r/MovingToLosAngeles

As the title says, I'm looking to move to LA from Michigan.

I currently live with family and only pay roughly $600 in bills. I would ideally like to move early/mid 2027. I've been visiting LA pretty much every year since 2018 because of friends in the area. I was looking into moving to ktown just because of the slightly more manageable cost of living, ideally stay under the $1,700 range for rent. The plan is to set aside $1,000-$1,500 a month to save and have (at least) 10k set aside for a deposit, first month's rent, and any other necessities needed when first moving across the country. I won't be paying for movers and just starting over while taking what I can on a flight, maybe ship some other things if needed. Any answers and/or advice would be appreciated.

- Ideal would like to make at least $3.5k-4k a month (post tax) at a full-time job at least, while also supplementing my income with other means that currently make me $500-1.5k a month. Does this seem manageable with a max $1,700/month rent in ktown?

- Is March-April a good time to move to LA or should I wait till later in the year? Or try to move earlier, like January-February time?

- Would it be worth it to spend time and money on flying to LA before moving to apartment hunt or see if a friend would be willing to go for me and just FaceTime them as they walk the apartments?

- This will be my first time living on my own and I will be starting over completely in another state across the country. Any advice is appreciated :D

Me (24F) and my long-term boyfriend are looking to move to LA next summer (2027) from the Seattle area.

Seattle is way too gloomy for me, and the people here are not my vibe. I either find people my age who are living at home with their parents still, living day-to-day, or I find those who are dedicated to their career, but all they do is work. I'd love to be back in LA where people hustle just as much as they like to have fun.

I lived in the South Bay briefly for a summer internship in 2023 and fell in love with LA. I'm from the Midwest, and throughout high school and college, I'd visit my older brother in Ventura. I was undoubtedly the happiest when I lived in LA, but I'm nervous I'm glamorizing the past too much. Any advice to get over this mental hurdle would be appreciated.

As for finding a neighborhood, this is what I'm looking for:

- I'd love to live somewhere easy to meet young people and close to the beach.

- Walkability is a huge plus. I've heard Venice Beach is good (though I don't know what the safety ratings are); I also enjoyed Lawndale when I lived there. Any other neighborhoods to recommend?

- Pricing-wise, we're hoping to find a 1 bd/1 ba and pay no more than $3k per month so we can save for future endeavors and travel.

- My boyfriend is a bodybuilder, so a high-quality gym/bodybuilding community nearby would also be a plus.

- I'm not opposed to living outside of the city on the coast; however, being young transplants, I don't think that's the move.

- We plan to get a dog sometime after we move.

More context on my financial situation. My salary by the end of the year will be around $120-130k + benefits. I will still be working entirely remote, and my boyfriend will find a new job wherever we move or find a remote job, so commute to work isn't as big of a factor.

Would love it if you could keep general "don't move here" statements to a minimum. Obviously, I'm aware of the main negatives LA has (homeless population, high traffic, HCOL, large wealth disparity, etc.) and have scanned the subreddit for reasons not to move (LA isn't the same as it used to be, the living expenses are too high, the protests, etc.), but I think my love for it outweighs it all.

Please drop any advice; thanks in advance!

I'm moving to LA (near UCLA) in September for masters lasting a year and a half. I heard that good apartments typically are all leased around August. I wonder if it's worth it to fly in mid-August just to sign leases (I'd prefer to see the apartments in person) then come back in September? I'll be flying from Vancouver so the flights not that bad but its just time and money.

My original plan was to fly in September 1 so I have two weeks to look for apartments while I stay in a hotel then move in right when I sign the lease (which I'm not even sure if that quickly is possible).

Hey guys I came across an apartment and had a friend do a tour I found a 1 bedroom with washer dryer on site that comes with a parking spot and AC in the apartment as well for $1695 in the pico union area is that worth it? I’m not sure if I should keep looking or if that’s a steal for the area since I’m not from LA

After a few posts about this, I think we (30s couple, born & raised east coasters moving to LA for the first time for work), have settled on living in Culver City vs Los Feliz. We haven't spent much time yet in either neighborhood and will be heading out to check out apartments/homes in a few weeks. Opinions on both or either neighborhood? What are their vibes? Pros/cons to either?

