quote:

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I just got offered a tech job in California. Yeah, I know, not the best place to live. .......I'm making this post is to ask any of you who live in CA what the living expenses are like.

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California rocks and you know it!

You need to tell us what area or city you'll be in, there is a big difference between places; i.e. Santa Monica vs. Palmdale hahaha!!!

danny
 

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Posted by Ron Yost (Member # 1850) on 07-06-2004, 03:49 PM:
 
Gee .. tough question. Depends entirely on where you'll be. But, it's ALL expen$ive, and going up rapidly.

But, it's is the best, not the worst, place to live .. kinda' like Florida without everything annoying that makes Florida Florida and not California (humidity and huge bugs, for instance). Being a native (Californian, not American Indian-type native), I'm obliged to say that. I've never lived anywhere else, so I'm totally un-biased.

Kidding aside, it truly does depend. It's such a huge, tall state. There are, like anywhere else, magnificent places to live, such as Central-Coastal California, where I am. There are absolute shitholes, too. Sometimes the nice and the crap are close to each other, too. Separated entirely by $$.

I think you better just room with Phil for a while. Or, ask Brad his opinion .. he was through here not long ago.

Ron Yost
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 07-06-2004, 03:53 PM:
 
The general rule is, the intelligent, beautiful and cool people live in the south, then the coolness level slowly decreases the further north you go.
 

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Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 07-06-2004, 03:55 PM:
 
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley was great growing up yet is now very very crowded. Living on the Central Coast for the past 8 years has been absolutely beautiful. Expensive yet great. Really depends on where you settle as to how expensive it can be. What area is the job in?

Michael...
 

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Posted by Bob Brown (Member # 1205) on 07-06-2004, 03:57 PM:
 
This web site might give you some information http://www.homestore.com/move/default.asp?poe=homestore

Adam Martin was using some web site for moving information when he was moving from Michigan. to Calif. but I cannot remember what it was. Maybe he will post the URL for you.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 07-06-2004, 03:58 PM:
 
All I know is that the job is in the LA-area. Since it's a tech job, I'll be traveling. I won't be at just one theater. So I guess I could stay anywhere in the area. Where are the less expensive ("less expensive" does NOT equal "shit" ) places to stay?

I'm all for rooming with someone if anyone has a place available. I'm probablly gonna have to do the roommate thing, since it will be difficult to afford a place of my own. I'd much rather room with a fellow Film-Techer than someone I don't know at all. Just shoot me an email. Seriously.

Thanks for your help guys.
 

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Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 07-06-2004, 04:11 PM:
 
Simi Valley has been voted the safest place to live in CA as most of the LAPD live there along with all the Ventura County Sherrifs. From my memory it was also less expensive than LA county and is just over the hill. Also, if you want to go a little farther out try Moorpark or Thousand Oaks. In the other direction you have Valencia and out farther Castaic. Really depends on how far you are willing to drive to get to the different theatres.
 

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Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 07-06-2004, 04:33 PM:
 
I don't believe the natives and long term residents of an area can objectively answer this question. The comfort level of being anywhere for a very long time distorts your view.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 07-06-2004, 04:40 PM:
 
SoCal *IS* God's country! Heaven on earth! Most everyone either loves or hates where they live. We all have different ideas of what we consider "home" and NO one place is better than any other. It's all what you want in/out of life, personally make of it, and your attitude and outlook on things in general.

As has been mentioned, it is VERY expensive in general to live here Los Angeles and especially where I live in the Hollywood Hills. While I feel very "grounded" and love it here, I'm thinking of moving to Texas where the cost of living is about half of what it costs me to live here.

Cost of housing does vary depending on what specific area you're talking about, but things such as food, services, etc really still cost about the same and do not change with an area. Places like Palmdale, a desert community about an hour from L.A., has many daily commuters and COL is very similar to FL.

While all cities have good/safe areas and bad/dangerous areas; if you are seriously thinking of moving into this area, I would research the areas on the web. A good site that compares cities and costs of living is HERE

Yes Clint, Simi Valley is a great place to live...IF you want to be bored to death! I hated it! It was great while raising a family, but after I "grew up", I like the night life...

OBTW: I am not a Cal native. I've lived in Michigan, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida among many places.

Good Luck.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 07-06-2004, 05:57 PM:
 
Phil, I agree about Simi being boring. I could not live there I just mentioned how safe and also how it used to be pretty in-expensive. I also could not live in Hoillywood like you do. There is no accounting for taste!!!
 

