LA housing info needed

[steve g]

My wife is interviewing for a job in Century City and we are considering moving to LA from Orlando. Any members in the LA area that can give me some basic info on the area? My two biggest concerns are the cost of houses and traffic.

I've researched a little online, but I'm not familiar enough with the area. I would greatly appreciate any help that you can provide.

Thanks.

[toxicz28]

My two biggest concerns are the cost of houses and traffic.

Good luck! Don't forget about the car nazis too. Try running a search here.
http://www.homeseekers.com/Scripts/search.asp?org_id=oc,mr,fres,hlpusl,vtour,bhi&_reg_id=&lid=0&county=los%20angeles,,los%20angeles&st=CA&_city_nm=los%20angeles
You can modify it to fit your preferences.

[CarlC]

If you want to live locally, it's not going to be inexpensive. Do a Mapquest search and note some of the surrounding city. Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Marina del Rey, etc. Most of the surrounding areas are not inexpensive. Average home cost in Los Angeles county is $525,000, and this area is definately not on the lower end of the scale.

Also note the freeway systems. The 405 is a monster. Going north over the Sepulveda Pass is a nightmare. My buddy makes that drive every weekday from CC to Valencia, about 30 miles, and he spends a minimum of 1-1/2 hours each way. Going south is not much better. East on the I-10 sends you toward downtown and toward some, shall we say, non-desireable properties.

If you're reallys serious, spend a few bucks and get some real estate listings based on the employer suggestions. See how is compares to what you have, and negotiate.

[steve g]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info.