We're prioritizing a neighborhood that has great walkability to coffee shops/grocery stores/restaurants/workouts and is dog-friendly. We'd like to be close to the beach & LAX (CC) but 30ish minutes is fine if the tradeoff is Griffith Park & BUR (Los Feliz).

**Note** – Work is closer to Los Feliz but we may only be in LA for 1-2 years before moving back so we're looking for that quintessential LA life

Would love to get some real point of view on MDR!! Thinking of finding a spot near the beach area - is it fun?safe?..etc

We are in our 30s / no commute is needed

I’m ready to do Los Angeles the real way. People come from Out of state, dream of living here, the least I should do is take advantage of my location and not need to make a whole trip across the country to live here.
As someone who has not been able to make friends, but don’t have anything wrong with myself, just lack of opportunity, where in LA would be the best area for me? ( most of my HS classmates had a baby soon after graduating HS ( not my vibe) , my college was remote for 3 years, and I work remote).
I have a dog, want to meet people who are also looking for friends, and I work remotely. My budget is $2000 including utilities.

I considered housemates, but I don’t think it’s worth the hassle of her living with some strangers.
I’m going to feel self conscious preparing food, taking hours in the kitchen, sharing fridge space and kitchen pots and pans, as well as sharing quiet hours/respect others sleeping time, etc

Where would you suggest? Please help! The reason I want to move out is to finally make some friends! I feel it’s so hard to make friends here nobody wants to come to pacoima. My parents are fine and treat me like an adult but I feel like I have no social life and I’m not interested in driving an hour plus to where fun things happen

I’m moving to California and thinking of living in Westlake Village since my job is located in Thousand Oaks and I don’t have a car yet. I was wondering if there were any suggestions on apartment buildings. If you heard anything on Arrive Westlake Village, The Meadows of Westlake Village or if there is anything better in the under 2700 budget? Thank you!

For context I moved to LA from Toronto a month ago for work (First job post-grad). I make 92K a year and signed a lease for a 1 bed 1 bath for 2100 close to work. I wish I could have found a better place but with no credit score in the states it was tough finding anywhere willing to rent. And after starting to get situated, I’m realizing LA is a lot more expensive than I anticipated. I’m not a big spender in general but I’m scared to not be able to save a lot and go broke down the line. 

All to say is, would you consider getting a roommate in my situation? I am allowed to sublet the place so I would do a lease takeover if needed. 

Hello, me and my buddy are moving to an apartment on Motor Ave in Culver City. We’ll have 3 cars but our apartment only comes with 1 parking spot. The landlord said that there is a ton street parking available but I’m not sure how true this is.

Can anyone advise on if there is easily accessible street parking in this area and if we have to pay for it if we can even find it or if we should look at a monthly garage? Thanks

Hi everyone! I’m (23 F) moving to LA at the end of this summer through a job transfer with a budget of rent of about 2.4K. I’d ideally like to live in a neighborhood with a significant Latino presence with young people as I identify as a Chicana that is NOT being gentrified. I would like to live around some parks, grocery stores, and in an area that is somewhat walkable although I know to be bringing my car. I’m coming in as a Chicago Native so if there’s a neighborhood comparable to Albany Park, Irving Park, Avondale, Little Village, Hermosa, that’s kind of what I’m looking for. My job will mostly be WFH with site visits all over the LA area so I can’t necessarily just pick the location closest to work.

(Please no rude comments about trying to avoid gentrified areas)

Hi everyone!
I’ll be moving to LA in late August for a full-time tech job in Santa Monica, and I’m trying to figure out the best housing option before my start date on September 14.
My budget is around $1,300/month for a room or up to $2,400/month if I decide to get my own place.
I recently found an amazing 2-bedroom house in the Culver City/West Adams area for $2,495/month, and I’ve been debating signing the lease and then finding a roommate within the first month. Has anyone here done that? Would you recommend it, or is it too risky?
I’m also trying to figure out the best areas to live if I’ll be working in Santa Monica. I’ve heard people mention taking the Metro instead of driving—is that realistic for commuting, or would you recommend having a car?
This is my first time moving to LA, so I’m feeling a little overwhelmed and would really appreciate any advice on securing housing, choosing neighborhoods, or finding roommates.
Thanks so much in advance! 😊

I’m moving from Nashville to LA next year, aiming for late spring/summer. I travel for work so I’m aiming to be decently close to Burbank airport or by a LAX-it.

