Tips On Moving To California

Should I move to California?

I'm about to enter my second year of college here in Philadelphia... but my cousin is moving to L.A. this September. She's urged me to come with her, maybe transfer to UCLA or some other college.

My question to you is should I?

I've always wanted to leave my house, if you lived here as long as I have you'd understand why. I love my family, but they're overly strict and controlling. I'm almost 20 years old, but despite having displayed responsible and mature behavior, they refuse to accept I'm not five years old anymore and treat me as such. I'm not allowed to do anything without asking first, I have a bedtime, and I'm punished/grounded if I cuss. Basically, I have no life, nor sense of self because I've been so sheltered and controlled my entire life. I'm suffocating here living with my parents and I don't want to live in Philly my whole life.

On the other hand if I moved to California with my cousin, whose to say things would go well? Other than the fact that I'd have more freedom, my economic independence would be shaky to say the least. Also, I've been told that I'd have to go to community college first in order for me to transfer to a larger university like UCLA... so much relies on chance... Not to mention the fact that I still don't know what I want to major in or do with my life.

Am I just being stupid in thinking that a haphazard move to California will be a good change for me? Allow me some breathing room to figure out who I am and what I want? Or should I stay in Philly, where I don't have to worry about monetary issues, yet live a dead life?

I'm just a broke college student who doesn't know what to do with their life and doesn't have emotional/moral support from anyone.

Moving to California after high school?

I'm a 18 year old girl, who's graduating very soon from high school. However, things at home have been going down hill and I want to start on my own. I was planning on moving to SoCal with my family, so I didn't apply for any schools. I figured I'd look more once I moved. Now, because things have changed at home I need some advice. I have the funds to make the trip down there, I just don't know where to stay. I would be okay rooming with people, however I wouldn't know where to meet people that were interested, and I couldn't pay them at first not having a job. I'd like to go to school for cosmetology, buy because that's a trade school I can't get a dorm. Any suggestions would help greatly! Thanks.

I want to move to california..?

Most people who ask this question are unprepared, unrealistic, with no money, no experience, no skills, and no plan.

If you are outside the United States, you will need a visa (even if you're Canadian). The nice folks in the immigration forum can help you with that. However, getting a work visa is extrememly difficult unless you are highly skilled and sought after (such as a doctor, scientist, or A-List celebrity). You need to have a sponsor.

You need a plan: First item on the agenda is rent. A decent 1BR apartment in LA currently goes for $1200, give or take. Nicer areas and areas closer to the beach are much higher. Don't expect to move to Santa Monica and get an apartment on the beach for that much. Or Toluca Lake, or Beverly Hills.

Next, you will need a car. Los Angeles is VERY spread out, and train service is extremely limited. If you don't have a car, you will have to take a bus, which takes 3 times longer to get anywhere than a car.

All told, it generally takes about $3,000 per month to live here. If you don't have a job that pays that much or skills that can get you that kind of job, stay where you are. If you are unskilled and work for minimum wage (or for tips like bartending or waiting tables), you'll only make about $1200 per month.

And speaking of jobs, they are rather hard to come by now. College grads seeking employment are having a very tough time of it right now, since the job market is flooded with experienced people who were laid off. Unemployment is over 12% right now. Not exactly the kind of job market you want to move into.

Finally, you will need money. Landlords want first month's rent and a security deposit up front. You'll need money for food, transportation, utilities, etc. The consensus in this forum is that you need about $10,000 to start out. For most people, especially those just graduating HS, the math just doesn’t work.

So there's your plan. And please don't tell us that you have dreams of being an actor or singer. That sets off another alarm. We already have a million (literally) wannabe actors in this town. Don’t even get me started.

If you are looking for safer areas, go look at www.lalife.com and read the maps. For neighborhood info, see http://projects.latimes.com/mapping-la/n... or check out http://www.neighborhoodscout.com.

Advice on moving to California from Connecticut?

I'm 18 years old, and I've almost completed my second semester at a state school but cannot afford to go another year. I have some savings, and plan to work full time through summer to save more. I live with my parents, but want to move desperately to California from Connecticut. How should I go about this? I want an apartment to rent and get a job nearby it. After 6 months residency I believe I can get a free community college education. Until that point I fear I will be unable to support myself? Is this feasible? What area around L.A. should I move to?

Any advice is much appreciated! Thank you :)