im working remote so no commute issues). Would I have an easier time in those areas or should I be able to find something good in the west hollywood area?

And any tips on the apartment search? Im coming to visit in a couple weeks to apartment hunt.

34 Comments
2024/12/01
17:40 UTC

1

Help! Need to look at places but I'm out of state

Hi,

I'm from the Midwest and looking to move to LA, specifically around the West Hollywood area or near Runyon Canyon. I've been looking at spaces posted by different realtors, but everyone knows what you see online doesn't always match in person.

I can't travel at the moment so I'm looking to see if there's a website out there that will allow me to hire someone in the area to look at the space for me. I feel like I saw one but I genuinely can't remember. (Also, please don't mention going on craigslist I had a bad experience.)

3 Comments
2024/12/01
04:26 UTC

12

Living in LA on a student income

Let's say I've been offered $50,000/year to be a PhD student at UCLA. Is this even close to a realistic income to live on in LA or should I turn this down? Ideally I would like to have a modest one-bedroom apartment within cycling distance (~45 mins) of campus. What areas would I be looking at?

Edit: I'm not single, but my partner is unable to work in the US at the moment, so it's a single income.

49 Comments
2024/12/01
00:46 UTC

8

Moving to LA for work. Where to live as a Asian American?

37 Comments
2024/11/30
08:42 UTC

0

Other areas we should consider?

Long time lurker, first-time poster. Relocating to the LA area for a work opportunity I couldn't say no to. Job is technically hybrid (3+2) with an office in DTLA, convenient to the 7th Street / Metro Center station, but the team I'm transferring to is mostly wfh (read: I've been told that the actual in-office expectation is much more flexible). I'll also have regular business travel for work. When I've been in the LA region before I would always fly into SNA or LAX depending on what part of the region I was going to be in, and expect that either would be my home airport going forward.

Combined salary is 160k, so I'm targeting rent around 2500-2750 per month for either a larger 1 bedroom with space for a home office or a 2 bedroom apartment.

My partner (33f) and I (33f) have fallen in love with the idea of Long Beach as a good area to start to build our new lives, but I'm curious if there are other areas we should be considering. I've spent some time in Pasadena and liked it when I visited, but most of the apartments I am seeing are coming in a bit above what we're looking to spend. I'd like to rely on metro to get to the office so she could have access to the car as needed, but I'm not afraid of LA traffic (been there, done the 10 and 405 to LAX during the evening rush hour, got the damn t-shirt). We're also into that mixed-use walkable urbanism thing, but recognize it would add a premium.

Any pointers on other parts of the region we should look into?

6 Comments
2024/11/30
07:16 UTC

26

Offered a Job in LA

My company has offered me a position to where I would be working remote/traveling in sales in California, Arizona, and Nevada. (Currently live in Charlotte). I have lived in NC my whole life but this position would be a huge promotion for me. They suggested LA because every target account has in office in LA or OC.

I will be moving with my wife, who will need to find a job. She currently works in sales as well but has experience in Marketing and Biz Admin.

We are looking at Culver City/Palms, Eagle Rock, Pasadena and Costa Mesa. We are mid 20s and lead active/healthy lifestyles. I’m curious if you guys think we could find a place 2bd with in unit laundry and 2 parking spaces in any of these neighborhoods. Would any of these neighborhoods be better for her if she is still looking for a job when we move to LA?

(My salary will be 150k) (Wife’s estimated salary 50-70k) Company is covering all moving related costs.
Our cars are paid off and we carry no significant debt outside of a $200 student loan payment.

Also I have visited LA before…

63 Comments
2024/11/30
04:01 UTC

2

Looking for recommendations

The wife and I are moving to LA in the new year. She will be working in the west Hollywood area near beverly hills. (Im WFH)

We were looking at koreatown neighbourhood but was worried about the commute. She would be driving and our budget is $3-3.5k for rent.

We are mainly looking for someplace not super sketchy, has good restaurants nearby and ideally wont be unreasonably far to commute to work. Any help is appreciated!

16 Comments
2024/11/29
23:49 UTC

11

How much would you recommend for me to save before moving here?

Hi,

I’m 24M, looking to locate to Los Angeles from Washington State. I want to live in the WEHO area.

