Relocating myself to a new state [Archive] - The Gemstone IV Players' Corner

Apotheosis

04-18-2005, 05:51 PM

Well, graduating college this December, so planning on relocating to a different state within the next year (By december 2006, the latest).

I was hoping to get some input from any of you people who live out in these states/metropolitan areas on what life is like out there. Michigan, and the midwest in general isn't cutting it for me.

There are 3 main reasons for relocating,
A> I want to live in a warmer climate
B> I plan on attending grad school within 1 - 2 years
C> I'm looking for an area with higher concentration of people between the ages 25 - 30.

These are the areas I am considering relocating to:

1. Chicago - (i am very familiar with this city, lots of friends and family live there, it's still cold, but I could live here for sure.)

2. South Carolina - (know absolutely zip about this state, except that from what I understand, it's beautiful)

3. Austin, Texas - (college there has a grad program I am considering)

4. Southern California - (once again, don't know much about this area, except that I have been through it a few times, and thought it was beautiful)

5. Montreal, Quebec - (this city is really sexy.. lots of opportunity for me there, only downfall is the winter)

6. Orlando, Florida - (i would probably work my way to Miami from here, I have family and business contacts here. Miami has a portfolio school that is teh sexor)

7. Atlanta, Georgia - (not sure where it is in relation to Sevannah, but there's a great school there, too. I hear the economy there is great.)

What I am looking for input on:

1> Recreation: I like beaches, clubbing, art, theatre, some shopping, exercising, camping, hosting parties.
(I need cities with alot of diversity). I can hang in some of the nicest places, or can hang in dive bars.

2> Economy: I am wondering what the economy in the cities are like, what are the PRIMARY industries, some overall trends in them, what seems to be "the boom" market in the city/region.

3> Cost of living/Lifestyle: How much should I be making to have a really fun life, own lease a trendy condo/townhome or loft. I only have myself to support. I can make it in michigan right now on 30k, but that's living simply, and being a student. In my market I can probably run 60 - 100k myself if I bust my ass and work close to 200 hours a month.

4> Education: Are there any "renowned/well-known" art colleges nearby.

[Edited on 4-18-2005 by Yswithe]

Gan

04-18-2005, 06:12 PM

Austin TX,

Warm climate, a few hours drive from Padre Island or Mexico depending on you flavor. Lake Travis is nearby and is a great spot to go boating/partying and the like.

Industry is mostly technology or government (state capital of TX)

Cost of living can be student level all the way to a beautiful condo on lake travis that'll run you some pretty decent cash.

Lifestyle, University of Texas is a renowned liberal arts school with many post grad programs in many fields. Many different cultures can be found going to school there as well as alternative lifestyles. Sixth street is the party street and it seems to go on year round - a sweet place to go pub crawling and listening to bands.

SanDiego is also a beautiful place with good schools and fine beaches. Since Austin is more land locked than SD I'd probably choose SD (that and the fact that I have family that lives there). Lots of industry, its a port city with military bases, several big schools, their baseball team sucks (boo padres! - heh). People are mostly cool (more laid back than northern CA). And you're a close drive to Laguna Beach and Capistrano Beach along highway 1. And the weather is great too, even the marine layer that hits the coast in the spring.

My 2 cents... hope this helps.

Chicago seems a great city, I love the architecture in downtown) I plan on exploring more of it on my next visit... Navy Pier is way cool (ate are Riva) and watched the sun set. But I bet it gets really really cold there in the winter.

Snapp

04-18-2005, 06:17 PM

You must've forgotten Delaware on your list. Who wouldn't want to live here?

DCSL

04-18-2005, 06:19 PM

I vote Austin. But I'm biased. I lived there for a while and I'll probably live there again in a couple of years. It totally fits all of your list. Austin is a college town, boasting at least.. um.. five four year colleges. The youth population is HUGE. Just.. freakin' enormous.

And of course it's warm. It's a city of sun. You can get sunburned in Austin in the summer on a cloudy day.

As for grad school.. well, UT of Austin is a very good school if one can get into it (they've had problems with over-admitting students.. they even had a two year ban on new admissions once) and there a couple of others that're pretty good too.

