Move to LA from Houston, TX (Long Beach, Pasadena: foreclosure, squatters, house)

[HoustonGrad]

I'm just curious if there are a lot or anyone who moved from Houston to LA and what was the experience like.

I don't plan on moving but my job keeps asking me if I'm interested.

I don't know much about LA other than from what I hear (expensive, beautiful peoples, lots of stars, etc).

Another question, what NFL team do the majority of people in LA like?

[Count David]

There's also a mountain backdrop (on non-smoggy days), lots of hills, a long beautiful coastline, better weather than Houston, it's bigger than Houston, there's a lot of traffic, and LA has two teams for every sport except for pro football.

I'd say Raiders for favorite NFL team, with Chargers coming in a distant second. But you'll find fans of every NFL team in LA (maybe even the Texans LOL).

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by HoustonGrad

what NFL team do the majority of people in LA like?

USC is basically an NFL team, no?

[nowincal11]

Originally Posted by bigdumbgod

USC is basically an NFL team, no?

You don't hear much about USC and I'm in my 20s. The only time you of it are the people who went there, but it's not a big deal like in the SEC.

[nowincal11]

I've been to Houston and have met Texans who have relocated to LA.

The biggest differences:

1. LA is way bigger with way more traffic
2. LA demographically is far more Hispanic and Asian and less Black and White
3. The White population of the city of LA and surrounding suburbs (Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills) is vast majority Jewish, Persian, and Armenian. In cities like Pasadena, Long Beach, and the South Bay cities, the white population is more traditionally white like in Houston.
4. The food in LA is way better
5. Republicans here are more like Texas Democrats
6. Religion isn't discussed much
7. You have to keep an open mind about lifestyles in certain neighborhoods (i.e. lots of immigrants, gays/lesbians, etc.)
8. Lots of young professionals in LA spread out in many neighborhoods all over the metro

As for sports, most people here are basketball and baseball fans. Football is not as much of a factor and either is college sports. Some people follow college football though.

Judging by what some Texans have said in the LA vs. Houston city vs. city forum, LA would be a hard transition if you are into hunting, fishing, rodeos, etc. because people really don't do that stuff here.

All in all, most Texan young professionals seem to enjoy LA.

[Joy74]

L.A.-Entertainment industry
Houston-Oil Industry

[MsIzzy]

Originally Posted by Joy74

L.A.-Entertainment industry
Houston-Oil Industry

I'd pick that over the entertainment industry any day

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by MsIzzy

I'd pick that over the entertainment industry any day

No way. One is crazy, the other is evil. At least crazy has a fun component.

[bamba_boy]

I moved from the Houston area and lived four years in the San Gabriel Valley then moved back. L.A. was a blast for the period but just couldn't sustain it with a family with multiple kinder. I would move back again if I had 3-4X the income but on most middle class salaries you just can't buy a 3-4 bedroom house unless your parents are rich and give you a 1-200k downpayment with no strings attached. You can possibly swing it now in the Inland Empire with the collapse in housing prices but I've heard that the hard-hit neighborhoods are getting pretty sketch with squatters and meth-labs (not that that didn't exist when I lived there during the boomtimes!).

However, if you're single and have a great job that you can live out of the smog and foreclosure belt in Santa Monica, or other West Side neighborhoods I'd do it by all means. Just be aware that you need to work a lot harder and budget a lot smarter than you would living in forgiving, cheap Houston.

The weather is great (think Houston but without humidity and blue norther's), you can both do beach activities and ski within a couple of hours driving distance, and there is beautiful scenery compared to Houston. It's also about 4X's the metro population and a MUCH longer rush hour. Like Houston, don't even think of living far from your work if you don't want to live on the road and also pay .50-1.00 per gallon more for gas due to stricter environmental reg's. What neighborhood is your possible job in?

PS Feel free to personal message me with any detailed questions.

[HDShootsPhotos]

Hey!

I'm making the move out to Long Beach in Dec and looking forward to seeing what california has to offer. Im transferring there with my company and the pay should be fine...I'm concerned about my wife finding a job out there. If you have any questions, let me know