Here is some background:

  1. I have a car that is paid off

  2. I just graduated college and make 50k/yr in accounting (I think this is around 60k/yr in LA)

  3. I plan on having multiple roommates (max 1.2k/month rent)

  4. I plan on finding a job in WEHO area before I move to LA (Yes, I know you need to work close to where you live).

  5. I have no debt

Realistically, how much should I save? I was thinking like 15-20k.

Thanks!

19 Comments
2024/11/29
23:42 UTC

29

Pacific palisades. Would you move there?

We are moving from Midwest (I will be selling my business and my wife’s comp based out of LA) and are looking for a great area to raise our family that has views and have been bouncing a lot of places around. A recent, is Pacific Palisades. Love the location, schools seem great (we have 3 littles) but what concerns can you highlight? Is it a big entertainment industry draw? Kids driving around in range rovers normal? Pls help us! We have considered La cañada and manhattan beach areas as well Thank you!

118 Comments
2024/11/29
05:16 UTC

1

Neighborhoods within 40 minutes of commute from El Segundo, LA with Asian Indian Community.

HI Everyone,

I am relocating from Denver to Los Angles area soon with El Segundo as workplace location, and am looking for neighborhoods within a 40 minutes commute that have a significant Asian Indian community and good schools (elementary and beyond).
I am particularly interested in family friendly neighborhoods where I can buy a house. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance for your help!

15 Comments
2024/11/29
01:40 UTC

5

Opinions on Highland Park

Thinking of renting a one bedroom condo in the Arroyo Seco Village community in Highland Park (it’s off of Benner Street). Looking for opinions on a few things: What do you think of Highland Park in general for someone in their late 20’s/early 30s? Is it easy to walk to Figueroa Street from there? Is York Street walking distance? Is it safe to walk around during the day? At night? Any knowledge of the Arroyo Seco Village community in general?

13 Comments
2024/11/28
16:54 UTC

0

Awesome room available in West LA very cheap rent

Looking for a great roommate. The price is my last concern.. Message me your details

1 Comment
2024/11/28
16:27 UTC

12

Santa Monica vs Beverly Hills

What are the main differences if looking to rent for $4000-$6000 in a nice neighborhood?

31 Comments
2024/11/28
05:54 UTC

6

Moving close UCLA to get neurology treatment

Hey guys,
I'm hoping to move to LA close to the UCLA Neurological Center (or whatever the name is) for medical treatment. I've already driven from Florida to San Diego, but I'm still over 2 hours away, and need to move closer to UCLA now. I'm giving myself two months to make this move, as my treatment has been on hold until I make it there.
I'm a well-educated Hispanic man in my 50s (Colombian heritage), and I grew up in the greater NYC area. I have lived in every borough in NYC (Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, etc), so I know how important it is to land in the right community.
My medical expenses also require that I find some place relatively inexpensive. I currently pay $1200 a month for a private room with a bathroom, but I have good credit, and good rental history. I'm hoping to have about $5K in savings.
Please advise.
Alex

3 Comments
2024/11/28
01:24 UTC

1

Senior Living

I am looking for a Senior living Community that’s is affordable in the Greater Los Angeles area. Anyone know of any places?

3 Comments
2024/11/27
21:53 UTC

0

Moving to West Los Angeles

I received a job offer in Los Angeles, and I believe it's West Los Angeles. It's the VA medical center on Wilshire Blvd, 90073.

Upon Google searches and Reddit searches, it appears as though the cost of living is too high in this area. I was looking for something at $2000 or less a month. From what I have read, there's nothing in that price range in this part of Los Angeles. So I was wondering, how do I find people who are renting rooms in their apartments? Is there another Reddit location or website where I could find this?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

14 Comments
2024/11/27
21:15 UTC

3

Do you know of any condo's with little streams, ponds, lush landscaping. Dog friendly.

Looking preferably in a gated community/condo complex, to buy. I prefer a bit cooler temperature, or at least not somewhere that gets hot as hell in summer.

7 Comments
2024/11/27
21:01 UTC

11

Downtown LA

Longtime lurker of this sub, I'm interested in moving to LA, but the only thing really holding me back is a fear of LA not feeling urban and walkable. I grew up by San Francisco so I have pretty high standards of urban design. I know LA is infamously car dependent, but what little I've seen of downtown actually looks quite urban but I never hear people talk about what its like to live over there? I know its mostly an employment center but theres still a pretty sizable amount of housing over there.

tldr; anyone have thoughts about living downtown? nobody seems to talk about it on this sub despite it being... well ... downtown.

