Single, 41, work in tech. I feel like Los Angeles is becoming more expensive without getting better.
Unemployment at 5.3% is {unemp_feel}. I'm paying /mo for a 3-bed in Silver Lake and honestly is getting ridiculous.
Cost of living is a bit more compared to where I came from. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.
Am I being unrealistic?
120 upvotes
12 Replies
Mia Thomas
We pay /mo in Silver Lake for a 1-bed and honestly it's worth it. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.
44 upvotes
Julia D.
We pay /mo in Culver City for a 1-bed and it's steep but the location is great. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
40 upvotes
Declan Murphy
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Mar Vista vs Highland Park: completely different vibes. Mar Vista is more excellent with a younger crowd and nightlife. Highland Park is quiet and better for students.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Mar Vista. In Highland Park you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.
35 upvotes
Justin C.
Weekend warrior here - Los Angeles is great for kayaking. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.
32 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
It's gotten worse recently.
30 upvotes
Xavier Castillo
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. The city has evolved a lot.
30 upvotes
Axel Hall
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a remote worker in Pasadena. Been here since 2021. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
Neighborhood-wise, Pasadena has really grown in the past few years. Venice is the up-and-coming spot right now. Los Feliz is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for retail: underrated. For education: affordable.
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
Hope that helps!
26 upvotes
Caleb Perez
Noted.
24 upvotes
Jessica M.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Los Angeles guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Highland Park: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Santa Monica: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- West Hollywood: best value in the city
- Sherman Oaks: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. Los Angeles is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value community over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Omaha.
Hope that helps!
24 upvotes
andrew_papa
Big facts.
19 upvotes
Wesley Bennett
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Los Angeles guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Sherman Oaks: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Silver Lake: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Los Feliz: best value in the city
- Highland Park: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. Los Angeles is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Miami.
Good luck!
10 upvotes
Alexander Wilson
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a young professional in Los Feliz. Been here since 2020. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, Los Feliz has really evolved in the past few years. Burbank is the up-and-coming spot right now. Echo Park is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for marketing: solid. For hospitality: quiet.
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.
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