And there's this too.. I've lived all over the USA. I think my living history goes something like L.A., Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Baltimore, Austin, Dallas, Austin, Hackensack (NJ), Parsippany (also NJ.. ugh), Lowell (Massachusetts), Austin, and then New Braunfels (NJ). And of course, I've visited most of the rest of the country.

Let me tell you, the young people in the SW are the hottest in the country, IMHO. The NE is filled with chicks wearing tanktops so tight you can count the rolls of fat and guys are no better. Cali's okay if you like fake boobs and hair so fried with bleaching that it barely moves in the wind. Heh, just an added benefit, in my opinion.

AnticorRifling

04-18-2005, 06:20 PM

Why would you list chicago if you like warm weather and beaches? If you're gonna think about SC I say go a few hours South to Savanna(sp) Georgia.

Soulpieced

04-18-2005, 06:21 PM

Chicago rules if you can deal with the weather.

AnticorRifling

04-18-2005, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by Soulpieced
Chicago rules if you can deal with the weather.

What weather? It's normal seasons as far as I'm concerned. :cool:

DCSL

04-18-2005, 06:23 PM

Oh, and cost of living for Austin... A nice one bedroom apartment will run you about $600-800. For the rest, I lived comfortably on about $2000 a month while I was in school there.

Gan

04-18-2005, 06:27 PM

<Let me tell you, the young people in the SW are the hottest in the country, IMHO.>

Amen. Austin is full of them, that kind of scenery is also evident in San Diego too but not at the same level.

Apotheosis

04-18-2005, 06:28 PM

well, like I said, only reason I'd consider chicago is I have family around the suburbs, (hinsdale, frankfurt, lincoln park, among other places). Lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, on the italian side of my family, so that's a bonus.. Plus it's about 4 hours from where my parents and siblings live, so it'd be easier to visit if I wanted.

I will not put up with living in michigan, simply because I am thoroughly bored of what southeast michigan/metro detroit has to offer. Chicago would have alot more of what I want.

In Austin, I would want to apply to University of Texas, one of my current design instructors came from there, I believe he taught there for awhile, not sure, though.

HarmNone

04-18-2005, 06:28 PM

The College of Charleston in South Carolina offers a Fine Arts major, as does Francis Marion University, about 45 minutes west of Myrtle Beach, and Coastal Carolina University in Conway, about 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach.

South Carolina offers a pretty good cost of living factor, and the city of Charleston has plenty to keep you occupied. It's history alone is fascinating. It's also very close to Savannah, Georgia, another historical favorite.

The weather is good, and the beach is right there. A hurricane visits from time to time, but that just keeps stuff interesting. ;)

I'm sure the colleges I mentioned would be glad to send you literature regarding their offerings and a bit about the surrounding area and what it has to offer.

Good luck in your search! :)

Apotheosis

04-18-2005, 06:32 PM

Colleges I <3:

Columbia College (chicago)
Chicago Institute of Arts
University of Texas (Austin)
Sevannah College of Art and Design

I still have lots more research to do, but right now I am liking austin's design program.

I also forgot to add Madrid, Spain, although this would take a lot more effort on my part to achieve, but I've been there a few times, speak mostly fluent spanish, and think it would be a good experience for me, if I can manage a way to pull it off.

Vesi

04-18-2005, 06:36 PM

I can really only speak about Austin and to add to what already has been said. South of Austin is the Guadalupe River which is great for tubing or kayaking. Nice camping areas too. Also, Austin has a good music scene. Been awhile since I've been there but it's a fun town. Not sure if they've cleared out the nudists in Hippie Hollow on Lake Travis. (if you're into nude sunbathing)

My sister went to school in San Marcos which is about 30 miles south of Austin and she also lived and worked in Austin after she graduated. She loved it.

Vesi former Texan

P. S. I've lived all over TX but never in Austin however I have to say it's one of the prettier areas of the state.

[Edited on 4-18-2005 by Vesi]

DCSL

04-18-2005, 06:37 PM

Savannah is AWESOME. I'd love to live there. I love the history, the architecture, the people (they're kind of weird, but I like it). But I gather from people that actually live there that it's a tad boring for people who expect to party. There aren't really any clubs or stadiums or anything. But I'm a quiet kinda' girl, so I don't need that. I guess if you like outdoor stuff and Revolutionary and Civil War history, that'd be a good place.