57 Comments
2024/11/27
20:31 UTC

0

Is this area good for 22f?

25 Comments
2024/11/27
20:27 UTC

2

Student moving

Hi guys! I’m in OKC right now and wanted to move to LA for music business careers. I want to transfer to UCLA eventually, but will wait to save the money and know how to be an adult first before making the decision. I was gonna start next fall, which is when my freshman year of college would start. Ideally I wanted to start in LA for my freshman year but I don’t want to make any huge risks. I was wondering how much minimum would I have to make to live with roommates off campus? I have a car that gets pretty good gas mileage so I’m not super worried about transportation. What would be the smartest move when moving to Los Angeles and how much should I save up? I was thinking at the very least a little over 5,000. I also was wondering what would be some culture shocks you can think of that I possibly couldn’t have considered coming from the south/midwest. I’ve visited LA once years ago and have wanted to be there since then so I have a little bit of an idea of what LA is like. Thank you guys and hope to hear from you!!

5 Comments
2024/11/27
19:30 UTC

2

What to Know About Specific Areas of LA Before Purchasing House

Hi all,

A while ago I had asked about suggestions to move to the area as a couple in early 50s due to husband's new job and gotten great pointers here. One of the suggestions was to get an AirBNB in different neighborhoods and get to know the areas before buying, which we think is a great idea and that's what we'll do. (The job is in Beverly Center but he needs to go in only 2-3 times a week.)

There is only so many times we can move between AirBNBs, though, so I want to identify a few areas as priority for us - this way I can eliminate what doesn't sound like a good idea from the AirBNB test period. I did lots of research since my last post, so I can be a bit more specific about the locations this time. My question is, from people who are familiar with the areas below, what are the pros and cons of buying a home in these areas - rather, of living in these neighborhoods as a homeowner (not the process of home buying, unless there are peculiar things about that, too)? There can be idiosyncrasies only a local could know so I hope you can help.

  1. Studio City

  2. Sherman Oaks

  3. Toluca Lake

  4. Burbank (I like this area and seems to have a relatively better price to what you get value, but not sure). Rancho Equestrian area in here was specifically mentioned to me as well.

  5. North Hollywood (I know the commute is long)

  6. Glendale (I know the commute is long)

If you could include

a. peculiar things (eg an extra tax in that municipality, etc.)

b. how it is in general, including fire risk and microclimate (I heard there can be big differences depending on where in LA)

c. Price to what you get value

that would be great.

Facts on us: Couple in early 50s with no kids at home; like some peace and quiet (all relative and hard to get in LA, I know); an hour or so of commute is OK. I KNOW EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE IN LA =( So one disadvantage of buying is the cost, I get it, but assuming that is what our intention is, what would you say about the above areas?

Please note that my question is not whether I can afford to buy, I do see listings on Zillow that look acceptable to me within our budget ($1.25M) for townhomes or condos.

Whatever you know about any of the places above would be helpful, doesn't have to be all I am wondering. THANK YOU!

30 Comments
2024/11/27
15:33 UTC

1

Okay Area?

8 Comments
2024/11/27
04:53 UTC

0

Location Suggestions Please!

Hello!

I have a job offer that has me moving from Phoenix to LA.

It’s a job that requires heavy travel, where my main areas of focus will be Riverside to Downtown LA down through Long Beach and Irvine.

I am looking for an apt in an area that is relatively safe, walkable, and has a solid local foodie/art scene for when I’m not working. I’m hoping for ideas that keep me close to freeway access and an airport.

As for budget, I’d like to keep it around 2000-3500/mo. 2bd would be best for a home office but could make a 1bd work for the right space.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Please and thank you!

11 Comments
2024/11/27
04:39 UTC

9

How’s this area?

Safety? Walkability? Grocery stores, coffee shops?

34 Comments
2024/11/27
04:39 UTC

0

I’m planning to move to LA from the Bay Area in a few years. Any recommendations for the best or safest neighborhoods with mobile home communities?

15 Comments
2024/11/27
03:43 UTC

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