La Survival Guide 2.5 PDF

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SURVIVAL GUIDE 2.5
DEDICATION
I What to pack NEW!
2 How much money should I bring to LA?
3 A guide to LA's short term living solutions
4 Roommates
5 Understanding Los Angeles...
6 The Valley, Central, and Westside ofLos Angeles
7 LA Neighborhoods
8 Finding ajob in LA
9 Survival Gigs NEW!
Table ofContents 1 I 2
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10 Get Job Ready NEW!

NEW!
11 Building Your Resume and Portfolio
12 Assistant 101 Landing Your First Job

in "The Industry" NEW!
13 Driving in LA
14 Living Without a Car
15 Making Connections in LA
16 Dating in LA
17 Say It Like a Local
18 Finding Your Oasis
CONCLUSION
Table ofContents 2 I 2
The Legal Stuff
The author(s) specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk,
personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly,
arising from information gleaned from this eBook. Mention of specific
companies, organizations, or authorities in this eBook does not imply
endorsement by the author(s), nor does mention of specific companies,
organizations, or authorities imply that they endorse this eBook or the author(s).
Internet addresses given in this website were accurate at the time of publication.
The material available in this eBook are protected by copyright law and is
operated by I’mMovingtoLA.com LLC. Copyright © 2018 I’mMovingtoLA.com LLC.
All rights reserved.
No part of the materials including graphics or logos, available in this eBook may
be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic
medium or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without specific
permission. Distribution for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.
Authors of this publication: Justin R. Johnson, Hugo Martin, Stacey Garratt
Designed by: Jonathan Mahan

Dedication
Thank you for your purchase of the LA Survival Guide 2.5. I created IMTLA
(www.immovingtola.com) in 2011 to embrace the next generation of Los Angeles
newcomers with advice and wisdom on how to survive
and navigate this city.
Seven years later, I must say, that was one of the best decisions of my life. I am
amazed to hear from readers who have followed IMTLA since the beginning and
are now successfully pursuing their chosen endeavors. I am always
grateful when IMTLA is able to affect the lives of others in a positive manner, just
as they have affected mine. You all have truly been an inspiration to me.
WITH THAT BEING SAID, I DEDICATE THIS GUIDE TO YOU.
The person who is brave enough to leave the comfort of their hometown and
venture into the wilderness of Los Angeles. What you’ll discover will be
wonderful and incredibly tough at times.
How do I know this?
Because I was once in your shoes. Excited to move to one of the biggest cities in
the world with no real connections and no major career experience.
My first few years in LA were difficult to say the least. I had to learn how to use
public transportation, find a job, a decent place, navigate the highways, deal with
rejection, and the list goes on. It was quite overwhelming for a 22-year-old kid
from a small town in Alabama.
But don’t worry. After reading The LA Survival Guide, you will be able to avoid
many of the issues I had to deal with as a newcomer.
If used correctly, this guide will save you at least 1 to 2 years of wasting precious
time of simply trying to understand Los Angeles and how it works.
This guide features advice and a variety of perspectives from myself and several
great people I’ve met throughout my years in Los Angeles. I felt it was important
to write this new edition of The LA Survival Guide with the
help of others to show you a complete and accurate picture of Los Angeles.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I’VE LEARNED...
Before we embark on our journey into The LA Survival Guide, I wanted to share
with you the most important thing I’ve learned while being in LA and how it has
changed my life. One of the most important things I’ve learned during my time
here is that taking responsibility is the key to creating the life you want in LA.
You must learn how to rely on yourself and trust your own judgment even when
things seem impossible. Only this will help you conquer the biggest enemy to all
of us in Los Angeles, adversity.
No matter how much money you have, connections, or how prepared you are,
you will face tough and challenging times that can potentially break your spirit.
But once you finally start to take responsibility for your life in LA you will find an
understanding and acceptance that adversity is an integral and significant part
of success in Los Angeles. There are millions of people here with the same
ambitions and dreams you have but the ones who survive and succeed are the
ones who stick around during the tough times to see it through.
I’m living proof of that.
So once again, I dedicate this guide to you...the new Angeleno. May you be brave
enough to go through whatever it takes and do whatever it takes to achieve your
dreams in the City of Angels.
Good Luck,
Justin R. Johnson
What to Pack for Success
No matter what situation you're moving from, packing for a big move is one of
the most stressful parts. You probably aren't going to land in a huge space right
away and just schlepping your stuff around is an expensive hassle.
Fortunately, LA is the land of the capsule wardrobe. If you're moving from a place
that has huge mood swings in climate, you can probably cut almost half your
wardrobe: it rarely dips below the 40s in the deadest of winter. Hats, scarves,
gloves, and (oh the horrors!) snow boots can all stay at home-- the most you'll
ever need are super cheap woven gloves and or a beanie, which you can pick up
for about $10 at Target.
Jeans
Jeans are huge here. We're a

casual city and you can get away
with denim almost anywhere.
Invest in at least one pair of very
nice, fitted (not baggy, but not skin
tight) dark denim jeans. No weird
detailing, no flashy logos, just nice
dark jeans. They'll be a lifesaver.
Blazers / Sports Coats
Invest in at least one well-fitted blazer or

sport coat that goes well with your jeans.
Get something muted in dark colors that
isn't too trendy and will still look good next
year. Dress it down by wearing a cool
graphic t-shirt under your jacket or dress
it up with a button-down shirt.
For example, a dark grey blazer works great with jeans
or dark slacks. Wear a patterned or subdued retro
graphic t-shirt underneath it for a casual look (great for
start-ups, ad agencies, etc). Wear a pastel or patterned
button-up for a dressier, but still on-trend look (fashion,
talent agencies, etc.), or a white button-up for a more
conservative look (finance, government, etc.).
Shoes
For the love of god, do not wear flip-flops. But also, don't show up in shoes that
make it look like you robbed someone's grandparents on their way to church. Get
your dress-casual power outfit and find stylish shoes to match.
For women, this is often a boot, or slight heel,

although it's worth mentioning that our professional
heels often tend to be a little shorter here than you
might elsewhere (for going out on the town, sky’s the
limit). Opt somewhere between a kitten heel and
three inches and you'll be set for just about anything.
Of course, always keep a pair of clean, black,
inconspicuous sneakers in your car in case the job
calls for sudden errands. You’ll be glad you did.
For men, this is a dress shoe with a subtle style

element-- a very subtle pattern panel or side trim.
Packing checklist
Stylish t-shirts
Zippered, fitted hoodie
Layer tanks
Button-down shirts (bonus if you can roll up the sleeves)
A nice suit or dress for premieres, events, etc.
Swimsuit
Light jacket (most opt for leather or denim here, especially
for winter and for places with aggressive A/C)
Outdoor workout clothes
Cardigans (nearly every workplace is cardigan-friendly)
Nice non-denim slacks
Fashionable scarf for coldest winter nights and chilly offices
Sunglasses and daily SPF protection
How Much Money
Should I Bring to
LA?
Money makes the world go round....and it's no different in LA. California, let alone
Los Angeles, is one of the most expensive states to live in the country. It is
important to have a nice nest egg saved when you arrive.
$10,000
This is the magical number I strongly
recommend you have saved up before
you get here. I know some of you are
thinking "This is quite a hefty sum of
money to save up!"
What if I only bring $5,000?!
Fair enough, let's do a quick

illustration on how long $5,000 can
last in LA without a job.
Warning: This may get a little scary…

Ready?
First Things First...
When you move to LA you'll need an apartment. Let's say you've found a good
roommate and an apartment for a good price in Hollywood (lucky you!). Your
portion of the rent is $750 and your deposit is $750, so your move-in total is
$1500.
* Quick Tip: Deposits in LA are normally first and last month’s rent especially if
you have little to no credit history.
Here we go!
$5,000 (money saved)

- $1500 (apartment move in cost)
= $3500
Ok, now we have $3500 left over.

Not bad eh?
Don't forget!
You also have a car payment, credit card

bill, and phone bill this month too. Let's
say this adds up to $500.
$3,500 (money left over)

- $500 (bills)
= $3000
Now we're down to $3000.

Oh yes, how could I forget, you do have to eat and pay for gas when going on
interviews. For the month, this might add up to about $350.
Gas & Food

- $350 (gas & food)
= $2650
Now we’re at $2650. Still Ok?
Uh oh, the check engine light is on in your car.
You drove 2,000 miles to get here and the LA traffic hasn't been too kind to your
car either. You take it to the repair shop and the guy in the oily jump suit is saying
something about the carburetor timing belt thingamajig is broke and needs to be
fixed for a cool $500.
You reluctantly pay him while cursing under your breath.
Car Trouble.

- $500 (unanticapated car trouble)
= $2150
Now we have a grand total of $2150 left over – essentially,

you've now spent over half of the money you saved to get
here in less than a month.
At This Rate...
You'll be broke next month if you can't find a job.
As you can see, it can be a stressful situation looking for a job and worrying
about your depleting bank account at the same time.
I can totally relate to this story.
Know why?
Because that was my story when I moved here!
I had $5000 in the bank and by month two I was completely broke.
I was lucky enough to be able to survive during that time with the help of friends
and family. It took me a little under 2 months to find a steady job. However, it was
a completely stressful situation that no one should ever have to experience if you
can avoid it.
I know some of you might not be able to save $10,000 (I couldn't either), but
understand if you decide to bring less than $10,000, it will be an extremely tight
situation and you will have to be prepared to “hit the ground running” once you
arrive.
Some people work well under pressure....
But why make life hard when you don't have to?
Save the money!!!!! (You’ll thank me later)

A Guide to LA’s Short Term Living Solutions
So you’re getting close to your move date and you’re starting to panic. You can’t
afford to shell out a hundred bucks a night at a hotel for more than a night or
two before it’s going to start seriously cutting into your limited finances. But, you
have to find a place to stay, right? You don’t want to jump into a year lease and
it’s very difficult to gauge a neighborhood based on an internet leasing ad (who
knew an area called Country Club Park had such a high violent crime rate?).
Short-term housing might be the answer. (Unless you travel light, you may want
to invest in a short-term storage facility. Luckily, they are easy to come by,
affordable and not actually too sketchy if you use common sense.)
Here is what you’ll likely find when you’re looking for short-term housing and
what you should know.
PODSHARE
If you’re an extroverted soul, PodShare might be perfect for you. It’s a large loft
space converted into private pods in an open space containing a large living
area, kitchen and bathroom with private lockers for your belongings. If you can
imagine sleeping in a very large spaceship with karaoke and live events, you’d
have the right idea. There is not much privacy and its location in the heart of
Hollywood, across from the Improv Olympics does get loud, but a strong
presence from its young owner-operator keeps PodShare safe and friendly.
Rates: approximately $50/day.

Website: http://thepodshare.com/
OTHER NOTABLE CO-LIVING SPACES
The Aviato Club

Rates: approximately $245/week.
Website: https://www.aviato.club/
Outsite Venice
Rates: approximately $65/day.
Website: https://outsite.co/locations/venice-beach-ph/
MOTELS OFFERING WEEKLY RATES
No way. Even if they come with free Wi-Fi or a kitchenette or, in the case of one
ad, a free pizza (not even making this up), do NOT plan to stay in a weekly rate
motel. Los Angeles is sprinkled with seedy motels, even in the nice parts of town
and it’s very difficult to determine the safety and health of them.
This isn’t to say that all hotels and motels in LA are dodgy--small, independent,
brightly-colored stucco motels are a charming part of our landscape and we
love the good ones-- but it’s not a good idea to rely on one sight-unseen. Wait
until you have a good handle on the neighborhood and can really assess the
safety of the local motels.
Check out Hotels.com for a good deal on safe lodgings when you first arrive and
then assess your other options upon your arrival.
Rates: just don’t.

