what neighborhood did you choose? was it santa monica, venice or mahattan beach? did you have any second choices/other favorites?
East Hollywood closer to Los feliz. I also like Long Beach and San Pedro, but maybe more to visit than live.
Readit Newsmylaaccount commented on Ask HN: How is the tech scene in LA? · Posted by u/asdev
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Pay is on average less than the bay.
But how is the cost of living? or is that already factored in?
Not really better than the Bay Area I’d say, especially in areas with a higher concentration of tech jobs. I think LA (and SD for that matter) are poor choices strictly financially speaking. But there’s more to life than spending every dollar as efficiently as possible.
> if you…are ok with driving there’s endless amounts of things to do and passionate people to meet.
I’m someone who is currently struggling to find these people; what has worked for you? It often feels that everyone cool is trapped in their car, and we are destined to never cross paths.
For me:
1. Neighborhood matters a lot. This determines the kinds of events you’ll go to and people you see regularly. I explored a lot before I settled some place that felt like home. I live some place with good walkability and being able to walk to a coffee shop or park has been very important.
2. Hobbies. Outdoor fitness, DIY/underground music, and board games for me. It took some digging to find groups I liked (some of which I found out about online and some by asking people I met), but now I participate in at least one event/meetup pertaining to these hobbies every week (more if I can). Ex helping out at a DIY show, run clubs, hiking groups, board game meetups.
3. Having a dog. I’m outside regularly bumping into people. Having a dog often sparks a conversation and helped me to know my neighbors. You don’t really need a dog though any way you can open a conversation is good. Compliment someone’s shirt, ask a question, etc
So TL;DR walkable neighborhood that suits you, find something related to your hobbies and do it as much as you can, start conversations.
Good luck, it took me years before I got into a rhythm.
Tech people I meet in LA are much less careerist in general compared to the Bay Area (where I used to live). They work for either big tech, smaller not household name companies, or remote. Pay is on average less than the bay. Tech people in LA live in LA for the lifestyle and use the job to fund their lifestyle.
Personally (and contrary to the other comment about LA) it’s been the best place I have lived. It’s a polarizing city, understandably. But I think if you can make enough money and are ok with driving there’s endless amounts of things to do and passionate people to meet.