Moving from New York to Los Angeles???

[Honey610]

So I have a dilemma and I feel like I'm going to have a melt down cause I have no clue what I want to do.

 

I currently live in NYC. I am not originally from the USA and worked my ass off to immigrate here on my own and be the first person in my family to do so (yay for me! Anyway, I've been living in NYC for a little over 3 years. Like any other place, I have had good and bad memories from being here and I do have a deep love for NYC and always will.

 

About a year ago, I visited the West Coast for the first time in my life (Vegas specifically!) and decided pretty much on the drop of a hat, that I would move here as soon as I could. Because of my immigration situation being a mess initially, it was difficult to find a job in the NYC area and was unable to move the West Coast until recently.

 

So I've been at my current job for about 6 months, and like it for the most part. But I have been interviewing in Los Angeles for the past 2.5 months and just today I received a job offer (much to my surprise!). The thing is, now I'm not so sure if I want to move... no actually I'm terrified of moving. This is the first time in whole entire life, that I'm scared of taking a risk like this. I am not normally like this... being a risk taker is a big part of my nature. I just can't decide what I want to do... and I feel like I'm going to regret whatever decision I'm going to make and am going to have a breakdown and I don't know why...

 

I guess part of it is, I want to settle down, get married and really push my career forward and I don't want to waste time in either place... I guess I feel like time is against me if that makes sense.

 

Anyone here live in either or both cities and could shed some light?

[freeindeed]

I just recently moved back to Los Angeles from Northern California, and I have to say there's nothing like it! Maybe I'm biased because I grew up in LA, but between the good weather and easy access to all sorts of places (despite the whole traffic thing... which really, you just have to figure out and deal with) it's really a great place to live. I have been to NYC about 7 times, and I see why you love it, it's a great city, but I have no idea how it is to actually live there, so I can't make that kind of comparison.

 

I think if that job offer in LA is legit, you should go for it. Be the adventurous soul that you seem like are, and put yourself out there and try something new. If something happens, you know how to survive in NY, so you can always transplant yourself back there. But having an opportunity like the one you have and not taking it, I feel like you'll be kicking yourself if you don't take the chance. Just make sure you have everything lined up before you get out here: place to live, transportation to and from work... otherwise, it doesn't matter what city you're going to, it will be stressful trying to make those kinds accomodations as youre still adjusting. Good luck! And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask

[Honey610]

Thank you Free

 

I know you're from here so you probably have family and friends here already, but would you say its hard to meet people in LA? I hear so many conflicting things about LA being superficial etc. etc. that I'm worried I will have a hard time making friends. I know only 4 people in LA and so far, they've been flaky so that worries me as well lol

[thejigsup]

The people out here (I was born and raised here but have lived all over) are just about the friendliest people I have met anywhere, BUT, you have to make the first move. Shy people will not do well here as most people here are fairly outgoing and friendly. Give a big HI and you're in. I've heard people in the South are friendly and when I live there, they were, but not as friendly as people in L.A. Most people who live here were not born here like me, they are from somewhere else, so we make it a point to welcome newcomers. My best friend is from NYC and she says people are rude and unfriendly there. She likes people here.

[freeindeed]

Thank you Free

 

I know you're from here so you probably have family and friends here already, but would you say its hard to meet people in LA? I hear so many conflicting things about LA being superficial etc. etc. that I'm worried I will have a hard time making friends. I know only 4 people in LA and so far, they've been flaky so that worries me as well lol

 

It can vary and it mostly depends on you. Are you outgoing? Friendly? If yes, then you can make friends anywhere (whether it's LA, or NY). Yes, there are superficial people here (just as there are everywhere), but unless you're in the Entertainment business, it's not that much different. Plus, the people that are in the Entertainment business aren't necessarily native Angelinos. For the most part, they're transplants who have come to LA to pursue their show biz dreams (I know, I dated one... lol), so that rumor is false You're best bet might be the people you're going to work with. Hopefully, they'll be nice and show you around, take you to a happy hour where you can meet other people. You can also join a meetup group, but I honestly have never done it so I cant say from experience if it works well or not.

[thejigsup]

Free is right. Most native Angelenos won't go NEAR the entertainment industry. It is filled with shallow people from other places. Most of us work normal jobs, raise normal families, and are pretty happy people who live in the most wonderful city in the country!

[Honey610]

Thank you Jigs & Indeed.

 

Jigs- I actually did live in the South for about a year and yes, people are definitely friendly there. So if people are friendlier in LA, I definitely have nothing to worry about. Also, the thought of being able to go to Manhattan Beach whenever I want, is literally a dream for me.

 

Indeed- I am definitely a friendly person. I'm Canadian, that says it all lol I've been to LA a few times now and the traffic so far hasn't gotten on my nerves, though I'm sure I'm speaking prematurely on that. But the good thing is, I do love to drive AND I can explore other parts of the West Coast which I've never experienced before. Plus, I'd be close to Vegas

 

It's interesting, cause when I was there last week for these interviews, I met a woman on the plane and I was talking to her about my moving dilemma. And she said, "I've learned in life that you try for things and hope for the best. If it doesn't work out, well you tried. And if does, you need to go with it. So if you get the job, go with it."

 

After hearing such nice things from you both, I'm feeling a little bit more at ease and am really just leaning on moving. If either of you want to get a drink sometime, let me know!

[meoww]

I think LA is a more laid back place to raise kids. Escondido falls in Malibu is absolutely gorgeous! I've never lived in LA but I really like it over there. A lot of attractive and intelligent people too, especially in the science and tech industry. But I'd miss the frenetic energy of NYC and the surrounding boroughs. Andrew Molera state park and Sykes Hot Springs at Big Sur are nice as well. Not sure if you are an outdoorsy person but it's a draw for some. I'd miss the cultural offerings from Manhattan though. Sounds like you've made up your mind, however, enjoy!! If you feel it is the right decision, I'm sure many good things will come your way.

[thejigsup]

We have much culture here, if you look for it. The Ghetty museum, the Norton Simon Museum. all the museums in Exposition Park, the L.A. Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestra, LACMA, Ballet, the many, many, playhouses where many Broadway bound plays open on a regular basis, the uncountable comedy venues, all are part of our culture here. Is it at the New York level, maybe, maybe not, but our weather and scenery beat that of NYC anyday! Our food, however, does take a back seat to that of NYC. You guys have the best food in the world. We are pretty good, but not in your league.

[Point5]

I live in LA and I cant imagine living anywhere else. It is very easy to meet people. Of course you have to make an effort because people wont walk up to yoi to and ask to be your friend. Join clubs, yoga classes, etc...

What part of LA is your job on?

I have been to NY twice and to be honest, its the same traffic wise.

[chitown9]

I know only 4 people in LA and so far, they've been flaky so that worries me as well lol

 

Well, you will find more than 4 people in LA! lived in LA most of my life. I only moved to Hawaii because my husband is here, and, well, you know...I kinda wanted to be with him. Metrogirl is another poster on here who lives in the LA area and she works in downtown LA. One thing you must do when you move there is go to this place named Amoeba. It has any music you want, and if they don't have it they will get it for you. Also movies. It is a huge place with an upstair where the films are kept. Amoebas is in Hollywood.

 

You are going to love LA!!!....ahoha