GUESTHOUSES OR POOLHOUSES
If peace and quiet is a priority, a guesthouse

or poolhouse will be the best pick for you.
They are usually small, self-contained
mini-apartments located on the grounds of a
larger single family home. They’re often
furnished and available for a short-term
lease.
These tend to be one of the most risk-averse options for a short-term rental
although the rent can be significantly higher. Keep in mind that it’s rare for the
guesthouse to have a full kitchen, so be prepared to make do with a microwave
and hot plate.
Rates: Varies.
Generally, the owners will lower the rate if you can sign on for a full month.
Usually around $1,500/month for a small guesthouse in a nice area.
SUBLETS
Since these are negotiated between you and the owner or renter of the property,
these run the full gamut. Try AirBnB, Craigslist, Sublet, Flip, and Couchsurfers
and of course, use your instincts and common sense. Be aware that not all
landlords accept subletting and if not getting ousted from your first home is a
priority, you might want to make sure the landlord is in on it before you show up
with your bags.
Rates: Varies by neighborhood, generally

starting at around $700-1000 a month.
Roommates
Of all the major US cities, Los Angeles may have the most booming
roommate culture. It’s not uncommon for people to have shared
housing situations well into their 40s and beyond, sometimes even
after marrying.

Finding a roommate these days is a fairly simple process of deduction;
much like dating, you try to meet with as many people as you can in a
small window of time and then narrow it down to the ones you think
you could imagine yourself sharing the TV remote with.
The best resources for finding a roommate are, in this order:
Posting a message on Facebook asking for leads. You might be

surprised to see the friends and friends-of-friends that are also looking.
Looking at Craigslist ads looking for a roommate. If you don’t already
have a place to live, you’ll likely be auditioning the apartment and
neighborhood as well as the roommate. May as well get both done at
the same time.
Old-fashioned community boards. You’ll find these posted at Starbucks,

the local library, indie bookstores, anywhere with a community bulletin
board.
Roommates.com or any other site that charges you to be matched with

roommates. They’re fine on principle, but really, why pay money unless
you absolutely have to?
SCAMS
One of the things that scare a lot of people away from roommate and
apartment searching online is the prevalence of scams. There’s a lot of
urban legend mixed in with truth on this one, but the basic gist of it is,
yes, scammers are out there and willing to prey on your sense of trust.

Fortunately, the scams are easy to avoid.
They fall into two categories: asking you to deal with a money transfer
as a favor and asking for information that no roommate would ever need
Stuff Your Potential Roommate Doesn’t Need to Know:
Your social security number

Your mother’s maiden name
Your driver’s license number
Your bank PIN
Any kind of login information for anything
Your check routing number
Stuff You and Your Potential Roommate Should Talk About:
How will we split utilities?

Can I have a link to your Facebook or other social media
so I can see what you are all about and if we have any
mutual friends or interests?
What’s your noise threshold?
Any pets? Furniture?
How do you feel about alcohol, drugs, sleepover guests,
etc? (Since pot is legal in California, if you have strong
feelings about it either way, it’s best to get those out in
the open.)
What are your general hours at home versus away?
The Benefits of Having
a Roommate
The biggest savings benefit of having a roommate
is the option of splitting the utilities up 50/50.
Here’s a breakdown scenario of what you might
be looking at saving sharing a two-bedroom
apartment with one other person versus living
alone in a one-bedroom apartment:
------------------------------------------------
Typical One-bedroom in LA: Typical Two-bedroom shared in LA:
Rent: $1,400 Rent: $1,600

Electrical: $50 Electrical: $75
Internet: $50 Internet: $50
Cable: $50 Cable: $50
Parking: $30 Parking: $60
TOTAL PER PERSON: $1580 TOTAL PER PERSON: $917.50
COST SAVINGS: $662.50 per person

per month
A Few Pointers for the First Month:
Don’t leave your valuables around until you are 100% confident they will be safe.
Rent a storage space, take them to work with you or leave them with a trusted
relative.
Plan for the worst-case scenario, even though you’ll probably never need it.
Nobody but you can say what works best for you. For some, it’s a pepper-spray
keychain, for some it’s Krav Maga, but formulate a plan on how you intend to
stay safe.
One of the easiest, cheapest forms of this is to keep a sheet of phone numbers in
your pocket. Even if your phone and wallet are taken, you’ll be able to reach
someone familiar. Don’t worry! Once you’ve been here a month or so, you will
not be nearly as vulnerable.
Also, research! Just a quick Google search can often tell you a lot about a
potential living situation.
Keep in mind that the first housing situation is very often the worst. Just
because you land in a gross place initially doesn’t mean you’ll be living like that
forever.
It’s always intimidating to land in a new city and having to figure out lodgings on
the spot can be a major stressor. Rest assured that most people who live in LA
went through this exact same thing and they turned out just fine. Keep in mind
that safety is your number one priority and years down the road, you’ll be able to
laugh at what you had to endure when you first moved here.
Understanding Los Angeles
When looking for an apartment in Los Angeles, you must first understand that
LA is not a typical American city.
I know that sounds weird, but let me explain...
LA is made up of neighborhoods/towns that have their own unique feel and

quality. For example, if you go to the Silver Lake area of LA, you will find nothing
but hipsters, coffee shops, and art stores, but if you meander your way down to
Venice Beach, you will find mostly hippies, tourists, pot shops, and surfers.
Don't come to LA expecting a big, compact city like New York City; you will be
completely confused. LA really has no central location like a "downtown". As a
matter of fact, Downtown LA is just like any other neighborhood that most
people never have to venture to unless you live there.
The Valley, Central, and Westside of Los Angeles
You'll be hearing about these areas a lot once you move to LA.
What part of LA do you live in?
Here’s a quick overview of the 7 major areas of Los Angeles:
The Valley - the northernmost part of Los Angeles County, known for its
mountainous terrain.
Westside - considered by most to be anything west of the 405 Freeway.
Central LA - in-between the Westside and The Valley.
Downtown - a cluster of micro-neighborhoods in the circle made by the
101, 110 and 10 freeways.
East LA - considered directly north of Downtown Los Angeles
Northeast LA - the area of LA just north and east of downtown past the 5
and 110 freeways
South LA - a rectangle between the 10 and 105 freeways, bisected by the
110
The biggest differences between The Valley, Westside, East LA and Central LA
are the cost of living. On average, The Valley and Central LA are much cheaper
than the Westside when it comes to apartments. In some cases you can save up
to $300 or $400 a month on rent (one bedroom). Each area has its pros and
cons, but knowing what’s out there and prioritizing each spot’s most attractive
features is the best way to figure out which one suits you best.
LA Neighborhoods
Westside Neighborhoods
When you tell people you’re moving to LA, the first place they’re going to imagine
you is in West LA. Home to beaches, skateboarders, celebrities and
astronomically high rents, the Westside deserves its place in the spotlight. No
matter your budget and interests, you’re sure to find the right fit for you on the
Westside.
Santa Monica
It’s an absolutely beautiful city, but Santa Monica’s challenges are as distinct as
its perks. It’s clean, safe and your dining and shopping options are more
walkable than most. However, you can practically see a Santa Monica traffic jam
from space. It can literally take more than 10 minutes to move one-block during
peak traffic.
If you expect to be spending at least a year working in a Santa Monica office, the
steep rental price might be worth it to save the stress and time of commuting
into the city. If you love a full social calendar or work anywhere outside of Santa
Monica, it’s probably not worth the traffic nightmare. Stick to the weekends and
take full advantage of the affordable public parking lots along 3rd Ave.
Average Rent/2 Bedroom (Per Person): $1,853

Crime: Low
Diversity: Low
Don’t Miss: Bay Cities Deli
Everyone goes bananas for this place and

while the sandwiches are delicious, it’s
since just become its own self-fulfilling
prophecy. You’ll either fall madly in love
with Bay Cities or you’ll shrug, enjoy your
sandwich and move on with your life.
(Maybe this is the litmus test for living in

Santa Monica?)
Mar Vista
An under-appreciated gem of the Westside, Mar Vista combines drivability,
proximity to the beaches and affordable rent. It’s a residential area, finding the
bulk of shopping and dining options on Venice Boulevard. It’s a fast and easy
drive to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills or Century City and the affordable
apartments are generally better operated and more spacious than their
higher-end counterparts.
Driving through Mar Vista, you’ll see a lot of surfboards out to dry on balconies --
it’s perfect for beach devotees priced out of Venice and Santa Monica.

Crime: Low
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: The Cozy Inn Bar
It’s like the best small-town dive bar in

America crash landed in Los Angeles.
Order in a pizza or grab a Philly
Cheesesteak from Johnny’s and belly
right up.
Palms
If you and your roommate work in different neighborhoods, Palms might be the
place for you. Apartments tend to be more spacious and street parking is not
too hard to find. Palms has a great neighborhood vibe and you’ll find locals
filling Venice Boulevard’s independent businesses. The dive bars along Venice
and Sepulveda are safe and sweet, giving it an almost small-town vibe.
Whatever takeout you’re in the mood for-- Brazilian, pho, pizza, Thai-- you’re sure
to hit on an outrageously inexpensive gem. For some reason, the Palms is one of
the most affordable vegetarian-friendly restaurant selections in Los Angeles,
several of them making esteemed food blogger Jonathan Gold’s Best of LA List.
Bonus: The Palms has one of the highest percentages of singles in the county.
Go get ‘em, tiger.

Crime: Low
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Bigfoot West
A casual atmosphere, great patio,

attractive patrons in jeans and $5
whiskey specials? Don’t mind if I do!
Venice
If you love the beach but hate the Disneyfication of Santa Monica, Venice might
be more of your speed. Of all the coastal communities, Venice is the surly one
that’s got a few tattoos and listens to punk bands. Scattered among the
millionaires with quirky architecture condos, you can find affordable apartments
not far from the beach.
Being steps from the sand comes with a cost though-- loud neighbors, people
sleeping on the street, questionable maintenance and occasional break-ins are
the tradeoff for Venice’s gritty sensibilities. If you’re in Venice during the week or
early morning on the weekend, parking is actually not too terrible, but be
prepared to shell out the big bucks for parking each time a holiday or beachside
event (like the triathlon) comes into town.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: The Townhouse
An actual speakeasy remnant of

Prohibition, it’s the oldest bar in Venice
and one of the oldest bars in Los
Angeles. The bartenders are friendly,
the drinks are stiff, and the weekend
nightlife is energetic. If you get
peckish, there’s always a decent food
truck parked outside during busy
times.
Playa Del Rey
For some reason, Playa del Rey flies under everyone’s radar for Westside
neighborhoods. Sure it skews slightly older and doesn’t have the happening
beachside party vibe of Venice or Santa Monica, but it does have stunning
housing, charming local places and pristine beaches at a fraction of the cost.
The rents tend to be just slightly higher in Playa but come with far better
amenities. While Playa del Rey’s traffic is not bad at all, keep in mind that if you
work in Central LA, you’ll have to commute through the beastly Venice and Santa
Monica traffic jams.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Dockweiler Beach
It’s clean, dog-friendly (on leash) and

provides fire pits right on the beach.
It’s cozy, romantic and you’ll have
most of the beach to yourself.
West Los Angeles
For the most part, West LA is a neighborhood mostly defined by its proximity to
other neighborhoods. And while the office buildings and wide roads can make it
feel slightly devoid of personality, there’s good housing and local culture to be
found in West LA. Sawtelle and Olympic boasts a Little Osaka, a small and
remarkably clean stretch of Japanese owned businesses and yes, there is
karaoke.
It’s a bike-friendly part of town and there tends to be better busses in West LA,
so if you’re struggling with a commute to Santa Monica or Beverly Hills,
especially a commute without a car, West LA can be a perfectly viable option.
While it can be tough to find a traditional apartment building, there are plenty of
duplexes and rented houses nearby.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Butcher’s Dog
On Olympic and Sawtelle.