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Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 07-06-2004, 06:03 PM:
 
Um...what kind of tech job? Servicing coin-op peep show booths? Don't touch or set anything on the floors! LOL
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 07-06-2004, 06:05 PM:
 
Simi used to be really inexpensive to live there until it was deemed the safest US city for many years in a row. Now it's one of the more expensive places.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 07-06-2004, 08:03 PM:
 
If you are looking for a really nice, safe, affordable community to live in the greater LA area with great air quality, you might consider San Bernardino.
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 07-06-2004, 08:15 PM:
 
Good air quality in San Berdoo??? What's the punch line to this one?
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 07-06-2004, 08:23 PM:
 
I agree Paul! Great place for that high crime rate, gangs and of course that fine air-quality. Air you can actually see!

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 07-06-2004, 10:13 PM:
 
Yaeh. LA's great.

But when you want to brethe and see trees in color, It's just a short drive down the 5.
 

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Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 07-06-2004, 10:33 PM:
 
I spent a few years as a kid in Santa Barbara, then the Northridge/Chatsworth area. I don't know how expensive the Northridge/Chatsworth area is now, but as a kid the area seemed nice and safe.

Rick
 

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Posted by Ray Kaufman (Member # 2351) on 07-07-2004, 01:36 AM:
 
Ken, being originally from the northeast, and now having lived in So. Cal., (which is what L.A. has become,) for over 30 years, I can tell you you're in for an adventure. Hopefully you'll have a few grand and great credit, cause that's the minimum required to live anywhere decent. Expect to spend as many hours driving from point A thru R just in an average day covering over a 100 miles one way if your unfortunate and half that if lucky. To put it in a context you might appreciate, consider driving from Boca to the Gulf coast then back to Miami and finally home. Yes-sir, L.A. and the left coast are indeed a whole different world. As alive and filled with opportunity as one wants, and the pits for those who don't. This merry-go-round don't stop.
 

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Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 07-07-2004, 01:48 AM:
 
Michael!

WTF...recommending S.B? I'tl take him forever to commute, especially during rush hour...and S.B. has good air quality? ? BTW, one of the reasons Norton AFB was closed was because of the crime rate!
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 07-07-2004, 02:18 AM:
 
Phil - Paul - Will: That was irony. It is when you say something that is obviously the opposite of the truth, like "Hey, Phil, you look great today."
Seriously though, I don`t think there is any point in giving Ken any advice until he gives us a little more precise informations. As you all know, the greater LA area is vast. He should first find out where exactly his training will be, and in which radius he will work. Then we can offer him advice about where he should set up camp.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 07-08-2004, 11:58 AM:
 
I usually don't pay too much attention to the info under the member pics. Didn't realize just how many people we have here from CA! I certainly look forward to meeting you all, if I get the job, that is. I'll post more details when I know them.

Thanks for all the info.
 

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Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 07-08-2004, 12:28 PM:
 
Ken, Cheat Commando, Rock Rock On!!! LOL

Strongbad is the man!
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 07-08-2004, 01:21 PM:
 
LOL!! Hell yeah he is! Funny you should mention that. I was just about to change my sig.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 07-08-2004, 04:21 PM:
 
So Mike, only speaking for myself: I'm not a Mind Reader !

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 07-08-2004, 04:41 PM:
 
Oh yes you are, yet only perverted minds!!!
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 07-09-2004, 02:17 AM:
 
Perversion
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-04-2004, 12:35 AM:
 
I got the job today. It'll probablly be a few weeks before I head out there. Gotta make sure I don't leave my theater short-handed. I will be flying out there to look around and get a place first, then I'll come back and get my things and move. I'll let you guys know when I'll be flying out there. Hopefully someone can show me around. I still don't know exactly where I'll be working. More details to come when I get them.
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 08-04-2004, 01:08 AM:
 
Are you working for a secret government agency or are you moving under a witness protection plan or is there any other reason why you still won't tell us where in CA you are going?
 

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Posted by Dave Cutler (Member # 515) on 08-04-2004, 03:24 AM:
 
Or who it is you are working for?

All you SoCal people are out of your minds. NorCal is the place to be.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-04-2004, 08:03 AM:
 

quote: me, the first time

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All I know is that the job is in the LA-area.

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quote: me again, yesterday

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I still don't know exactly where I'll be working. More details to come when I get them.

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If you must know, I'll be working for the same company I am now: Regal. But I don't know exactly where. As I've said twice already, I'll post the details just as soon as I get them.
 

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Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 08-04-2004, 10:10 AM:
 
As someone who has spent a great deal of time in South Florida and Southern California, I would have to say it's a toss-up as far as choosing one or the other.

