I'm planning on moving to california pretty much the same month that i turn 18 and i really need some advice

Question

Ok like i said, i'm moving to cali very soon after my 18th birthday.

I need some tips on what i should know and what i should to to prepare and be preapred for the move. You know like living arangement, budget, and just some over all help and tips about living in California. BTW i'm planning on living in LOS ANGELES California.

Answer 1

Los Angeles is a huge city and if you have never been there, you should not expect it to be what you see on TV. Most of LA is pretty dirty and crime ridden. The nicer places are very expensive to rent. I would guess average rent in LA for a decent place is at least $1,000 a month. LA is very fast paced and will most likely be extrememly overwhelming for someone just turned 18. If you don't have your heart set on LA, then you might want to check out San Luis Obispo (where I live =)) It is slower paced and less expensive. Also, as someone else mentioned, San Diego is a very nice place. In LA, the nicer places are probably Hermosa beach, Santa Monica, Westwood (by UCLA), or Orange County (which is very close to LA).  I would say your going to need at least $2,000 a month just to survive... plus additional spending money. Why are you moving to LA in the first place? You should try to have a job lined up before you get there.

Answer 2

All I can say is cali will break you or make you.....

Answer 3

Don't listen to all of the negative comments. LA is a great place for someone who is able to accept and embrace a diverse culture. Some folks made some good points, though, about how much it costs. I am guessing that you want to become a part of the entertainment industry, because nobody wants to come out to this place for any other reason unless it is a very good paying job.

1.) Before you move out here you will want to have a job. Your money will run out quickly if you are here without a job.

2.) For a cheap place to stay, you can look in certain areas such as North Hollywood, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Valley Glen...check them out on a map - that whole area can be pretty affordable. Reseda and Northridge and other towns out that way are a little further out but nice. You can get a room in some of these places for relatively cheap ($500 is what I pay.) If you want to go really cheap then just look on Craigslist.com and you will find livingrooms in one-room apartments for sometimes $350. It sucks to live that way unless you get along with your room mate really well. Don't forget that you will have to give them a deposit, which is one month's rent, usually.

3.) Have a car. Public transportation does suck. Your best case scenario is that you find a job you can ride a bike to. The weather is most always good enough for a bike and it will save you from buying gas that is only gonna go up from here.

4.) Always remember that moving to LA is easy, but being successful here is the real challenge.

Answer 4

you need a vehicle because public transportation sucks here.

Its hot right now so you need sunblock.

Gas is about $4.55 a gallon.

Over estimate on your budget because the cost of living is higher here.

Answer 5

Would help to know WHY you want to move to L.A.  Never been there myself but there are a few things to keep in mind if you really are going to go through with it.  First of all the average house there costs over $513,000 (in 2005).  Average income level is $42,667/year(in 2005).   Since it would be nearly impossible to maintain a mortgage payment on that salary with the average house, I assume most people either rent or commute a huge distance.  But since you say you want to live there, unless you make some mad money, you're going to have to rent.  Rent there according to www.rent.com ranges from $650/ month (in a **** hole place) to over $2000.  Being only 18 years old I think you'll soon find it quite difficult to get by and you'll probably soon wish you hadn't moved there.  Besides that city is so full of crime it's pure insanity.

Answer 6

i recommend u go live in San Diego,CA its way better ..because L.A. its kinda like a fast city u know everything goes fast and on SD its all calm ...and less crouded..its kinda complicated but yea just try to get the point ...