Culver City
If there was an award for “most improved”, Culver City would be a great
contender. What was once a rundown sleeper on the south side has blossomed
into a renewed city of gorgeously manicured homes, well-managed apartment
units and a thriving downtown Culver City scene.
You’re walking distance from the Sony Studios lot, a quick drive to the beach and
stumbling distance from top notch restaurants with a penchant for signature
cocktails. Since many of the homes are single-occupancy houses, it can be
slightly difficult to find affordable housing, but not impossible. Checking the
areas just north of Jefferson and along Sepulveda is your best bet for an
inexpensive apartment. Not technically Culver City but just grazing its north side
is the Mid-City area near Venice and La Cienega. While it’s still fairly dingy, it is
relatively safe, and rents are still an absolute steal.
Average Rent/2 Bedroom (Per Person): $982

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Father’s Office
The burger is pure heaven and rich

enough to split with a friend. If you
find their extensive beer selection
overwhelming, just ask. They’ll help
you out.
Inglewood
“Inglewood, always up to no good!” That was back in the old day (i.e., the 90s).
These days, Inglewood is a perfectly reasonable choice for a Westside
neighborhood. If you work in Santa Monica, it’s by far the best rental market
you’ll get with a quick commute. Basically, if you hate being stuck in gridlock,
want a pool and don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, check out Inglewood.
You’ll want to go to Culver City, Playa or Venice for your weekend social scene,
but you’ll be saving enough in your low rent to afford an Uber. Generally, the
farthest northwest is best. (The affluent Ladera Heights on the furthest
northwest corner is known as “the Black Beverly Hills” for obvious reasons.) As
you move east of La Brea, Inglewood starts to get a little run down, but it varies
widely from block to block. Make sure to check it out before committing to
anything.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Compari’s or Pann’s Diner
Pann’s is one of the few remaining

examples of LA’s Googie architecture
of the 50s. Compari’s is tucked away
in a strip mall but the wait staff and
Italian food is just so delightful, it’s
worth a visit.
Pico Robertson
If you need something very close to Beverly Hills or Century City and don’t mind
a nightlife that turns in at 8pm, Pico Robertson might be your ‘hood. Dotted with
fabulous, affordable mom-and-pop restaurants, Pico-Robertson has a notable
mix of ethnicities. On Fairfax, you’ll go through Little Ethiopia, a patch of
mouth-watering African restaurants. (Overwhelmed by what to order? Try the
vegetarian platter at any of them. It’s out of this world.)
Pico-Robertson is most known for its Orthodox Jewish population and has plenty
of kosher establishments to support it. It’s a very quiet, family-friendly
neighborhood during the week but from Friday to Saturday night,
Pico-Robertson’s storefronts lock up to observe Shabbat. As you go north
toward West Hollywood, the area gets younger and hipper and you’re more likely
to find some pieces of a nightlife.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: Low
Don’t Miss: Canter’s Deli
The 80+ year old Jewish Deli, still

open 24 hours a day. It’s not
uncommon to grab a 2am table and
be seated between an elderly couple
and a celebrity type.
Beverly Hills
Really? You’re thinking of Beverly Hills? Why? Okay, maybe you work there.
Maybe you loved Beverly Hills Cop. While there is a certain old school (and old
money) charm to Beverly Hills, it’s not worth the great headache of exorbitant
rent, gnarly traffic and mobs of lost tourists.
Just visit the Beverly Hills Hotel every once in a while to get your fix and live on
the outskirts of Beverly Hills like the rest of us do.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Low
Don’t Miss: The Beverly Hills Hotel
Duck in for a cocktail and ogle at the

rich and possibly famous.
Northeast Los Angeles
An artsy enclave since the 1910s, Northeast LA's vibe is rustic and off-beat
eclectic, brimming with Craftsman homes and open loft spaces, mom-and-pop
bodegas and trendy gastropubs.
Until recently, it was a much cheaper alternative to living in the surrounding

neighborhoods (Silver Lake, Pasadena, DTLA), but that ship has largely passed
and Northeast LA's rents have all but caught up with the rest of them. A lot of the
homes in this area tend to be decent size houses (versus apartment units), so it's
certainly worth the trouble to look for roommates there. Really great roommate
situations have been cropping up in this part of town lately.
Atwater Village
What starts as a peninsula shooting north from Silver Lake, Atwater stretches
up as a thin sliver jutting up along the 5 freeway. Formerly a favorite for early
Disney animators (restaurant and pub Tam O’Shanters was a mainstay for Snow
White artists), Atwater Village is brimming with character and natural inspiration,
particularly as efforts to revive the LA River are bringing back some of the native
wilderness.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Bon Vivant
A European-style cafe with pastries,

coffee, meals, and cocktails in a
charming open air dining area.
Mount Washington
Since the 1920s, Mount Washington has been known for its rustic charm,
fabulous Mexican food, and beautifully hilltop views. Like most of Northeast LA, it
tends to be low density, so apartments are more spacious and more likely to
come with outdoor patio areas and greenery. If taking quiet neighborhood walks
is your jam, you’ll love Mount Washington.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Looking at the sky
A white-knuckled drive up Eldred

Street between 50th and Cross
Avenues. It’s one of the steepest
streets in the world at a 33% grade.
Glassell Park
For being the second largest area of Northeast LA, Glassell Park keeps a
remarkably low profile. It’s that mixture of close proximity and peace and quiet
(Glassell Park’s gang presence are almost entirely a thing of the past) that
makes it a huge draw for families and younger couples, although spacious
Spanish Revival and Craftsman houses are making it a larger draw for
roommate shares.
There’s a lot of speculation that Glassell Park is primed to be the next hipster
haven, especially if the new bike trails are any indication.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: The Polka Polish

Restaurant
Touted as one of the best in LA for

pierogies and stew.
Eagle Rock
A couple years ago, Eagle Rock got on Redfin’s radar as one of the top billing for
“America’s Hottest Neighborhood.” And for good reason: it’s got that heady blend
of small town feel, free-spirited vibes, walkability, and fabulous independent
bookstores, galleries, restaurants, and bars.
Of course, the flip side is that Eagle Rock’s rents have gone through the roof, but
it’s worth keeping an eye out for a great roommate share.

Crime: Low
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: The York
Gastropub named for Eagle Rock’s

hippest avenue.
Highland Park
The geographically largest and northeastern-most neighborhood, Highland Park
has seen a huge cultural shift in the last fifteen years as it transitioned into a
hipster haven. With York Boulevard listed as one of LA’s hottest streets, Highland
Park is brimming with charming local businesses from a sandwich speakeasy
(seriously, the password is “do you sell birthday candles?”), record shops, and
galleries.
Highland Park has a slightly higher density than its surrounding neighborhoods,
so if you’re looking for a one or two bedroom, there are still decent spots to be
had at reasonable asking prices.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Tinfoil
The speakeasy inside a local bodega.

Just ask if they sell birthday candles
and get ready for the best secret
sandwich you’ve ever had.
Cypress Park
The smallest of the Northeast LA neighborhoods, Cypress Park is the quietest
with almost entirely residential streets and few trendy restaurants and bars.
Although home prices tend to be lower in Cypress Park, it’s not a particularly
easy place to get into.
Houses are generally family owned rather than rented and the apartment
buildings are advertised by outdoor sign rather than online listing.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: The Frog Spot
A charming spot to have a craft beer,

catch a concert, play a few rounds of
cornhole and take in the picturesque
LA River.
Eastside Neighborhoods
The last ten years have been a renaissance for the Eastside of Los Angeles as
new residents reinvent some of the oldest neighborhoods and breathe in new
life and commerce.
One of LA’s most diverse neighborhoods, the Eastside is seeing more and more
recent transplants every day, drawn to affordable rent, less traffic and a closer
community vibe.
Koreatown
Much more than a place to get great Korean BBQ, K-town (as it’s called by locals)
is a great candidate for a place to live. Despite its name, K-town is a fairly
diverse community. Not only does it have one of the best nightlife’s in Los
Angeles, it also has one of the youngest and most single populations of
anywhere in LA county.
Koreatown is full of affordable bachelor, studio and junior one-bedroom units,

often in vintage buildings with turn of the century details. Make sure parking is
included; K-town is one of the densest neighborhoods in LA, making street
parking very difficult to find.

Crime: High
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Dan Sung Sa
One of K-town’s best Korean-style

tapas pubs.
Los Feliz
Over the last decade, Los Feliz has established itself as a prime neighborhood
for young couples and 30-something singles in LA. An affluent community with
a strong presence in the arts, Los Feliz is home to a large number of
independent and locally-owned businesses.
Large one and two-bedroom apartments with relatively easy street parking are
easy to find in Los Feliz with impressive restaurants and bars all within walking
distance.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: The Dresden
Made famous in the movie “Swingers”,

where house band Marty and Elayne
have been serenading diners since
1982.
Silver Lake / Echo Park
Establishing itself as the indie rock nexus in the 1990s, Silver Lake is home to
artists, musicians and oh so many hipsters. Sunset Junction provides a plethora
of dining, drinking, shopping and entertainment options with a funky, vintage
flair.
As Silver Lake grows, it’s begun to merge into the northeastern part of Echo
Park, making it more attractive to young renters, particularly after the 2013
renovation of Echo Park Lake.
While there are some studio and one-bedroom apartments to be found, the best
housing in Silver Lake and Echo Park is in large multi-bedroom units split
between several roommates.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: The Echoplex
One of LA’s best rock venues for up

and coming acts
Hollywood
Hollywood is often a confusing concept to LA newbies. West Hollywood and
North Hollywood are not only unrelated neighborhoods, but actually their own
separate cities. And then there’s Hollywood, the term for the entertainment
industry, although most of the agencies, networks and studio lots operate out of
Beverly Hills, Santa Monica or Culver City.
To add to the confusion, the Hollywood Hills area and the general Hollywood area
are technically the same neighborhood, although the Hills are usually just
referred to as “The Hills.” As you might imagine, life in the Hills is pretty fabulous
if you can score a large house with several roommates.
If you’re looking for a single or studio, there are plenty to be found at the base of
the hill although the neighborhood varies drastically from block to block, going
from lushly tropical Spanish-style buildings to sleek high-rise apartments. Be
aware that Hollywood can be loud and there’s a reason people slam it as
“Hollyweird.” If the idea of passing by someone dressed as Batman, a mob of
tourists, a Bible-thumper and someone screaming about lizard people inspires
you, Hollywood might be your spot!

Crime: High
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: The Chinese Theater
The opulent details and brand new

IMAX screen of the Chinese Theater
makes going to a movie an
extravagant event.
Valley Neighborhoods
So, you’ve scoffed in the face of the haters and made up your mind to live in the
Valley. First of all, welcome! Secondly, it probably took you less than two mouse
clicks to realize that “The Valley” is a lot more complicated than it seems.
Rents can start around $500 a month for a room in a shared apartment to
several thousand for a sprawling estate.
North Hollywood
If you’re a little on the fence about being too far away from “where it all
happens,” North Hollywood (aka NoHo) might be for you. Even in rush hour you
can make it to Hollywood in less than 20 minutes, but with the way North
Hollywood has evolved, you might not have to.
Its theater and audition scene has grown large

enough to be a real contender to rising
Hollywood rents. See that part of the map where
Lankershim, Vineland and Magnolia make a
triangle?
That’s the cultural hub of North Hollywood. As you radiate from the triangle, the
neighborhood gets more residential and the rents get lower. But keep in mind
that once you go north of Vanowen or west of the 170, you’ll be in a much less
populated area of town. It’s not really high crime, but you’ll want to exercise
caution and mind your surroundings.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Idle Hour
An iconic barrel-shaped bar and grill

with a fascinating history and a huge
plaster bulldog in the back-patio area.
Sherman Oaks
If your heart says “Beverly Hills” but your wallet says “San Fernando Valley,”
Sherman Oaks is for you. Although it tends to be one of the more expensive
neighborhoods, with a little bit of searching, you can find an affordable small
apartment here.
If walkability and higher-end businesses are a priority, you’ll love the rapidly
developing area around the 405 and 101 junction.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Low
Don’t Miss: Casa Vega
S moody Mexican cantina from the

50s with strong drinks and a very
loyal local following..
Valley Glen
If you love the culture of North Hollywood but would rather live in a house or
duplex than an apartment building, Valley Glen may be right for you. It offers a
good mix of owner-occupied and rented homes, so it maintains a very suburban
feel for its proximity to more urban environments like Van Nuys or North
Hollywood.
Valley Glen tends to be a very quiet, safe area. If you are looking to rent a house
with several roommates, you can find a well-kept rambler home at a great price
in Valley Glen.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Tonga Hut
The oldest tiki bar in Los Angeles,

open since 1958.
Panorama City
As the Valley’s first planned community, Panorama City was developed in the
late 40s for the baby boom of returning WWII soldiers to set up shop with their
young families.
While its had some success in establishing commercial areas and is home to a
decent hospital, the residential areas of Panorama City leave a lot to be desired.
There’s a higher violent crime rate than its neighboring communities and the
rent is really not that much lower than safer areas.