I hope you plan on having a car; you will need one out there. NOTHING is close to ANYTHING. (There's that gag in Steve Martin's film "L.A. Story" where he drives to his next-door neighbor's house.) You could very well find yourself spending more on gas even though there may not be a huge difference in the cost per gallon.

To answer your question, L.A. is noticeably more expensive when it comes to things like rent. The last time I lived out west, I did not know anybody who could afford to live alone. And, for some strange reason, none of the houses/apartments came with refrigerators.

Another economic factor to consider is earnings potential. Be warned that there are TONS of out-of-work professionals/experts in film-related fields. It's an employer's market out there and the competition for good jobs (that pay decently) is tough. I had no perspective on this until I moved away.

And then there's what I would call "chic tax." That's the cost of keeping oneself groomed and clothed to L.A. standards.

One more thing: I don't know what your current living situation is but if you are presently living with parents and moving out on your own for the first time then you will notice an increase in living expenses. Seems obvious, doesn't it?

I should be residing in Southern California (again) as of 8/16.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-04-2004, 05:51 PM:
 

quote: Manny Knowles

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L.A. is noticeably more expensive when it comes to things like rent...I did not know anybody who could afford to live alone.

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Manny, perhaps you and Ken should live together.

quote: Manny Knowles

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I should be residing in Southern California (again) as of 8/16.

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Cool! I should be residing in Texas as of 8/16.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 08-04-2004, 05:54 PM:
 
Why are you leaving?

Does this have anything to do with us moving there?

...or did that "chic tax" get to be too much for you?
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-04-2004, 07:44 PM:
 
Thanks for the advice, Manny. As far as the car goes, yes, I will have one. It is a requirement, as this is a traveling job. I don't have to pay for gas that is used for work.

I've been living on my own (I've had roomates, but I'm not living with my parents) for about three years. Yes, it is more expensive!

Groomed and clothed to LA standars? Hah! Who can afford that? To quote an old Citi Bank commercial, I'm a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy. I don't need no stinking fancy clothes!
 

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Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 08-04-2004, 07:49 PM:
 
Congrats on the new job!! Get me one too, so I can move to Cali. There's just not enough room in Texas for me and a COOTZILLA!!
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-04-2004, 08:30 PM:
 
A what??
 

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Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 08-04-2004, 08:35 PM:
 

quote: Ken Lackner

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A what??

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Phil.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-04-2004, 08:53 PM:
 
What?

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 08-04-2004, 08:56 PM:
 
Where?
 

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Posted by Jeremy Fuentes (Member # 2135) on 08-04-2004, 10:02 PM:
 
Why?
 

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Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 08-04-2004, 10:10 PM:
 
Because it feels good. Doy!
 

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 08-04-2004, 10:15 PM:
 
You think Cootzilla feels good???
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-04-2004, 10:46 PM:
 
Not that I personally know Cootzilla, but I'm sure he ALWAYS feels very good... especially with his hands.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 08-04-2004, 11:01 PM:
 
Presented in Feelarama!!!
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-04-2004, 11:29 PM:
 
Somehow I have the idea that you are referring to "Feel-O-Rama" from Kentucky Fried Movie.

BTW: Did I ever tell you how much I hate italics? HA!

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 08-05-2004, 12:03 AM:
 
Oh goody! Another button to push!

Example of SoCal rent (circa 2001):

My one-bedroom in a nice part of Long Beach was $835 a month. Older (early '60's) place, big, unfurnished, no fridge, no A/C (didn't really need it), pool, one car garage. Good location, five minutes to any of three freeways, CSULB, and the Long Beach airport; also a couple of miles from the beach.

My previous place about a mile away was a lot newer, smaller (about 500 sq.ft.) and more expensive--started at $900 and rose to over a $1000 a month before I finally got out of there.
 

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Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 08-05-2004, 12:08 AM:
 
See what I mean?

No fridge.

What's up with that?
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 08-05-2004, 12:33 AM:
 
Yeah, I don't get it either. All the apartments I've had in 'Vegas and OKC came with fridges, even the unfurnished ones.

I bought a cheap used one from my new boss about a week after I moved in.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-05-2004, 12:38 AM:
 
My girlfriend told me she was looking around on the internet for appartments, and she found one she thought I would like, except it didn't have a fridge. I told her fughettaboutit. I wouldn't even consider an appartment without a fridge. I thought that was just an isolated case, because I've never heard of an appartment without a fridge. Is this the norm out there? Are there any appartments that do have a fridge?
 

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Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 08-05-2004, 01:40 AM:
 
Ken;

Just sent you an email.

Most apts. out here have no fridge but do have stoves. Required by law I think.
You can get new full-size fridge for about $250 from Costco/Sam's Club out here.
 

