Possibly moving to LA

[thesnowman 1]

I recently got a job offer to move to LA, the money is considerably better, however I have never fancied moving to LA. I currently stay in Kansas City which I quite like as it has all the stuff you expect of a large city, but with a small town feel.

However my impression of LA is that it is a bit fake and all about the glam and Hollywood. I know this could be completely false so I want to know from some of my fellow immigrants (or USC) who have moved to LA what is it like. I do like the idea of being close to the seaside and all year round good weather.

My questions are:

1.What is LA or the surrounding area like for bringing up children. I dont want this move to negatively impact on my son.

2. What is the traffic like, especially around rush hour. If anyone if from the UK and can make a comparison with the traffic there that would be appreciated.

3. What are nice areas for houses and/or condos

I am sure I will have more questions, but these are the ones at the forefront of my mind. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mononoke28 135]

I lived in LA for a while and absolutely loved it. LA is a pretty big city with a ton of suburbs to choose from, so I'm sure you will find one close to work that you will like. The traffic is horrific, so be ready for that. And the cost of living and real estate are way too expensive. Just an FYI.

[britbird 4]

LA is a huge place, where exactly would your job be?...if you tell me that, I might be able to give you some idea of the area...

[Jasman0717 9]

1.What is LA or the surrounding area like for bringing up children. I dont want this move to negatively impact on my son.

I live in Orange County and find it rather pleasent here. Irvine is a very nice city as are many of the communities in south county. You could also consider some of the outlying communities in Los Angeles County.

2. What is the traffic like, especially around rush hour. If anyone if from the UK and can make a comparison with the traffic there that would be appreciated.

Rush hour here really sucks. Depending on where you work will depend on your commute time but the 405 and 5 freeways are usually packed at rush hour times.

3. What are nice areas for houses and/or condos

Again, I am in favor of living in Orange County. You are going to be in for a shock on housing prices. I have a 1200 sq. ft. condo here in Santa Ana that is selling for about 500k. The outlying areas are cheaper but you are again looking at some long commutes.

[thesnowman 1]

The job I have been offered is in West Hollywood working for HP. I was use to having horrific commutes in the UK and was pleasantly surprised to find no real traffic problems in KC. Don't really want to do more than 30 mins commute each way, so what areas would that give me.

I had already looked at the house prices there and nearly had a heart attack, although the new job would pay more I dont know if we would be any better off. I know gas is more expensive but is the general cost of living more.

Edited August 14, 2007 by thesnowman

[Jasman0717 9]

The job I have been offered is in West Hollywood working for HP. I was use to having horrific commutes in the UK and was pleasantly surprised to find no real traffic problems in KC. Don't really want to do more than 30 mins commute each way, so what areas would that give me.

You can probably find some nice places out in the valley but I have no idea how the school systems are there. Hollywood has its good areas and some really bad areas. Do you you have any time to consider this where you could maybe come for a visit. Seeing is believing!

[thesnowman 1]

The job I have been offered is in West Hollywood working for HP. I was use to having horrific commutes in the UK and was pleasantly surprised to find no real traffic problems in KC. Don't really want to do more than 30 mins commute each way, so what areas would that give me.

You can probably find some nice places out in the valley but I have no idea how the school systems are there. Hollywood has its good areas and some really bad areas. Do you you have any time to consider this where you could maybe come for a visit. Seeing is believing!

My wife and I have already thought about doing this, the job wouldn't start till after the new year anyway so yes I do have some time. I just wanted to get a heads up on some areas to look at as both me and my USC wife have never been there and don't know any of the areas. Will probably go out there in the next month or so if we are still considering it.

I told my mum about the offer and she was all gung ho about it, she wants to come over and relax in the beach and find Robert Redford

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I LA

bRw3rIhmp7M

[Jasman0717 9]

My wife and I have already thought about doing this, the job wouldn't start till after the new year anyway so yes I do have some time. I just wanted to get a heads up on some areas to look at as both me and my USC wife have never been there and don't know any of the areas. Will probably go out there in the next month or so if we are still considering it.