Crime: High
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler

Texas BBQ
An old-style roadhouse with fabulous

baby back ribs and sweet potato pie.
Canoga Park / Northridge
If you’re a homebody, have kids or work from home, Canoga Park and Northridge
might be a good fit. Here you will find safe, inexpensive and generally
well-maintained rentals with great amenities.
The downside is that if you’re looking to go out at night, you’ll be in for a

commute. This neighborhood tends to be a little older and is geared toward the
interests of a 40-plus crowd.

Crime: Low
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Odyssey
A romantic destination steakhouse in

Granada Hills with a gorgeous view of
LA.
Reseda
Reseda
Remember the Tom Petty video for “Freefalling?” That’s Reseda. It’s got a
suburban retro charm to it and a fascinating history as an 80s rock hub.
Apartments in Reseda are usually well-maintained and swimming pools are
ubiquitous.
With only a few aging exceptions, the nightlife in Reseda has dwindled down
from its glory days, so expect to travel if you’re going anywhere but Paladino’s.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Paladino’s & Lake Balboa
Cheap cover, friendly patrons and all

the hard rock cover bands you could
ask for.
If you’re looking for a daytime retreat

from the city, check out the
Sepulveda Basin Reservoir and Lake
Balboa Park.
Van Nuys
Of all the southernmost neighborhoods, Van Nuys catches the most flack from
the Valley haters. It’s generally more run-down and its shabby strip malls
haven’t had the luxury of a big revitalization effort yet.
If you love being the first to discover a hidden local gem, you’ll stay busy finding
charming mom-and-pop businesses in Van Nuys. If a large apartment or
included amenities like a gym or pool are high priorities, you’ll find them quite a
bit cheaper. Van Nuys tends to have a slightly higher non-violent crime rate than
its neighbors, so make sure you have a plan for keeping your car, bike or other
valuables safe.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: The #10 roll at Yagumo

Sushi
It’s thought to be the spiciest sushi roll

in California.
Burbank / Toluca Lake
If you expect to be working in post-production, there’s a good chance your job
will be in Burbank. It’s also home to the Warner Brothers, Disney, Universal, and
the list goes on. Burbank is intensely quaint and it’s clear that “Burbankers”
embrace an aesthetic that almost borders on chintzy.
While rentals can be on the high end, Burbank and Toluca Lake are well
maintained and safe. You’ll also find plenty of local businesses along Riverside
and Alameda. There’s a sprawling well-lit outdoor mall complex in Burbank that
hosts a comedy club, two movie theaters and tons of shops and restaurants.
With the right planning and job, you could go car-free in Burbank without much
issue.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Bob’s Big Boy Burger
The original classic car hop burger

joint.
Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills takes the cake for the most impressive rentals. Although the
rents are a little higher than other areas, they boast pools, gyms, loft-like layouts
and resort landscaping.
Try entering “Warner Center” as a search term as a rental’s proximity to it is

shorthand for a good location. Woodland Hills tends to attract a late-20s and up
crowd and you’re more likely to find people working in industries other than
entertainment here.

Crime: Low
Diversity: Low
Don’t Miss: Brandywine
If someone else is picking up the tab,

Brandywine, a world-class French
restaurant with opulent meat dishes
and an extensive wine menu.
Valley Places That Are Safe but To Be Wary Of….
Malibu
Yes, Malibu is a gorgeous beach city full of celebrities and retired-at-35 types
and it is a perfect day trip. But if you find a place in or around Malibu that seems
even remotely affordable, there is a really good chance it’s a scam. Proceed with
caution.
Sylmar
While it’s a beautiful area and a fabulous hiking trip, Sylmar is too far to be a
realistic commute to LA. So, clearly, Santa Clarita is out of the question too.

Simi Valley
This is the OTHER Valley. Too far away to be a viable option.
Thousand Oaks
Unless you have a great reason to be there, it’s an absolute pain to get anywhere
from Thousand Oaks. Since it’s accessible only from one highway with no fast
side street routes, you’re always at the mercy of the 101.
Downtown Neighborhoods
Beginning in the mid-90s and really picking up steam in the last few years,
Downtown Los Angeles has been in a period of revitalization and reinvention of a
place not only to work but to live and play.
Downtown is the oldest part of Los Angeles with its El Pueblo Historic Core
established in 1781 and growing steadily until the 1950s when urban sprawl and
an increase in affordable family cars drove LA’s population outward. (If you’ve
ever wondered why so much of LA has that 1950's vibe to it, this is your answer.)
The construction of the entertainment mega complex LA Live brought

downtown’s renaissance to a new level. This super lux development spurred a
bunch of investors to buy up old factory buildings and turn them into modern loft
spaces. The price tag for these ranges from about $1800 for an open raw space
(with a kitchen and bathroom) all the way into the several thousands.
Downtown has a grittier vibe to it than much of LA but be aware that it also has
one of the highest homeless populations than anywhere else in the US. Crime
tends to be higher and the streets can get shady at night, so be mindful of your
surroundings after dark.
Downtown is broken up into several micro-neighborhoods, each with a distinct

feel and tone. Although there are several other micro-neighborhoods within
downtown, these are the main ones where you’re most likely to see open and
available housing.
Historic Downtown
This centrally located area of Downtown is changing with remarkable speed with
new independent businesses and nightlife springing up seemingly overnight.
The bulk of new, affordable loft-style apartments are in the Historic district and
it’s very much a young person’s game here.
Bars, nightclubs, late-night restaurants and boutique stores abound here and it’s
generally a little safer for pedestrians, especially on the weekends. What the
apartments lack in size they make up in amenities like exposed brick and
rooftop swimming pools.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: The Downtown Art Walk
Every second Thursday of the month

from noon to 10pm.
South Park
Home to the five million square foot LA Live Center, the South Park
neighborhood is Downtown’s new big thing on the block. Concerts, sporting
events, luxury hotels, chic dining places and entertainment options galore here.
If you’re planning to work in hospitality, South Park is where it’s all happening
and you’d have a great chance of being able to walk to work. (All these new
developments mean that public transportation in South Park is better than
average, particularly in the areas around LA Live.)

Crime: Medium
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: The Standard Hotel
The rooftop pool and bar at The

Standard Hotel. You don’t need a hotel
reservation to get in and it’s a fabulous
view of Downtown LA.
Little Tokyo
Although it’s starting to get pricey, Little Tokyo is an adorably funky
neighborhood with fabulous restaurants and great shopping. At least for the
comparably high price tag, the apartments and lofts tend to be well-maintained
units with cool features.
Just southeast of Little Tokyo is the Arts District which is, obviously, wonderful,
but like all urban Arts Districts, it’s now been gentrified to the point of being way
too cost prohibitive for an actual young artist to begin living there now.

Crime: Medium
Diversity: Medium
Don’t Miss: Eighty-two
The bar and arcade featuring 80s

arcade consoles.
South Los Angeles
Made up of 28 neighborhoods largely between the 10 and 105 freeways to the
north and south, bisected right along the center by the 110, South Los Angeles is
a quickly changing neighborhood. Being at the epicenter of the Watts riots of
1965 and the LA riots of 1992, by the mid-90s, South Central LA had become so
synonymous with riots, drugs, and gang violence that in 2003, the name was
changed to South Los Angeles. Today, South Los Angeles varies greatly, from
restored Victorian-era mansions to some of the country's largest housing
projects.
Of the 28 neighborhoods in South Los Angeles, there simply isn't a lot to say
about most of them; they're highly residential, generally with lower than average
rental prices, street parking, and traffic that isn't too shabby by LA standards.
But let's highlight a few notable South LA neighborhoods.
Baldwin Village
Once a notoriously high-crime neighborhood, Baldwin Village and Crenshaw
have definitely chilled out over the years and are now smack in the middle of a
revitalization project in anticipation of the Metro’s new Crenshaw line. It's a
relatively quiet neighborhood with leafy, palm-lined streets with lush foliage and
beautiful original mid-century apartments at affordable prices.
The biggest downside? If your unit doesn’t come with an assigned parking space,
you’ve got a frustrating parking space search ahead of you. While accessibility to
public transportation is quite good in the area, be cautious of walking alone at
night— the rate of theft and mugging is still a bit higher than many areas.
Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1,200

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Kenneth Hahn State

Recreation Area
A 338 acre with spectacular views of

the city, hummingbird gardens, grills,
and winding hiking trails.
West Adams
Lined with 1900s bungalows and Craftsman homes, West Adams and Jefferson
Park are somewhat sleepy neighborhoods with about a 50/50 split of renters
and homeowners. The blocks tend to be low density (yay, street parking),
tight-knit with neighbors and enjoys a low crime rating.
While there aren’t a substantial number of apartment buildings in the area,

several larger homes have been divided into duplex units or are being adapted
for USC student housing. The area isn’t great for public transportation, but the
Expo line and upcoming Crenshaw line are within decent biking distance.
Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1,400

Crime: Medium
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Delicious Pizza
A hip-hop pizza shop that still sells by

the pie or the slice.
Exposition Park
University Park
Vermont Square
These three areas, toward the northeastern corner of South LA, are right up next
to the University of Southern California, Mount Saint Mary’s College, Hebrew
Union College, the Museum of Natural History, and the Memorial Coliseum
Stadium with not one, but two metro stops.
But there’s a huge catch: the area suffers from some of the city’s highest rates of
crime, overcrowding, poverty, and poor housing conditions. This isn’t to say that
the whole area is a no-go zone, but it’s certainly something to approach with
extra caution and self-reflection before you commit

Crime: High
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: The Museum of Natural

History
The biggest historical museum in the

United States.
Watts
Yes, the small community of Watts became internationally known as a result of
the riots of 1965 and was for decades afterward plagued with violence, gang
presence and general blight. Decades of poor maintenance of public housing
projects like Jordan Downs, Imperial Courts, and Nickerson Gardens stigmatized
Watts further.
While it’s true that Watts still has a long road ahead, there’s a huge ongoing
effort to revitalize the community. The long drive into most of central LA and a
shortage of nearby jobs make Watts a poor choice for someone relocating, but
it’s worth pointing out that the once infamous crime rate has been steadily
decreasing. Don’t be afraid to check out the Watts towers, the art center, or order
a world-famous Whipper Burger— it’s a community that still has a lot going for
it.

