Moving to LA? Some Thoughts on Where You Should (and Shouldn't) Live

Some great advice from Mike DeHart at KeyPA.net:

How to Pick Your Hood

Mike DeHart

Los Angles is a huge and picking the area you’re going to live in can be easily become overwhelming. Whatever you do DON’T commit to a long lease without seeing the place or the area. Just because other people like it or you saw some cool pictures doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Always trust your gut and NEVER be rushed into signing a lease.

If you can couch surf go fot it! Be sure to ride the free apartment waves courtiously though: clean up, make dinners, offer to help pay some utilities, little things go a long way. Either that or find a month to month apartment or sublet. This will give you the opportunity to get to know LA without any huge commitment. Let’s be honest, you’re first job is most likely going to be some long hard hours, you want to come home to a place you like in an area your comfortable with.

http://www.lalife.com/ and http://www.lapdcrimemaps.org/ are two great resources to get a feel for potential living areas. They aren’t hard and fast guides, remember you’re moving to a city there’s going to be crime. (Stay away from South Central, some places have a reputation for a reason).

Where ever you are thinking about living check out that area out during the daytime, evening and at rush hour. Do you feel comfortable walking around? How far away are potential jobs? Thnk about what’s important to you, check out http://www.walkscore.com/ and get a feel for whats in the neighborhood.

That being said, here’s my two cents when it comes to finding a place in LA.

I highly recommend Burbank, especialy if you’ve never lived or worked in a big city before. It’s safe, clean, friendly and comfortable. Stay away from the areas near the airport and sun valley, but besides that Burbank is a great place to transition to LA life.

Glendale is also a fantastic community, but it can be little far away depending on where you find a job.


In the Valley: I highly recommend Burbank, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, or Glendale

North Hollywood is probably where you can get the best bang for your buck, but some areas can get sketchy.

Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys have some nice areas too, be sure to check out places off of the main roads.

Anywhere in the valley I’d strongly recommend living South of Victory Blvd.

East Side:

I have a lot of friends who love living in Los Feliz, Silverlake and Echo Park.

In the Middle:

Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, Koreatown all have great and not so great areas. Stay north fo the 10 freeway.

West Side:

If you love the ocean, Santa Monica or Venice is the place to be. Westwood is the heart of UCLA and is worth looking into. Also check out Palms, or Culver City but be aware of the not some great parts.

Manhatten and Hermosa Beach are both great places but unless you’re working in the area the commute will kill you.

Whatever you do don’t just take my word for it (i’m a valley snob). Go Explore!