I told my mum about the offer and she was all gung ho about it, she wants to come over and relax in the beach and find Robert Redford

That is a wise decision to come for a visit. That way you can talk to some real estate people, maybe contact some of the chamber of commerce around that area and get an opportunity to see the commute from all angles. You could even look over in the Pasadena and Glendora areas too.

[britbird 4]

Unless you live by some public transit, the commute will likely take you a while - LA alas has way too many people and not enough roads. It's also very much a neighborhood type place, there isn't (to my mind at least) a 'center' to LA. I would suggest you come out for a visit and see how you like it. If HP gives you the option of working further north, near the Bay Area, I would choose that over LA (but then I'm a NorCal kinda girl).

Whichever way you end up going, you will likely pay more taxes, but California is a great place to live - lots of different sorts of people, a more chill outlook on life, beaches, skiing, hiking, better food, better weather.

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

Unless you live by some public transit, the commute will likely take you a while - LA alas has way too many people and not enough roads. It's also very much a neighborhood type place, there isn't (to my mind at least) a 'center' to LA. I would suggest you come out for a visit and see how you like it. If HP gives you the option of working further north, near the Bay Area, I would choose that over LA (but then I'm a NorCal kinda girl).

Whichever way you end up going, you will likely pay more taxes, but California is a great place to live - lots of different sorts of people, a more chill outlook on life, beaches, skiing, hiking, better food, better weather.

I love California.

but yes, defintely go to LA and check it out. I guess it would hard to a get a gauge on t hings even with a couple days of visitng. But life over here in Cali is good. about the only downside would be housing prices.

Daniel

:energetic:

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I love LA too - I moved here for a job and don't regret it. Don't believe all the ####### about it being fake - I work in the entertainment industry and have found this aspect of the city is something you can embrace or avoid, your choice.

The 2 things that suck the most:

1. The traffic

2. The cost of living. Overall property, gas, insurance and taxes are going to be more than what you are used to

The things that are great?

1. The weather

2. The outdoor opportunities (you can go from beaches to mountains in 15 minutes - great if you like biking and hiking)

3. Living in a big cultural melting pot

And if it is at all appealing, there is a pretty decent British expat community.

Do you have children? Do you plan to send them to public school? Because that will have a huge impact on where you want to live.

[britbird 4]

I forgot to mention the most important thing: In-N-Out burger. I'd move back to CA in a heartbeat if only for that reason.

(and for those of you who In N Out a lot...I have one thing to say to you: Fries: Animal Style)

[Jasman0717 9]

I forgot to mention the most important thing: In-N-Out burger. I'd move back to CA in a heartbeat if only for that reason.

(and for those of you who In N Out a lot...I have one thing to say to you: Fries: Animal Style)

You and my wife!

There is a really good British pub in Fullerton and Santa Ana called the Olde Ship.

http://www.theoldeship.com/

[thesnowman 1]

I love LA too - I moved here for a job and don't regret it. Don't believe all the ####### about it being fake - I work in the entertainment industry and have found this aspect of the city is something you can embrace or avoid, your choice.

The 2 things that suck the most:

1. The traffic

2. The cost of living. Overall property, gas, insurance and taxes are going to be more than what you are used to

The things that are great?

1. The weather

2. The outdoor opportunities (you can go from beaches to mountains in 15 minutes - great if you like biking and hiking)

3. Living in a big cultural melting pot

And if it is at all appealing, there is a pretty decent British expat community.

Do you have children? Do you plan to send them to public school? Because that will have a huge impact on where you want to live.

My son will be 2 soon so schools aren't a big concern at the moment, obviously they will be in a few years. The thing I really do like is the outdoor lifestyle which I think will be really healthy for my son. Will miss the BBQ in Kansas City though