Crime: Medium-High
Diversity: High
Don’t Miss: Hawkins House of

Burgers
Home of the Whipper, one of LA’s best

burgers, in the shadow of the famous
Watts Towers sculpture.
FINDING A JOB IN LA
Finding a job will be the most important thing to do when you move to LA. If
you're fortunate enough to have a job lined up before you move, congratulations!
You're ahead of the game.
But, for those of you still in search of a job, you must hit the ground running! Your
first plan of action should be to determine the level of need you have for income.
If you have at least 6 months of living expenses saved up before moving to LA
($10,000) I recommend looking for traditional jobs that offer benefits along with
other perks. These jobs will take longer to secure (30-90 days) but do offer more
stability than a part time or temporary job.
But if you don't have at least 6 months of living expenses saved up, I highly
recommend using the services of a staffing company to help you quickly find a
temporary job.
What are Staffing Companies and Temp Agencies?
Staffing companies and temp agencies are companies that will place you in
temporary positions with other companies for a certain period of time.
Temporary workers may work full-time or part-time, depending on the
individual’s assignment.
In some cases, temporary workers receive benefits (i.e. health insurance), but
usually benefits are only given to permanent employees.
Temporary Jobs are a Great Way to Make Fast Money
Staffing companies are an excellent way to make quick money. With their
numerous contacts and networks throughout Los Angeles, they can provide you
with access to temporary jobs (depending on the staffing company) in various
industries, including major entertainment companies. The type of temporary
positions can vary but the majority of will be administrative based (answering
phones, faxing, responding to emails, etc.).
Quick Entertainment Tip:
If you’re looking for a full-time position in entertainment with little to no prior

experience, staffing companies are the way to go. I’ve had several friends turn
their temporary positions into full-time positions with major entertainment
companies like CAA, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros. and others. Be sure to make
a great impression!
The great thing about staffing companies is that LA has a fair amount of them.
So, the chances of you finding a temporary assignment rather quickly are good.
Most staffing companies can find you an assignment within 2 weeks to a month.
Be sure to brush up on your Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Word skills
because 99% of staffing companies will test you on this before they will place
you on any assignment. Don’t worry, the testing isn’t that hard; just make sure
you have a general understanding of how these programs work.
Negatives of Temporary Work
Temporary work is an excellent solution when you need money quick. However,
there are some downsides that come along with it.
The length of your assignment will vary depending on a company’s needs, as
some assignments may only last a couple of days, while others might last for
several months.
In addition, keep in mind that you may be placed in a job you may not necessarily
like. Please be clear with your staffing agent on what jobs you are willing to take
and what pay you are willing to accept. This will prevent problems in the future.
I suggest treating staffing work as a short-term solution while you get on your
feet and seek a more permanent solution for stable income.
Quick Tip: Staffing companies usually pay $15-$20 hour
Shortlist of Reputable Staffing Companies:
Ultimate Staffing
Friedman Agency
Creative Circle
Elite Placement Group
Zimmerman & Associates
Culinary Staffing
Comar Agency
Act-1
AppleOne
Matura Farrington
Office Team
Ajilon
Career Group
Avenica
Kelly Services
Man Power
SURVIVAL GIGS FOR MONEY NOW!
Practically everyone in LA has a little side hustle. Whether it's during the salad
days of a new creative career, the lean paying days of entry-level, stretches
between gigs, or just the desire to have a little extra financial cushion, it pays to
have an extra way to make cash fast.
Where a lot of people get lost in this is trying to figure out what their side hustle
should be. The easiest way to ask yourself honestly: What can you do that other
people find difficult or annoying?
That's it. Where you can answer that question, you'll find your side hustle. Here
are a couple popular options:
Uber / Lyft
Super popular ride-share service. Work around your schedule giving rides to
strangers in your own car.
Pros
Truly flexible schedule with 24/7 options
Easy to work for the most lucrative shifts
Get paid to discover new parts of the city
Cons
You must have a newish car, free from
damage
Vehicle wear and tear, including miles and
gas costs
Wanna do Lyft but don't have a car?
Lyft recently launched a pilot program called Express Drive that helps you
cover a rental car with insurance and maintenance included.
Upwork
Take remote freelance assignments in your field and get paid through the site’s
escrow.
Pros
Excellent way to build and diversify your
work portfolio
Some clients are great for networking
Easy to adjust for variety and schedule
Effective way to practice new skills
Cons
Many embarrassingly low-paying requests
Some unprofessional clients
Takes a lot of time just searching for new
work
Central Casting
Be a background actor or extra in a variety of TV, film, and digital media shoots.
Pros
Real world entertainment experience
Networking opportunities with other
emerging actors
Generally fun and easy work
Cons
Shoots are often last-minute notice
No guarantee or predictability of available
work
Zero tolerance policy for cancellations
Handy
Schedule your own hours as a housekeeper or handyman through their app.
Pros
Generally easy work
Necessary supplies are inexpensive
Possible to do without a car
Pay starts at $22/hour
Cons
Client cancellations can affect predictable
income
Repetitive movements can be tiring
Encounters with nasty messes
Wag / Rover
Schedule dog-walking or dog sitting in your home or the client's home.
Pros
Get paid to be around animals
High instance of regular clients
Get paid for getting your daily cardio steps in
Cons
Unpredictable animals
Unpredictable hours
Unpaid time traveling between clients
Upwork takes a cut of your final payment
TranscribeMe!
Watch television, commercials, and movies while writing down every work of
dialogue for closed captioning.
Pros
Easily done at home
Low startup costs for software and
transcribing pedal
Pay can go up to $30/hour for fast
transcribers
Cons
Very tedious, often boring work
Little room for error
No guarantee of steady work
Postmates / Instacart
Similar to a courier service, but lets you drive orders from customers
individually from retailers. Instacart tends to focus more on grocery delivery,
while Postmates tends to draw customers for restaurant and non-grocery retail
goods.
Pros
Can make $25 an hour plus tips
Best hours are often when you’re already on
the road
Can see the end location ahead of time, easy
to avoid going off-course
Cons
No control over restaurant wait times
resulting in late orders
Lack of parking can throw you off and cause
delays
Many customers tend to tip less than they
would an in-house delivery driver
Task Rabbit
Be available on-call for a variety of tasks for both skilled and unskilled labor.
Pros
Always something new, opportunities to
constantly change
Ability to set your own rate
Can cultivate repeat clients for steadier
income
Cons
Unpredictable pay and flaky clients
Ability to set own rate incentivizes
undercutting rates
TaskRabbit takes a 30% cut of final pay
GET JOB READY
Depending on where you’re coming from, you might be entering a total different
job market when you move here. No matter what industry you’re pursuing, it’s
competitive out here.
Take a good, hard look at your resume.
I don’t mean “brush up” your resume. I mean, go over it with a

fine-tooth comb and ask yourself why each and every line is there.
Are you listing your out of state address? Take it out. Listing work
you did for a local production house? List your top clients and specify
the nature of the work you did. Make sure it’s easy to read, clear
what you’re going for, and never, ever more than 2 pages TOPS.
Check your cell phone.
If your buddies think your voicemail message is hilarious, keep in

mind your hiring manager probably won’t. Keep it professional and
save the jokes for the stage.
Prepare at least two cover letters.
Chances are, you’ll be applying for at least two kinds of jobs while
you’re here. If you have tangentially related skills, it doesn’t hurt to
create a cover letter for both of them.
For example, you might be looking for a position doing entry level
assistant work for an entertainment company and you also have
social media skills. Create one cover letter that puts your social
media work front and center and one that prioritizes your
administrative work. The art of a good cover letter is in the way
you’re positioning your full breadth of skills.
Beware of the ego.
If you roll into town announcing yourself as a

writer/producer/musician/actor/chef, expect to get some raised
eyebrows. Yes, you contain multitudes. But it also shows that your
ego is getting in the way of your ability to self-edit and determine
how to present yourself. Prioritize your strengths and let your work
speak for itself.
Let the hot air out.
Think you’re the next hot thing that’s gonna land in LA and blow
everyone’s minds? Fantastic; let’s see it. In the meantime, be humble
and get to work. Egos are rampant here and yours isn’t going to
impress anyone. Your stellar work ethic is what will open doors.
If possible, show your work.
Your resume should only be a page or two. Your cover letter, no more
than a few paragraphs. But your portfolio is your chance to shine
and show real life examples of what you’re capable of. It’s good to
have at least one portfolio at the ready should a prospective
employer ask to see it.
BUILD YOUR RESUME & PORTFOLIO

If you're in the creative field, you already know you're in for some tough
competition here. While there are lots of jobs and opportunities here, there are
just as many newbies all scrambling for the same first-step positions. If you're
coming to LA early in your career, be prepared for a struggle. There's great
pay-off, but getting in the door is going to be tricky.
Even a great portfolio of work from school might not cut it here. Your potential
employer is going to want to see how you are growing your portfolio. They want
to see that you can do it outside the classroom.
Option 1: Intern
I know, I know. You can't pay your rent with internship credit. The hard truth is
that interning at a fabulous company now and breaking your butt to make ends
meet is actually doing a huge favor for future-you. You want to work for the
biggest and most prestigious companies early in your career. That's setting you
up for an easier path for better entry-level industry jobs, which sets you on an
But on the flip-side, you need to be totally honest with yourself about the
internship and what you can reasonably offer. A no-name company that's hiring
you as an art director isn't going to be half as valuable as being the coffee-order
intern at a major network. (Remember that if the company is hiring you to do
something they actually can't do themselves, you gotta be paid!)
Consider a part-time internship-- you'll have more time to make money and
you'll be in better mental and emotional shape when you're there.
Set an end date from the start. This alleviates the dreaded awkward fizzle-out. It
also sets a very clear date where your employer knows they have to either lose
your help or hire you.
Option 2: Volunteer
If you want to work on your craft but don't have the time to commit to an
internship (or if you're switching careers), consider making the offer for
volunteer work. Your success with this will definitely depend on your actual
medium; a graphic designer or web developer will get the red carpet, a dancer
or animator will get some weird looks.
If you have something that a charity can reasonably use, make an offer to do
work on spec. That way, you'll have a completed project and a glowing
recommendation for your work ethic and pleasantness. (Charities tend to be
great about this.) Small charities and non-profit groups are A-ok for this, but be
wary of doing free work for businesses early in your career. Not only do they
usually end badly, but you're undermining paid work for other early-career
workers.
Do a little homework about independent non-profits and charities in LA. Steer

clear of big ones with several chapters and stick to small up-and-coming
groups. The level you'll interact with them at will be closer to an actual client
relationship and more valuable to you.
Be super gracious and transparent when you cold-call. Politely let them know
that you're building your portfolio and ask if they would be interested in using
your services free of charge in exchange for some portfolio work and
recommendation.
Pitch projects that are small, doable, and fill a specific need. Creative elements
for upcoming events (posters, web sites, videos, etc) or small-scale projects (a
social media campaign, an informative app, photography, etc) fit the bill.
EXAMPLE EMAIL:
Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],
As someone new to Los Angeles currently pursuing [Your Goal Industry], I really
love the work you are doing with [Specific Goal They Are Currently Working On].
What really resonates with me is [Something Genuine and Truthful].
I am currently building up my portfolio and I would love to provide [Your Specific

Skill] for you, as a volunteer. I studied [Your Major] at [Your School] and have [List
Any Major Successes You’ve Had or Anything Notable].
Please let me know if this is something you would be willing to discuss. I’m more
than happy to work with you to fill your needs in [Your Skill Set] on a volunteer
basis.
Thanks for reading.
For Example…..
Dear Susan,
As someone new to Los Angeles currently pursuing a future in writing, I really

love the work XYZ Animal Rescue is doing with small dog rescue and
rehabilitation. I have a rescued min pin mix and she’s the light of my life!
I am currently building up my portfolio and I would love to provide some digital

advertisements for you, as a volunteer. I studied advertising at Art School U and
have a portfolio of spec work from my senior level coursework and internships. I
was the Student of the Year and can provide samples upon request.
Please let me know if this is something you would be willing to discuss. I’m more
than happy to work with you to fill your needs in digital advertising copy on a
volunteer basis.
Thanks for reading.
Download Example Email (Word Format)

