Reply #28: I've lived in the LA area for 44 years, so

[LibDemAlways]

believe me when I tell you it's crowded, very crowded, and traffic can be horrendous. You will absolutely need a car -and be prepared to spend big money on insurance. Rents are high, too. Not Manhattan high, but high.

Everything else depends on the neighborhood. Close to the beach is always good. The "Valley" sucks - a furnace in the summer - and unless you are on the fringes up in the hills, it's just plain butt ugly. But an apartment on the valley floor will be cheaper than anything in West LA or the beach cities.

If you already have friends here, great. LA is not the friendliest place. People don't necessarily get to know their neighbors, but they are more likely to meet people at the gym, the local watering holes, and at work.

People out here are image conscious and will size someone up based on appearance, clothes, and type of car - unfortunate facet of LA living - particularly if you come into routine contact with the entertainment biz as you will working in video production. If LA came up with a motto it would probably be "Thin is good. Thinner is better."

Things to check out: Trader Joes Market (assume they haven't made it to NJ yet), the view of the ocean from the cliffs at Palos Verdes, and the Hickory Burger at the Apple Pan in West LA on Pico - an LA institution.

Welcome and good luck!