Hey guys,

I hope all is well. I am moving from DC to LA to pursue an acting career in film.
I am familiar with California, as I born in the Bay Area, and lived there for 10 years. But, I barely any have experience in LA, I have only been there a few times as a kid, and I don't rememeber anything.

I would like to know where you guys recommend for me to live. Perhaps a place that is near auditions, agencies, and classes. Money will be no problem for me as I have saved a good amount of cash over the years, so even luxury apartments wouldn't hurt my budget. The only problem I have is that my license is suspended, so I cannot drive a car for a year. So, I would love to live somewhere that would allow me to walk or take the bus to my job, classes, auditions, agencies, etc.

Any help would be much appreciated.

http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/932105/m/80110769

Not being able to drive in LA will make it quite difficult. It stinks to drive there but if you have to rely on the public transit system you are even worse off. Your first year in LA you will probably not have a ton of auditions so you should go somewhere close to where a lot of classes are(Hollywood, Burbank)

As someone who has spent their entire living experience living in the Valley and taking the Public Transit, I STRONGLY would say to live somewhere in Hollywood that strikes your fancy is close to- maybe even within walking distance from a Train Station. THEN you will be very well off. (Well as best you could be, haha)

It is true that driving is something you very much need to do out here, but your first year is all about adjustment, and "Delight" has a point about not getting too many auditions right out... take a REALLY good class where you can really learn, grow, and has excellent Networking Opportunities. Training is great, but you need to have your money really working for you in a lot of facets.

Also check out Argentum Photo Lab. They are THE best Lab in L.A. they do amazing work, really give you excellent advice on your photos, and are just great to talk to- all employees are working Actors/ Photographers.

Their website: www.argentum.com
or on Myspace: www.myspace.com/argentumphoto

Thanks for the great advice guys!

I am very delighted to be apart of this forum, I will definatly check out Photo Lab.

I figured that transportation will be quite difficult for me. I wish LA Metro was similar to the Bay Area BART. You can be living about 2 hours away from San Francisco, and still get there in 45 minutes through their transport system, and the stations are located in nearly every city.

BART stations in "Nearly every city?" How about San Jose, by far the biggest city in the Bay Area? Nope, doesn't go there. If you live in SJ you have to drive to in traffic to Fremont or Milbrae to catch it, at which point you could have just driven your entire route. If the LA metro were like BART there would be no connection between Hollywood and the Valley. Amazing that you can get to SF from Concord but not friggin' San Jose! Shady politicians are to blame.

Culver city isn't bad. its close to everything, and you can find a decent place for $800. or less. Its cheaper than DC! I miss DC so much. What a great place to get started. Hope your trip goes well. If you can, pick up the L.A. Agent book, written by K. Callan. An easy to read, excellent book. Its vital, in my opinion, to anyone looking to relocate to the city of angels. Peace-