Option 3: Freelance
If you have some experience under your belt and just need to grow your skills
and diversify, freelance is a great way to invest in your future and still get paid.
Be warned that when you're starting off, there's a good chance you will be paid
much less than you're worth. Power through it and know that this too shall pass.
This strategy is especially great when you simply need to pick up one or two
referrals to demonstrate a tangential skill (for example, going from writing to
editing or going from graphic design to logo design). Where to find freelance gigs
will depend on your specific field, but Upwork, Craigslist, Virtual Vocations, and
MediaBistro are great places to start.
Be realistic with how much your time is worth. Set clear parameters of what the
project entails and how many revisions are included in your price.
Don't undercut yourself. If you add up the hours spent, please make sure you are
making a reasonable hourly rate. It hurts everybody when you teach clients that
they can expect hours of labor for a five-dollar bill. Don't do this.
ASSISTANT 101
Landing Your First Job in "The Industry"
If you're lucky, your time as an assistant will be a breezy stepping stone that
brings you closer to your dreams. If you're not, it'll be an underpaid hell you'll be
discussing in therapy for years to come. But hey, we've all been there. And for a
lot of dream careers, it's really the only place to start.
Even if you aren't relocating for an entertainment industry or industry-adjacent

field, a lot of the expectations and rules are the same. Take heed and make the
most out of your entry level assistant hazing.
Take whatever the GPS arrival estimate is and add 20 minutes.
It's shocking what can cause a 20-minute delay on the LA roads. Once you factor
in parking, slow front desk security check-ins, and fickle traffic, it's incredibly
easy to lose 20 minutes going to an unfamiliar place.
Keep at least 2 changes of clothes and shoes in the car.
One costume change is relaxed jeans, a lightweight shirt, and sneakers for when
your boss suddenly decides that you need to help unload boxes, clean a set,
shovel manure, whatever, and you're in your nicest suit. The other is a change of
understated work clothes (black slacks, button down shirt, nice shoes) for
emergencies, like an unexpected walk of shame or when you have to brake
suddenly and end up sloshing an entire venti latte on yourself.
Do little things perfectly.
When you lay out your boss's trades in the morning, fan them out neatly on his
desk. Make sure papers are neatly stacked and perfectly stapled. Find out if he
likes his scripts printed single or double sided, bound with AccuPro binder or
brads, and deliver them this way every time.
Learn how every button on the complicated phone transfer system works and
how to transfer callers back and forth without hanging up on anyone. Learn who
your boss talks to, how to spell their name correctly, and who wants their
managers, personal assistants or spouses cc'ed on emails. This stuff is easy, but
it's important.
Make your boss's contacts feel important.
A quick way to get on someone's bad side is to ask them for their call-back
number more than once. It tells the person that you judged them as not
important enough to keep track of and spills the beans that they're probably not
in your boss's top contacts either. Keep your own searchable log and constantly
add to it. Add every detail you learn about them and commit it to your log. Your
goal isn't to work for your boss forever and this is the way you start impressing
people beyond your desk.
Don't indulge in the fantasy of slipping your own stuff through.
Don't show up and ask your boss to read your script, come to your showcase,
take a look at your head shots, or listen to your demo. And certainly never
submit any creative materials unsolicited: this not only makes you look
unprofessional, but it can open your boss up to legal liabilities. You are there to
show your boss that you can handle responsibility. Do that first. If he's interested,
he knows where to find you.
Be proactive in showing your responsibility.
You have reached assistant zenith when you're giving your boss things he needs
before he even knows he needs them. One easy way to start is by giving him a
total workload run-down at the beginning and end of the week. Monday
morning's notes should be a quick read list of everything on the agenda for the
week. Friday afternoon's list should be a status report on where all his projects
are at. Try to get this to him in the afternoon so you still have time to put out any
fires when he realizes he’s overlooked something.
Try not to take it personally.
Those horror stories of nightmare bosses? They're almost all true. If you're
sensitive (which many creative people are), just getting screamed at and
threatened can be day-ruining. Try not to let it get you down. Do yoga, have an
afterwork ritual, cry on the drive home, burn off that rage energy at a show,
whatever it takes to take it all in stride. After a month or two, it isn't so bad.
Be insanely discrete.
It's super tempting to blab. You have access to a script that nobody's read yet.
Casting offer details for huge films. Scandalous emails. Addresses and personal
phone numbers of celebrities. Don't do it. It just isn't worth it. Once it leaves your
hands, you have no control over it. This is really the stuff that ends careers.
How to Answer the Phone (No, Really)
As an assistant, you're expected to be tight-lipped. Until you know with 100%

clarity who you can relax around, treat your boss's information like it's Fort Knox
gold.
Answer the phone: "This is So-and-So's office."

When they tell you who is calling: "Please hold while I try him."
When you connect them: "Here's So-and-So."
If the boss isn't there or does want to talk: "I don't have So-and-So, may I take a
message?"
Everyone will know what you mean when you "don't have" your boss. This means
your boss is in a meeting, out on set, rushing a deadline, ignoring that caller
forever, having lunch, running for office, having an affair, you name it. When you
"don't have" your boss, you aren't giving ANY information up to the caller. This is
hugely important and should be followed to the letter unless you're specifically
told otherwise.
Assistant Glossary:
Avail - short for "availability," referring to whether or not someone is already

committed to a conflicting project.
CB - short for "call back." That's it.
Coverage - providing a Cliff's Notes version of a script, along with a general

feeling of whether or not it's worth pursuing in terms of "pass," "consider," or
"recommend." The scripts you've passed on are referred to as the "slush pile."
Drive-on - a kind of guest list you need to be added to before you can drive onto
a studio lot.
General - a meeting without a super specific agenda where the possibilities of

working together are addressed. Usually used for potential new clients.
Getting drinks - Scheduled at a bar around 7pm. Try your best to reserve a table.
Getting lunch - Scheduled between 12:30 and 1pm. Definitely reserve a table.
Left word - left a message.
Literary - can be an agent or manager for traditional authors, but is often for
screenwriters, non-fiction writers, ghostwriters, and TV writers.
Dropped call - you were transferring someone and you accidentally hung up on
them. Everyone has dropped a call at some point. It is highly embarrassing and
will probably earn you a screaming earful from your boss.
Mailroom - the entry point before an assistant position, the mailroom is where
scripts are printed, resumes are filed, DVDs are copied and mail is delivered.
Don't snub a mailroom position; it's by far the best conduit to your first assistant
position.
Pilot season - the time between January and April when new TV shows are cast.
If you're working as an assistant for an agency or manager, get ready to live in
the office during pilot season.
Project - a generally polite way to refer to something that someone is working

on that doesn't exist yet. Things that haven't gotten the official greenlight yet are
usually referred to this way.
Rolling calls - connecting your boss to phone calls, either when he's in the office
or driving. You're expected to stay on the line and take notes.
Staffing season - Mid-April through June when TV shows hire staff writers. Not
as crazy as pilot season for most assistants outside literary, but valuable to pay
attention, especially if you're an aspiring writer.
Trades - The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline.
DRIVING IN LA
Los Angeles is a car culture and while you can make it work without a car
eventually, you’ll be expected to have one at the ready. Fortunately, finding a
used car is relatively easy-- try the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley
and the South Central area for used cars that haven’t already been picked over
by new transplants.
Keep in mind that you’ll have a whole new set of criteria when you’re car
shopping. You don’t need four-wheel drive. You don’t need something that
“really handles” in the snow or rain. What you need is something with killer gas
mileage and a decent enough safety rating that your mom can sleep at night.
Check to make sure that the car you purchase passes its smog test (ask for the
certificate of inspection) and is eligible for CA registration at the DMV. While
you’re there, you may as well get your new California license and plates. A
California license is required by law and out-of-state plates make you a target
for both vehicle break-ins and traffic cops. Why risk it?
Once you’ve got your ride, your gas and your DMV clearance, congratulations!
Your next task is to make heads or tails out of the vast urban sprawl that is Los
Angeles. Thankfully, we’re in an age where this is easier than ever. If you have a
smartphone, I highly recommend the free GPS app, Waze. It uses real-time data
from its users and is astonishingly accurate with its traffic times and re-routes
to avoid delays.
If you don’t have a phone that supports this, the Garmin line of GPS systems are
the standard for newbies. Along with your newfangled techno-gadgetry,
purchase an old school paper atlas, you know, the kind grandpa used to use.
Your phone might lose its signal, your GPS might die out, but your Thomas Guide
Road Atlas will always be there.
One of the biggest benefits to having maps around is that you’ll start to see Los
Angeles like a native. You’ll be able to gauge distances, add extra time for
freeway junction areas and avoid congestion. While there are a million little
tricks you’ll pick up along the way, here are a few cheats to keep in mind.
The 10
The 10 is one of two major east-west freeways in LA. By now you’ve probably
picked up that we don’t say “Highway 10” or “I-10.” We say “the 10.” (Don’t be a
nerd, it’s “the 10.”) It goes from the Pacific Ocean, through pretty much all the
central LA neighborhoods, winds around downtown and trails off into the San
Gabriel Valley and beyond. The 10 is a temperamental beast and requires a little
work to use it to its best potential. During peak times, it’s fairly open from the
110 junction to about La Cienega, where drivers cut through to avoid 405 traffic
from the airport. If the 10 is backed up west of La Cienega, try exiting and going
north to Pico Boulevard. Pico follows the 10 fairly closely throughout and you’ll
avoid a lot of the 405 junction traffic.
The 101
The 101 is the other major east-west freeway and it serves the San Fernando
Valley through Hollywood and trickles down through the eastern neighborhoods
and ends at the base of Downtown. The 101 is typically way faster than the
other freeways during the week, a huge selling point for the Valley.
Whereas the other freeways are clear during weekends and holidays, the 101
does manage to get quite a bit of traffic every now and then as Angeleno’s make
a pilgrimage to Malibu for the weekend.
If traffic on the 101 is bad, pop off at some point and give it a shot on Ventura
Boulevard. Between White Oak on the west and Cahuenga on the east, Burbank
Boulevard is another viable alternative, although be aware that it does veer north
a little toward downtown Burbank.
The 405
The 405 is notorious for its dead stand-still traffic jams, continuous construction
and regular accidents. Since it is pretty much the only conduit from the valley
through west LA down to the airport, there’s always a steady stream of travelers.
If it’s really backed up, try following Sepulveda north or south-- it traverses
basically the same route as the 405 through to the airport and up into the valley.
If you’re going from the Valley into the Central LA area (say, for Hollywood, West
Hollywood or Beverly Hills), try Beverly Glen or Laurel Canyon. Both are
slow-moving roads but they have considerably less traffic and are the only other
north-south options form the valley.
Quick Tip: There’s something less psychologically taxing about winding your
way through a slow-curving road that stop-and-go freeway traffic, even if the
road time is the same.
Wilshire Boulevard
Wilshire is a major east-west artery that goes from the Pacific Ocean at Santa
Monica, through Beverly Hills, Fairfax, MidCity, Koreatown and veers south all the
way to its end in Downtown.
A lot of places will describe themselves by proximity to Wilshire (“Mid-Wilshire”

is apartment rental speak for Koreatown, by the way) and it’s roughly the
halfway point between the 101 and the 10, the two east-west freeways, so judge
your route accordingly.
LAX
If you are in a pinch to get to LAX and the 405 is a deadlock, Sepulveda and La
Cienega will take you straight there.
Things to remember while driving in LA:
The flightiness of the LA driver is well-documented, but rest assured, the cops
are on to it. Here are a few of their pet peeves:
Texting and driving.
It is no joke here and the LAPD are hip to all the excuses. Even if it just
looks like you might have been texting, fighting the hefty ticket will take
between three to seven hours in traffic court, plus the non-negotiable
$75 court processing fee.
Talking on a phone without a hands-free device.
A pair of earbuds with a microphone for hands-free talking is $5