If I have work in town I’d have to be going to a warehouse in Simi, maybe 10 days out of the month. I’m thinking Studio City/NoHo/Encino. Is the temperature difference really that bad in the valley?

I’m not above having roommates, since I’m not going to be there half the year. Budget is <$1800. How far out should I visit to view rentals?

Edit: FlyAway not LAX It

looking to meet single woman when I move to la, where are the spots?

We are a family moving to LA in the next few months. We are looking at places nearby to our oldests school in Del Rey, but with a quick(ish) commute from there to Westwood where we work. Is it a terrible idea to consider Playa Del Rey? Being close to the beach and also an easy bike ride to the school is the most appealing part, but if the commute to work both ways will be awful then maybe we need to rethink.

Thanks!

I feel like traffic has been pretty bad with the World Cup happening in LA and can't gauge the average time for traffic. I am moving in a month, and want to know the usual time from Santa Monica to Koreatown during rush hour. I am hoping traffic somewhat dies down when the World Cup is over.

Hey there, so I grew up in Vancouver my whole life but since 2 years ago been catching bad depression because of the weather here. I work outdoors as an Electrician and just seeing so much rain got to me. Ill get depressed for 5 months straight. I thought it was me but I really need the sun. I love LA, visit frequently. But is it a good idea to sort of start over? Because of weather?

Thanks again

Moving to LA for end of July start date (relocating for work). I currently live in a high rise so I’m used to the amenities and convenience. Looking for a high ruse wirh big windows (currently have floor to ceiling - not a deal breaker). West hollywood, silver lake, or just DTLA (open to reccs) . I’ll be remote so really just want to enjoy where i live. Budget can be flexible but up to $5,000-5400 max (2 bdrm)

I’ve come across some good options but once I read the reviews I’m getting stuck - word of mouth opinion or drop anywhere you’ve enjoyed living, feel safe and I would be super grateful thanks

Edit: female/partner w/ her small dog lol and not all high rises, just a reputable easy building youve heard good things about or can attest to! Thanks

EDIT: bc people seem to get mad about this i am doing research but am coming from nyc so truly any insight appreciated, housing/architecture is extremely different there, open to any housing recs that are safe and pleasant

I have lived in LA the last six years, and pretty much every move I’ve had to a new living space has been incredibly stressful. I’m a girl in my early 20s, and having had to move by myself would always mean I am scrambling to find friends who own trucks to help with transport, or even just people who can help me lift my dresser/bed. I feel like no matter the effort I have put into it, moving has always taken me no less then 4-5 days to get fully done:

I wanted to come on here and share my experience working with a moving company for the first time. I had always tried to avoid it because of the cost, but this time around, my sister and I who were moving to a different apartment together felt we couldnt move our heavy furniture within our moving window without one.

I did a bunch of research online and ultimately found Roadway movers, as they had a ton of great reviews.

All I have to say is I don’t think I can ever go back to moving on my own after this - I’ve definitely been spoiled.

First, they give you a customized quote based on the exact size of your move (distance, amount of items, etc) which I appreciated that it’s not one-size fits all. We coordinated with them to have their team show up early on our moving day to get started. And let me tell ya - they move quickly while also taking great care of everything! I don’t know how my sister and I would have disassembled our bed frames (which had been assembled with power tools) or moved our large couch on our own (especially without damaging or scratching them). The Roadway team carefully dissassembles, wraps, and transports everything for you.

And I actually wasn’t aware that they pack up your clothes and miscellaneous items too - so when I say they do everything, I mean EVERYTHING! My sister and I were pretTy much able to sit around for a lot of it.

We were all fully moved in by that evening in our new place. Their team were absolute TROOPERS / I cannot believe they did it that fast. They were also just incredibly kind and even were able to help us get rid of some larger pieces of trash we no longer needed.

All I can say is if you’re stressed about an upcoming move, Roadway made this the easiest move I’ve literally ever had. They’re professionals in every sense of the word. It was worth every penny to save me time, back pain, stress, and the worry of damaging our furniture during the move process.