Moving to California need all the help info advice I can get... sans insulting my intelligence :)

[destinygodley]

I live in the NY/NJ area.. This SUMMER I am looking to move to the LA close to Hollywood area. I am looking for cheap diggs..studio.. rooms... shares or anyone needing a roommate intern PA.... artistic help... etc freewebs.com/dgtalimage I am an actress DestinyGodley.com... are there any places like hostels with longer stay where I can stay cheap... what are good/bad cheap areas that I can flock to... any help would be greatly appreciated
[e-mail]

[Mlle d. Sade]

Good luck. Graceful Steps

PS, I like how you had to amend the title. ^__^.

[Rosenda]

Hope the info I sent you is helpful. Good luck. Ask any questions and we'll answer them.

[destinygodley]

:P Thanks, yeah.. I had to amend it a little... you know how that goes :)

Mlle d. Sade said:

Good luck. Graceful Steps

PS, I like how you had to amend the title. ^__^.

[destinygodley]

YES YES! ALL off the info has been VERY helpful and will take ALL of the advice to heart and put it all to good use! Thank you, THANK EVERYONE :)

Rosenda said:

Hope the info I sent you is helpful. Good luck. Ask any questions and we'll answer them.

[jahluv]

Apologies for coming off as condensing. I can remember similar posts from the old AP board where people got to LA and were shell shocked...

Here's a couple of things I'd really keep in mind when coming to LA. Not all areas are Black folk friendly. LA is still one of the most segregated cities that I've seen - even more so when renting. You can show up with a perfect credit rating and a years rent in cash - and some landlords just will not rent to you. Hollywood, particularly the new gentrified Hollywood is one of those spots, and it's not cheap like it was in the 70s and 80s. Keep that in mind.

If you're not driving, our public transit is not that hot. The new subway system is cool commuting from Hollywood to Downtown LA, or down to the South Bay - but the Westside is all by bus. Super slow, really crowded buses. Something else to keep in mind.

And I wasn't trying to be flip about the unemployment situation here in LA. 20,000 State of California workers are about to get the ax this Friday if the budget isn't passed. My friend Browne just posted a list of companies (on her blog) that have laid people off in the last six weeks - it's just stunning (click here for the link). Most media companies are laying people off, if not folding up shop all together. That's something to consider too.

I'm not trying to discourage you. I would think twice though if you've got a good gig in NYC and a good place to live. Good luck if you do make that move. Hit us native LA folks up for the ins and outs of this sprawling city.

[Rosenda]

Well said JL. You have to keep the current job market circumstances in mind, even if you are considering San Francisco too, Destiny. Glad you brought up the issue of "Black-folk friendly". That goes for SF too or anyplace in the US.

Timing might change the outlook, it might be bad right now for jobs, but we are all hoping it will improve after this year, in all industries, in all sectors of employment.

Destiny, was your plan just to make the visit out here in summer to research and look around, or were you planning on keeping your work back in NY until you actually see LA and SF and then make your decision on moving?

[Jervon]

I have nothing to add but, I fucking hate the loftstesl in Brooklyn. That is all and good luck on your journey.

*Wait if you win any awards just give a brother a shoutout. Even though you probably don't know me, just give me a "I'd like to thank Jesus and Jervon!"

[destinygodley]

:) LOL... I will certainly give you a mean shout out... :P thanks love!!

Jervon said:

I have nothing to add but, I fucking hate the loftstesl in Brooklyn. That is all and good luck on your journey.

*Wait if you win any awards just give a brother a shoutout. Even though you probably don't know me, just give me a "I'd like to thank Jesus and Jervon!"

[destinygodley]

i know... but if I consider too many things ill never get moving. every year therse something to concider... finances, enviromental changes, family, special ocassions so on and so fourth. I love a challange especially when odds are against me I'm a snarky, sassy, lil party crasher that way. I plan to go... well come out and do w/e it takes to survive.. however cliche', I plan to make it work.. anyone raised by a single black woman has seen true magic and I have no doubts that it'll be hard and I'll probaby get my ass handed to me... and I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED... And as far as "black friendly goes"... omg!!! i was the first and only black girl in port jervis ny elementary and middle school for quite some time.. oh the stories i could tell you about people who aren't "black friendly" even stories on "black" people who aren't "black friendly" i kinda dig when people are againt me, once you get used to it... yourealize you're all the better they're all the LAME-er and uh, my skins a mile thick:) idk.. this is going to be interesting

Rosenda said:

Well said JL. You have to keep the current job market circumstances in mind, even if you are considering San Francisco too, Destiny. Glad you brought up the issue of "Black-folk friendly". That goes for SF too or anyplace in the US.

Timing might change the outlook, it might be bad right now for jobs, but we are all hoping it will improve after this year, in all industries, in all sectors of employment.

Destiny, was your plan just to make the visit out here in summer to research and look around, or were you planning on keeping your work back in NY until you actually see LA and SF and then make your decision on moving?

[Rosenda]

You can do it. Good luck and ask us folks here in CA any questions you got and we'll answer. Peace.

[Jwyanza (Fe@rless V@mpire Kill@h)]

Koreatown is awesome. Rent is a helluva lot cheaper there that lost of other neighborhoods in LA and it's close to everything (Hollywood, downtown, Silverlake, Echo Park, lots of freeway). The only thing is that parking can be a major drag.