DCSL

04-18-2005, 06:38 PM

Heh, the nudists are still there.

HarmNone

04-18-2005, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by DCSL
Savannah is AWESOME. I'd love to live there. I love the history, the architecture, the people (they're kind of weird, but I like it). But I gather from people that actually live there that it's a tad boring for people who expect to party. There aren't really any clubs or stadiums or anything. But I'm a quiet kinda' girl, so I don't need that. I guess if you like outdoor stuff and Revolutionary and Civil War history, that'd be a good place.

If you live in, or around, Charleston you're close to Myrtle Beach for parties, and Savannah for the more artsy stuff. :)

Vesi

04-18-2005, 06:40 PM

I think I read someplace that Savannah was voted the most friendly city in the US. (or was it Charlston?)

Vesi

04-18-2005, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by DCSL
Heh, the nudists are still there.

Hehe... certain things never change.

Shalla

04-18-2005, 06:48 PM

Move to toronto plsssss.. climate will be compensated by warming you up by the nice girls here. :)

Apotheosis

04-18-2005, 06:48 PM

well, I guess my thing is this:

I love the bustle of big city life, but I like to escape to the coast or hike or camp when I can manage. Diversity/multiculturalism is important to me, I don't wanna be stuck around too many white people (even though I am one). I can live without the "insane party party party" lifestyle, but I do like to get out and do that now and again. Arts are important, so if I can catch alot of different musical shows/festivals around the year, then I will definitely be happy. Too much country will make me cry though.

Apotheosis

04-18-2005, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by Lady Shalla
Move to toronto plsssss.. climate will be compensated by warming you up by the nice girls here. :)

hee hee.. I love toronto, but if I had to be in canada, it'd be montreal for me (would let me practice french), or vancouver....

Shalla

04-18-2005, 06:50 PM

Toronto is very very multicultural. Outdoor pursuits are limitless, city life and cottage country A+.

HarmNone

04-18-2005, 06:50 PM

You'd probably be interested in the Gullah culture in and around Charleston, then. The legends and culture of the Gullah people are a joy to experience, and they are always glad to share with those who are truly interested.

Do give Charleston a look-see. It sounds like it might fit your needs quite well. :)

Snapp

04-18-2005, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by HarmNone
You'd probably be interested in the Gullah culture in and around Charleston, then. The legends and culture of the Gullah people are a joy to experience, and they are always glad to share with those who are truly interested.

Is that like the kiddie show that used to be on Nickelodeon... Gullah Gullah Island? Shoot, I didn't know the place actually existed!

HarmNone

04-18-2005, 07:03 PM

The Gullah, today, are the descendents of the African peoples who were brought, as slaves, to the Charleston/ Beaufort area (and the sea islands off the coasts of South Carolina and northern Georgia) in the early 1800s. They have their own language, which is somewhat similar to the Cajun dialect found in the bayou country of Louisiana.

I'm not familiar with Gullah Gullah island, but it could have been based on these folks, I suppose. It really is a fascinating culture.

Apotheosis

04-18-2005, 07:13 PM

So far, people have sold me on Austin and South Carolina/Georgia region, it's too bad atlanta is soo far away from savannah..

Back

04-18-2005, 07:14 PM

The nice thing about your field is you will always have a job no matter where you go city-wise.

Ever consider the Big Apple?

Apotheosis

04-18-2005, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by Backlash
The nice thing about your field is you will always have a job no matter where you go city-wise.

Ever consider the Big Apple?

yeah, I know..

Have friends in New York.. never been there...

I suppose it's a consideration, but New York doesn't appeal to me for some reason..

It's like having a hot chick who wants you, but umm, just not wanting her :shrug:

hectomaner

04-18-2005, 07:21 PM

out of just those listed, if you can take the winter, i would go with Montreal. hands down the best area out of anything on that list. i've been everywhere on that list besides austin, and nothing touches montreal. and if you are planning on going to school, you can try to get into McGill, which is up there, and an excellent school (as my lawyer pointed out as a plus to moving montreal when i was considering leaving the country about 5 years ago for legal reasons :lol2: )

i live in LA and its alright, be a lot better if i had a car, but with insurance and these insane gas prices, i cant afford it. and it is REALLY nice having 75 degree weather in december/january/february.

