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Moved here in 2017 from Chicago. Depends on your age and what you’re trying to do. There’s pretty much anything for everyone. We live in Mar Vista and it’s alright - near Venice. Wife works El Segundo and my previous office was SM. Easy to get where we like to go, for the most part.
Before COVID we spent a lot of time going to shows in Silverlake, Echo Park, Downtown, East Side etc - so we were looking at houses in the Glendale / Highland Park area.
Don’t underestimate commute time. I know plenty of people that drive 1-1.5hrs to work one way, and I would claw my eyes out.
DD1, make sure to give Bonin the finger.
Whatever is closest to where you’ll be working. Playa Vista/Culver Cory, Downtown, and Santa Monica (the major agency hotspots) are an hour to an hour and a half apart in non-covid traffic. Ladera Heights is a good, affordable choice if you’ll be in Playa Vista/Culver city though. If you’re in Santa Monica I’d look at Sawtelle and Downtown maybe check our Silver Lake or Echo Park.
No not at all, I live in that area and it’s maybe a 20 minute drive in traffic from Ladera? Not bad at all especially for LA. I don’t know what your budget is but there are some really nice apartments in Fox Hills as well.
I would also look at Redondo Beach. It’s got more of a quiet “beach town” vibe if you’re into that and is surprisingly affordable (always been mystified by that). Also about a 20 minute drive.
You can also live in Hawthorne but I’d stay west of Hawthorne Blvd as it gets progressively sketchier the further East you go. Probably your cheapest option but Hawthorne isn’t exactly the most fun or pretty place to live.
Lastly, you might find Westchester a little expensive but there are some areas especially to the east off La Tijera that have reasonable rates — very quiet residential community that puts you a little closer to fun stuff in Venice/Marina Del Rey/Culver City.
I’m in Echo Park and love it (except when there’s Dodgers traffic). If you’re working on the west side though the commute is a slog. But I much prefer the east side vibe.
Westchester and playa del Rey are nice
If you're into the beach and/or not commuting as much, the SouthBay (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, parts of Redondo Beach) are great! Work hard play hard kind of vibe down here. Laid back people for the most part. Become a bit more gentrified over the last decade and can be very expensive.
El Segundo, Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Marina del Rey are ok and parts are a bit cheaper, but I personally don't like the vibe as much as the SouthBay.
If you're into more arts, shopping, etc... bit further north (Venice/Culver City) would be more convenient, but will take longer to get into work. And some places feel a bit more seedy.
I saw your work will be in El Segundo- Manhattan, hermosa, el Segundo, playa vista, or Santa Monica are all great places!! Everything in the South Bay is pretty easy to get to!
If your agency is on west side, I would recommend staying on the west side because of traffic. I’m in mar vista/culver and I like it.
Playa vista would be a great spot for an el Segundo commute. Also el Segundo has a surprisingly cute down town with some good restaurants and bars.
I agree with all the advice about living near work but I would add - Don’t move here if you don’t already have a job lined up. The jobs are not plentiful.
Definitely have a job lined up.
In Santa Monica
Where will you be working once Covid fux off.
I recommend Central City East or if you want something with more of an Island feel, Hawaiian Gardens.
I’m in East Hollywood (so is my office) and I love it! Agree with those above stay on the side where you will one day be working again.