online. A ticket is a penalty of around $175 and the police can spot a
cellphone in a driver’s hand even from the freeway. Seriously, just buy
an extra pair of earbuds and keep them in the car.
Screwing up a right turn on red.
In California, it’s legal to turn left on red (and absolutely expected of

you, else you incur the wrath of other drivers in your lane) but just to
keep it interesting, several intersections have “No Turn on Red” signs.
These stops are low-hanging fruit for getting extra tickets. Mind the
signs.
Weird “No Turn” signs.
West Hollywood takes the cake for the strangest rules that prohibit
non-residents from driving on some residential streets after 10pm.
Again, it’s low-hanging fruit for pulling over distracted drivers.
DUI Checkpoints.
Without a reliable public transportation system, LA’s streets are bound

to fill up with drivers who might have had one too many. The DUI limit
is 0.08 blood alcohol level which means that if you have more than two
drinks, you’re chancing it. The LAPD makes its checkpoints public so if
you are planning on even a mild weekend, do yourself a favor and look
up the checkpoints. Even if you’re the stone-cold sober designated
driver, you’ll save yourself the delay and the hassle.
Ignored tickets.
There’s a continuous fight from citizen lobby groups to re-examine the

inhumanely steep traffic ticketing laws but until they find a way to fight
the power, you’re stuck with the nightmare that is the Department of
Motor Vehicles. Your best weapon is making sure that your address is
current and checking on the status of your VIN periodically to make
sure nothing is amiss.
Traffic in LA is inevitable…
You’ll spend a lot of time in your car, so you may as well make the most of it.
Load up your mp3 player with podcasts, language learning, self-help and
comedy programs. Get to know KCRW Public Radio (89.5FM). Keep a few bottles
of water or Gatorade handy and some trail mix and crackers to keep your
irritability at bay.
Use the time to call your family (on your hands-free device of course!). Avoid
unnecessary trips back and forth by keeping two extra pairs of clothes in your
trunk: one work-appropriate outfit and one all-purpose casual outfit. Keep a few
pairs of dress shoes, a pair of sneakers and a pair of flip-flops.
Most of all, keep your spirits up-- traffic and driving are part of the package and
the quicker you find a way to make peace with your commute, the happier you’ll
be
LIVING WITHOUT A CAR

Chances are, I’m not the first one to burst your bubble and tell you that you need
a car in LA. Here’s the thing: it is totally up to your job.
Jobs You Absolutely Need a Car For:
Anything having to do with film, television, music, theater or anything remotely

connected to entertainment.
Jobs You Might Not Need a Car For:
Pretty much anything else.
Is it fair? Nope, not at all. To add insult to injury, many of the entertainment jobs
that require a car offer a pay that would barely cover the cost of a nice
remote-control toy car, let alone a real one you’re putting your real body into.
However, you can skirt around this if you have a valid California driver’s license
and a friend that is willing to lend you a car on extremely short notice. (It’s hard
to impress what a huge favor this is. Please raise your right hand and solemnly
swear that you will consistently repay this friend with rounds of drinks and
dinners because they are seriously blessing your life.)
This is because fickle entertainment industry jobs love to ask you for “little
favors” that involve going places. If you’re lucky, it will be going down the street
to pick up dry-cleaning or drop off a script. If you’re unlucky, it will be crossing
state lines. If you let your boss know you don’t have a car you run the risk of
being replaced by someone who “is more ready.”
(True story: once I worked as a script supervisor for a small commercial shoot
and let a friend FROM THE SAME SHOOT borrow my car to go home when she
was finished. The assistant director overheard me talk about taking a 20-minute
bus ride to meet up with her after the shoot and get my car back. I was never
asked to come back. Later it was said that I was a great worker but had
“transportation issues." Lesson learned-- don’t tell anyone your car status. It
can only be used against you.)
The Los Angeles Rail:
If you are lucky enough to live and work in an area conducive to the LA train, it’s
a beautiful commute option. It comes like clockwork every 20 minutes and it’s
incredibly rare that there is ever a serious delay. The major bummer of the LA
Metro is that it you have to plan to be back by midnight. Yes, the bars close at
2am. Is it crazy? Yes.
The other thing to keep in mind with the Metro is that unlike New York’s system,
the trains don’t come every several minutes during busy times. So you’ll want to
plan on being at the station at least 20 minutes before you need the train to
come just to ensure that you don’t miss it.
Also, since the trains don’t necessarily run on the same schedules, you want to
make sure that your commute has a two-train maximum to avoid losing too
much time waiting for connections.
Public transportation safety
Use extreme caution when riding at night. If you’re coming from NYC or
somewhere with a similarly thriving public transportation usage, don’t expect LA
to come anywhere close. Even if you’re riding in early evening hours, it’s totally
possible for you to be one of very few people on the bus or train.
Train stops that let you off in a fairly populated, well-lit area:
Orange Line: Sepulveda and North Hollywood

Red Line: North Hollywood, Universal City,
Hollywood/Highland, Hollywood/Vine, Vermont/Sunset,
Vermont/Beverly, Union Square
Purple Line: Wilshire/Western, Wilshire/Normandie,
Wilshire/Vermont, 7th Street/Metro Center, Pershing Square,
Look, this isn’t to say that the quiet train stops are a haven for murderers or that
crimes don’t happen in the places with better lighting fixtures. I feel fine going
out in Koreatown and taking the train home to North Hollywood. But taking the
light blue Expo line to Culver City involves going through several stops along
Exposition Boulevard’s rougher neighborhoods and I wouldn’t recommend going
at it alone in the evening.
Downtown is kind of a mixed bag-- while most stops are populated and well-lit,
you will be stepping out into a sizable homeless population, so mind your
belongings and keep aware of your surroundings.
Of all the stops, the only parking lots I would recommend using anytime are
North Hollywood, La Cienega/Jefferson, Culver City and Sepulveda. The lots are
safe and well-lit and they are in areas at least populated enough that you won’t
be walking by yourself after dark. The others are fine during the day but you’d
be best to rock the buddy system at night.
The bus stops are really all over the map. The stops located on or near a college
campus are generally pretty good and most schools have campus security that
will accompany you to the bus stop. Once you’re on the bus, sit as close to the
bus driver as possible if you’re feeling anxious. By and large, LA has decent bus
drivers and they’ll have your back if anyone is making you uncomfortable.
Commuter Express
The commuter express is like the bus if the LADOT listened to people agonize
about the bus and then implemented solutions to about half their problems. It’s
more expensive and has fewer stops but if you need to get across town it’s much
faster and cleaner than a traditional bus route. Since plugging in your
destination to Google Maps or the Metro website often won’t take the
convenience of the commuter line into consideration when it robo-calculates
your route, check out http://www.ladottransit.com/comexp/ for specific express
lines.
Biking
Ask a hundred people about biking in LA and you’re likely to get a hundred
different answers. A lot of transplants come to LA with the idea that it’s warm
and sunny year-round, ergo, the biking commute must be spectacular. And it
is…sort of. Again, it all depends on your location.
If you’re downtown, you’re in luck for bike paths. They’re plentiful, kept clean and
the parking enforcement in Downtown LA is so brutal that you are super unlikely
to find someone butting a vehicle into a bike lane. The downfall is that you need
to really exercise caution biking downtown after dark; even if it’s relatively early,
it’s just not worth the risk. If you must, bring self-defense and don’t ride with
headphones. You are allowed to bring your bike onto the Metro for free so long
as you walk it and stand with it in the designated zone.
The Valley has an awesome bike route from North Hollywood through Burbank
along the former railway line on a paved way in the grassy median. It’s perfect
for commuting and has absolutely perfect people/baby/dog-watching
opportunities if that’s what you’re into. Taking advantage of its grid-pattern, the
valley’s bike paths are generally easy to navigate and the lesser density traffic
makes it more manageable than other areas.
Santa Monica is the real winner for bike accessibility. It makes sense-- Santa
Monica has been a trailblazer in eco-awareness for years. In addition, Santa
Monica offers Bike-and-Park locations with bike lockers, showers, repair centers
and bike-share programs. (More info at
http://bikeandpark.com/city/santa-monica)
If you are riding in an area with fast moving traffic (like Olympic, Wilshire, etc.),
consider taking the side streets whenever possible. The drivers, especially
during rush hour, can be aggressive and it’s not worth the added risk of zipping
in and out of lanes to weave around disgruntled drivers.
And for the love of your bike, invest in a U-lock! They’re $20 and have a much
better chance of protecting your ride than a flimsy cord lock. And while you’re at
it, check out some protective and reflective gear. I can’t stress enough what
nightmare drivers you’ll encounter. At least even the playing field a little and
make sure they actually see you.
It’s tough getting around LA without a car, but with the right
job/location/planning, it can be done.
Personally, I don’t enjoy driving so while I do have a car that I share with my
partner, I am generally car-free by choice. It’s occasional bummer to lug a bike
up and down stairs, but I’ve found that keeping a packet of baby wipes at hand
(for sweat!) and a loaded-up Metro card, I can get around without a whole lot of
hassle.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
In LA, it's not about what you know, but who you know.
This is the main ingredient to success in LA. I know some of you may attach a
negative connotation to the word "networking". Indeed, networking can come off
as a disingenuous attempt to take advantage of other people’s connections for
your own self- interest.
If your primary goal in networking is to gain something from someone, you will
always fail. But, if you take the right approach, networking can pay off in bigger
ways than you ever expected.
Here are a few basic approaches to take when networking in LA:
1) "It's better to give than to receive."
Yes, the end game of networking is to connect with people who can get you that
perfect job or next writing gig. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having
your own self-interests in mind. It is obviously expected that when you network,
you want something.
Your main goal when networking should be to focus on what you can provide for
the other person.
Can you provide them with a valuable connection?