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Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 08-05-2004, 01:08 PM:
 
Every apartment I had in Santa Monica and Los Angeles (Venice area) had a fridge with it. With those places I lived near the beach. Now I live in Manhattan and the apartment came with a fridge. About three days after I moved in, they delivered a brand new fridge to replace the one that was in the apartment for some reason.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-05-2004, 01:36 PM:
 
OK, here's an update. I'll be flying out probablly in 2 or 3 weeks to start working, and look for a place. Once I get a place, I'll fly back, pack up, and move. My supervisor gave me the names of some locations that would be good to live in as far as being centrally located to my territory, as well as not being located in the ghetto. They are, in no particular order, Long Beach, Cerritos, Cypress, and Lakewood. Suggestions?
 

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Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 08-05-2004, 01:51 PM:
 
Long Beach and Lakewood areas are nice. I would live in Santa Monica, but it's cost to much now. Where is your base location of the company?? I know you will be driving around in Southern California. This would give a idea of where to live vs. how much you will be driving to get home.
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-05-2004, 02:04 PM:
 
I don't have a base, per se. As a tech, I'll be traveling to each of the theaters in the territory, doing PM and responding to emergencies. There really won't be one theater that I'm at most of the time, at least as far as I know. That's why I want to live as close to the "center" of the territory as possible.
 

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Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 08-05-2004, 02:35 PM:
 
All four locations are pretty nice. Cypress is closest to the hideous 405 FWY and the 605, Long Beach, 605 and 710 Fwys, (so-so), Lakewood near 605 and 5 Fwy (5 sux) and finally Cerritos is near 91 and 605 Fwys,it would be more "central" as it is more inland than the others.

Cerritos is really nice but a little pricy. So is Cypress, I would imagine it to be less central than the other choices. Long Beach you have to be really careful, it has some really bad areas. Lakewood is not too bad at all.

When you arrive I can show you all of these areas.
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 08-05-2004, 05:44 PM:
 
Unfortunately some parts of Lakewood are getting pretty gangy these days. Avoid north and west Long Beach, but south and east (generally around the CSULB campus) are good. As Tony says, Cerritos and Cypress are both good too, right on the border between LA and Orange counties (Cerritos in LA, Cypress in Orange). Many of Disneyland's part-time workers are college students at Cypress Community College.
 

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Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 08-19-2004, 03:02 PM:
 
Once everyone has settled in we should have a Welcome Ken & Manny / Good Riddence COOT gathering of some sort.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-19-2004, 11:07 PM:
 
Not to worry, Mike..the feeling is mutual.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 08-27-2004, 12:44 AM:
 
OK, finally got my travel plans today. I'll be arriving at Los Angeles Monday, September 6, at 11:22 am, and I'll be staying at the Long Beach Extended Stay hotel. I have up to a month to find a place, which means I could be staying at the hotel as late at October 6. Hopefully I'll get a place much sooner so I can come home, pack up, and move.

I look forward to meeting you guys.
 

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Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 08-27-2004, 09:00 AM:
 
Wish I was you. Good luck. I almost had a gig out there when I was with ASC, but they found someone locally to cover it. We were going to live in Huntington Beach.

[ 04-17-2005, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: Tim Reed ]
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-31-2004, 06:02 PM:
 

quote: Tim Reed

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(but Roger Frazee keeps blackballing me everytime someone in your outfit offers me a job - what a milquetoast!)

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So Tim, WTF is that? Shall I send out some local L.A. gang-banger to wack him? You know I take care of *my friends*!

BTW: LUV'd the term "milquetoast"! Haven't heard that one in ages! BUT, it certainly describes MANY people! HA!

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-31-2004, 06:56 PM:
 
Boy do I have a Roger Frazee story to tell but I can't post it here. I would *LOVE* to tell it to his superiors! I agree Phil, he needs some of that..... L.A. tratment.

Mark
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 08-31-2004, 07:12 PM:
 
You could tell us the story using changed names!
 

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Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-01-2004, 09:31 AM:
 
The story you are about to be told is true the names have been changed to protect the big lawyers
 

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Posted by Samuel Hynds (Member # 2610) on 09-01-2004, 10:43 AM:
 
Hay Ken,
From one Technican to another - who has done the L.A. area (actually GCC SoCal area); good luck

You should get a Thomas Guide of this area, to learn about all the flipping freeways we have here. We have more freeways here than in the rest of the country!

Like I said before 'Good luck' - - -
 

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Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 09-05-2004, 12:44 PM:
 
Message deleted.

[ 04-17-2005, 02:57 PM: Message edited by: Tim Reed ]
 

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