sassypants
Los Angeles
A question about this place:
I'm trying to move there from the midwest...any advice?
Answers:
mattmcc
San Francisco
I’m wanting to move to Santa Monica/Venice Beach from northern California, so we’re in the same boat. :-)
Santa Monica is one the pricey side, so I always figured I’d end up having to live in the valley for a little while while I found a place I really liked, got a feel for the different neighborhoods etc.
I know that’s lame advice, but that would be my approach.
Where in the midwest are you coming from? I moved out here from Oklahoma and I’ve loved every minute, well, most of them at least. :-)
-mattm
sassypants
Los Angeles
I was living in Madison, Wisconsin. I have now sort-of followed your advice, even though I hadn’t read it before I followed it. I live in the valley temporarily in a month-to-month while I look for that fantasy nice clean cheap place near Santa Monica. Things are going well, I work about 5 miles from SM so when I move there, I’ll be close to work too. How’s your move going? Any progress, or any questions for me now that I’m kinda close?
cogentdiversion
Los Angeles
well, be prepared to pay a santa monica price tag for where ever you decide to live in the city. most of the cities on the west side and beach area are pricey. people get up into the 1000’s for monthly rent. its a nice city. parking can suck depending on where youa re (the closer to Santa Monica College or the Pier or the Promenade you get, the more traffic and parking hassle you’ll have to deal with). Any particular reason you are choosing SM? Is it SM you want or the general area? Because you might be able to find cheaper rents in neighboring cities
localsonly
Venice Beach
I know santa monica can be a bit pricey, but perhaps consider living in venice? i live in venice and it takes me literally 5 minutes to get to santa monica. Venice is even a bit more friendly than santa monica i think, and much more culturally dynamic. both are nice places though. Venice used to be a bad place, but its gotton much better.
ruralborealis
Santa Monica
Go to westsiderentals.com and look at the prices. Save up 3 to 4 times the cost of a month’s rent.
Then just come. By bus, plane, one-way-car-transport, whatever.
Trust that you will get a job.
Worst thing that happens is that you lose your savings and head home knowing you gave it a shot.
Best thing that happens is that you will have followed your dream, tested your courage and gained a whole new respect for yourself. I hope I bump into you in Santa Monica some day!
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