Do they need help with a project?
Are they looking for an intern?
We are all in need of something. The key is to figure out what your potential
connection needs and provide it for him/her. This is the only way you will be able
to build solid relationships in LA.
2) You’re not the only person with problems.
Your next great acting gig could land you that stellar agent at CAA. An
introduction to the Head of HR could get you that marketing job at Warner Bros.
you've always wanted. Or maybe you just need any job now because you're
running out of cash and the bills are adding up.
All these are great reasons to network your ass off. But in all honesty no one
cares. Don't expect anyone to be moved by your eagerness or, better yet,
desperation. Remember, people will only respond to their needs first, so play it
cool.
3) Target your connections
Know exactly who you are looking for in the industry where you desire to pursue
your goals. Do research about them to gain some insight on what needs you may
be able to address for them. This will give you more of a focused approach and
save you time in the long run.
4) The bigger the “fish,” the harder the connection
I know, I know-- you want to network with Brad Pitt, Quentin Tarantino, or Steven
Spielberg.
This type of connection would change your life, right?!
Well, go ahead and get in line. You're not the first person to want to network with
some of the big heavyweights in LA. Good luck trying to get a response from
them.
Networking is built on mutual benefit
Is there something you could really offer the likes of a Steven Spielberg?
And no, your high school demo reel doesn't count…
Target those that may need your services. Trust me; there are people in LA who
desperately need your talents (regardless of the level), expertise, or whatever
skills you may have to offer.
You just have to find them.
Potential Places to Make a Great Connection
Meetup.com
LAWeekly (events section)
Volunteer work
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Internships.com
DATING IN LA
Well over one-third of Los Angeles’s population is unmarried, making it one of
the most attractive destinations for singles in the country. According to a
Forbes article, the available fellas outnumber the ladies across Downtown and
every night is single ladies night on the Westside.
With no obvious urban center to mingle and few subway meet-cute options,
you’ll have to get a little creative.
Here are a few singles scenes across the city and what to expect:
The Club Scene
If you’d rather shake your moneymaker to find your match, Downtown will have
the most options. The Exchange and The Edison are hailed as some of LA’s
favorite clubs and are conveniently within walking distance from each other. If
the blasting electronic music and huge crowds are overwhelming, try West
Hollywood’s Bar Lubitsch.
The Gay Scene
LA's lucky to have two meccas for gay nightlife, West Hollywood and Silver Lake.
Akbar and the Eagle Club top the east side’s lists while The Abbey and Fubar
rock the Westside. For the ladies seeking ladies, check out Jumbo’s Clown Room
burlesque shows, Here Lounge’s Truck Stop Fridays and, for the daytime, out and
proud Yogurt Stop in West Hollywood (their “Lezbionic Tonic” is to die for).
The Outdoorsy Scene
The prime pickup spot in LA doesn’t have a cover charge or a line to get in.
Almost everyone has a story of meeting an outdoorsy cutie hiking the trails at
Runyon Canyon or the Santa Monica stairs. (Bring a friendly dog for an instant
conversation starter.) On summer holiday weekends, Venice and Santa Monica
beaches fill with sun worshippers looking to make new friends.
The Bar Scene
If you’d rather work your words than your dance moves, plenty of LA bars have
got your covered. The super social stone patio at Bungalow in Santa Monica and
the sexy wood panels at Bigfoot Lodge West are great for meeting people, but
LA’s karaoke bars give the best excuse for an icebreaker you’ll find. The
Backstage Bar in Culver City has daily karaoke nights and strong pours of liquid
courage.
The Pool Scene
There’s kind of an unspoken agreement about the pools in LA. The public
municipal pools are for families, apartment pools are for privacy and hotel pools
are for showing skin. LA has one of the coolest rooftop pool scenes in the
country, with DJ’ed music, drink specials and friendly singles. The W Hotel
Hollywood, The Standard Downtown and The Mondrian offer access to their
swank roof pools for free.
The Internet Scene
If you hate the thought of getting all dressed up with no one to meet, you’ll be
happy to know that online dating is perfectly acceptable in LA with no stigma
attached. OKCupid, Match.com and Tinder are alive and well in LA, as are J-
Date, Christian Singles, Black People Meet, Grindr, Geek2Geek, Date Ink, Bumble,
Coffee Meets Bagel you name it, there’s a dating site for it.

Check out Meetup.com for non-romantic social groups to meet people with
similar interests. Yoga, bar crawls, foodie groups, hiking clubs and dog social
groups are great ways to meet new people and connect in a low-pressure
setting.
SAY IT LIKE A LOCAL
Los Angeles has a proud history of absolutely butchering the names of its
historic Spanish names. It wasn’t until 1934 that the LA Times finally caved on
the common LOSS ANJ-uh-LESS pronunciation, rather that the correct LOWS
AHN-gail-ays, letting the hard G slip away into obscurity.
Common Street Names and Neighborhood Pronunciations
Alameda: AL-uh-MEE-dah La Tijera: LAH TEE-hair-UH

Alvarado: ALL-vuh-ROD-oh Los Feliz: LOWS FEE-lizz
Cahuenga: cuh-WANG-guh Mulholland: MUHL-HUL-und
Camarillo: CAMM-uh-REE-yo Playa Del Ray: PLIE-uh dell RAY
Centinela: CENT-in-ELL-uh Rodeo: ROW-day-oh
El Pueblo: ell PWEBB-low San Vincente: SAN vinn-CENT-ay
Figueroa: FEE-guh-ROW-uh Sepulveda: say-PUL-vay-DUH
La Cienega: LAH SEE-enn-EE-guh Tujunga: Tuh-HUNG-gah
Common Street Names and Neighborhood Pronunciations
Alameda: AL-uh-MEE-dah La Tijera: LAH TEE-hair-UH

Alvarado: ALL-vuh-ROD-oh Los Feliz: LOWS FEE-lizz
Cahuenga: cuh-WANG-guh Mulholland: MUHL-HUL-und
Camarillo: CAMM-uh-REE-yo Playa Del Ray: PLIE-uh dell RAY
Centinela: CENT-in-ELL-uh Rodeo: ROW-day-oh
El Pueblo: ell PWEBB-low San Vincente: SAN vinn-CENT-ay
Figueroa: FEE-guh-ROW-uh Sepulveda: say-PUL-vay-DUH
La Cienega: LAH SEE-enn-EE-guh Tujunga: Tuh-HUNG-gah
FINDING YOUR OASIS IN LA

These oases are places you go to rejuvenate when things get a little tough in Los
Angeles. You could also view them as your little temples and playgrounds.
Perhaps they’ll even be an actual temple or church. Perhaps they’re where you
actually go play, an improv class or a garage band perhaps?
You need to know where to go when you need a break from the hustle and bustle
of LA. You can’t just think positive, you’ve got to surround yourself with positive.
People and an environment that will nurture both your creative and personal
potential.
Runyon Canyon
Here are few places to go when things get a little tough and you need a retreat
from the big city of LA:
Half-Day Retreats
Runyon Canyon, Hollywood

A great view with a high degree of difficulty hike. Very little shade and often
crowded, but it makes for great people watching. Awesome honor box with
waters, granola bars and fruit at the bottom, or catch a yoga class if you feel like
a stretch.
Griffith Park, Los Feliz

An easier hike with more shade culminates in a great view from the Griffith Park
Observatory. Great little coffee shop at the bottom. Many longer hikes abound all
around as well.
Silver Lake Reservoir

A great jog-around with a nice little park to meet some friends for a picnic.
Manhattan Beach
A luxurious but charming little beach town with a TON of beach volleyball nets.
Topanga Canyon
Nestled away in a little hippy enclave, with an assortment of hikes and a
beautiful Shakespeare festival (Theatricum Botanicum).of LA. You can’t just
think positive, you’ve got to surround yourself with positive. People and an
Zuma Beach
Day Trips Near LA
Pasadena
Home of the Rose Bowl. With shopping and fine-dining. Generally, a great place
to just cruise around. 15-30 minutes by subway, or 10-25 minutes away driving
depending on traffic.
Claremont
Charming town with a surprising number of local artisans and great little
restaurants. A little under two hours by train, or a little over 30 minutes driving.
Zuma Beach, Malibu

A little longer haul but worth it for the dolphins and clearer (and cleaner) waters.
No subway (obviously?) but a truly beautiful ride along the PCH. Avoid the
weekend crowds if you can. Give or take a little less than an hour.
Catalina Island
Take a boat-ride to its pristine waters for free on your birthday. Don’t miss the
Catalina Wine Mixer while you’re there. No promises on Will Ferrell being there.
Santa Barbara
Day Trips Outside of LA
San Diego
Half the traffic of LA with beaches galore! Sea World (perhaps sans Shamu by
the time you read this) the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and lots more to keep
you busy. Train access at under 3 hours or 2 give or take by car.
Santa Barbara
A beautiful town with a bit too many college students, but a super relaxing
atmosphere nonetheless. A little under 3 hours by train. 1 hour 30 minutes give
or take by car.
Ojai
Pronounced “Oh-hi”, it’s Oprah’s ranch getaway. A small town with a lot of charm
and great hikes and vineyards. About an 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Joshua Tree
Weekend Trips
Joshua Tree
Spectacular star-gazing and day-time hikes. A mystical experience even without
the peyote. Small town with few food choices, but Palm Springs is less than an
hour away, if you need a little more pampering. About a 2 hour drive.
Palm Springs
An actual oasis in the desert! Plentiful luxury hotels and fine dining. A good
chance of spotting one of the many celebrities who come here to get away. A
little under 2 hours from LA.
Big Bear
Snow-sports in the winter at the two resorts: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.
Hiking, mountain biking and fishing on the lake the rest of the year. About a
2-hour drive.
The Getty Museum
Other Getaways
Farmers Markets
Believe it or not, the Hollywood Farmers Market comes highly recommended,
and chances are, there’ll be a market in the LA area near you! A great way to
get that small town feel in the bustle of the big city!
Free Museums
The Getty Villa and Museum (one with a view of the pacific, one with a
magnificent view of LA) has a parking fee only. Go in a group to pay next to
nothing. Free concert series in the evenings during the summer.
The Hammer Museum, The Annenberg Space for Photography, The Fowler
Museum at UCLA, The Paley Center for Media among many other amazing
museums – ALL FREE! Most other museums all have free days each month as
well, for you all you real penniless culture vultures.
All the entertainment you could ask for.
Okay. LA can’t compare to Broadway, but it certainly doesn’t have a shortage of

world-class theatre, opera, and every type of musical and comedy act you might
be a fan of. When you can’t afford those front row tickets at the symphony, there
are always small clubs around town that will astound with the level of talent on
any given night. Hell, it can be daunting to just go up and sing Karaoke
sometimes. It’s not hard to discover talent for yourself before it’s discovered for
prosperity.
CONCLUSION
Congrats! You’ve finally made it to the end of The LA Survival Guide! Hopefully
you’ve learned some things that will make your transition to LA a more
comfortable experience.
Remember, this is a living document. This guide will be consistently updated

with additional content and information on how to live and succeed in Los
Angeles.
Feel free to send any suggestions to info@immovingtola.com for topics you

would like to see covered in new editions of The LA Survival Guide.
Keep Hustlin’,
Justin

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LAGUIDE

I What to pack NEW!

2 How much money should I bring to LA?

3 A guide to LA's short term living solutions

5 Understanding Los Angeles...

6 The Valley, Central, and Westside ofLos Angeles

9 Survival Gigs NEW!

10 Get Job Ready NEW!

12 Assistant 101 Landing Your First Job

14 Living Without a Car

17 Say It Like a Local

18 Finding Your Oasis

Authors of this publication: Justin R. Johnson, Hugo Martin, Stacey Garratt

Designed by: Jonathan Mahan

WITH THAT BEING SAID, I DEDICATE THIS GUIDE TO YOU.

How do I know this?

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I’VE LEARNED...

I’m living proof of that.

Jeans are huge here. We're a

Blazers / Sports Coats

Invest in at least one well-fitted blazer or

For women, this is often a boot, or slight heel,

For men, this is a dress shoe with a subtle style

What if I only bring $5,000?!

Fair enough, let's do a quick

Warning: This may get a little scary…

$5,000 (money saved)

Ok, now we have $3500 left over.

You also have a car payment, credit card

$3,500 (money left over)

Now we're down to $3000.

Gas & Food

$3,000 (money left over)

Now we’re at $2650. Still Ok?

Uh oh, the check engine light is on in your car.

You reluctantly pay him while cursing under your breath.

$2,650 (money left over)

Now we have a grand total of $2150 left over – essentially,

I can totally relate to this story.

Because that was my story when I moved here!

Some people work well under pressure....

Save the money!!!!! (You’ll thank me later)

Rates: approximately $50/day.

OTHER NOTABLE CO-LIVING SPACES

The Aviato Club

MOTELS OFFERING WEEKLY RATES

Rates: just don’t.

If peace and quiet is a priority, a guesthouse

Rates: Varies by neighborhood, generally

The best resources for finding a roommate are, in this order:

Posting a message on Facebook asking for leads. You might be

Old-fashioned community boards. You’ll find these posted at Starbucks,

Roommates.com or any other site that charges you to be matched with

Your social security number

Stuff You and Your Potential Roommate Should Talk About:

How will we split utilities?

Typical One-bedroom in LA: Typical Two-bedroom shared in LA:

Rent: $1,400 Rent: $1,600

TOTAL PER PERSON: $1580 TOTAL PER PERSON: $917.50

COST SAVINGS: $662.50 per person

I know that sounds weird, but let me explain...

LA is made up of neighborhoods/towns that have their own unique feel and

What part of LA do you live in?