2nd i'd say chicago.

last i'd say atlanta

hectomaner

04-18-2005, 07:31 PM

yeah san diego is awesome too, expensive though

theotherjohn

04-18-2005, 07:54 PM

Originally posted by Yswithe
So far, people have sold me on Austin and South Carolina/Georgia region, it's too bad atlanta is soo far away from savannah..

Atlanta is horrible. I hate it is part of Ga. Take that traffice jam off your list.

SC and the Georgia region is nice but if you are looking for a big city feel nothing here compares to Chicago.

I lived in Wheaton for 3 years. There always seemed to be something going on. Here things are a different pace. I live in Augusta Georgia.

Being a student I would choose SC because it is so much cheaper than Chicago or Austin. Like you said you have family there so you can always visit.

Gan

04-18-2005, 08:31 PM

Atlanta is nasTy.

I hate having to connect through Atlanta Hartfield airport, I hate Atlanta traffic. And I hate downtown Atlanta.

Wow, I need to find a release for all of this hate. :(

Warriorbird

04-19-2005, 11:07 AM

I've liked Chapel Hill, NC and Madison, WI. I hated Durham.

Apotheosis

04-19-2005, 11:10 AM

what's the weather like, year round in GA and SC? I know winters tend to be milder then where I am, but do give me some examples...

AnticorRifling

04-19-2005, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by theotherjohn

Originally posted by Yswithe
So far, people have sold me on Austin and South Carolina/Georgia region, it's too bad atlanta is soo far away from savannah..

Atlanta is horrible. I hate it is part of Ga. Take that traffice jam off your list.

SC and the Georgia region is nice but if you are looking for a big city feel nothing here compares to Chicago.

I lived in Wheaton for 3 years. There always seemed to be something going on. Here things are a different pace. I live in Augusta Georgia.

Being a student I would choose SC because it is so much cheaper than Chicago or Austin. Like you said you have family there so you can always visit.

Wheaton represent! Had several all night parties there, hell the maid of honor for my wedding lives in Wheaton.

DCSL

04-19-2005, 11:47 AM

In Charleston, you get hurricanes. =D

Jennaen

04-19-2005, 11:51 AM

Kinda surprised nobody has mentioned Denver, otherwise known as the Mile High city, or the biggest little cowtown in the states. We're a little short on oceanfront beach property, but there are beaches at the dams that dot the state. Add in the mountains and their requisite scenery and skiing.

Metro State College of Denver
Regis University
University of Colorado at Denver
University of Colorado at Boulder (30-45 minutes from most of the metro area)
Denver University
The Art Institute of Colorado

You'd be looking anywhere from $600 for a decent 1 bedroom apartment in the 'burbs, up to $2-3k for loft living downtown.

Major industries? Little bit of anything and everything! Depending how fancy you wanna live, you'd probably want a job making at least $40k for basic comfort and some cash to play with, though you could live on $30k here, as well. Just depends on what you want, and how you spend your money, what bills you may have already.

Major league baseball, football, arena football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.

Golf courses galore

Six Flags at Elitch Gardens.

Denver Art Museum.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver Zoo
Ocean's Journey Aquarium

Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Temple Buell Theater
Ogden Theater, Bluebird Theater.. old theaters turned small venue concert halls.
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Standard movie theaters all over the place.

Several bars featuring live bands. More bars, brew pubs, and restaurants than you can shake a stick at, period. Lotta beer brewed in Denver.

Some annual events:
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
National Western Stock Show and Rodeo
Taste of Colorado.
Colorado Renaissance Festival (Larkspur, CO, about 45 min- 1 hour from most of the metro area).

Weather is funky, can be 80 and snow all in one day. The sun shines 300+ days a year, though. It was almost 80 here yesterday, it's 52 now at 9:30 am. When it snows, it rarely sticks around for more than a day or two. Winter is generally 35-60 during the day, generally drops to around or just below freezing at night, 1-2 weeks total a year that it drops below freezing for any length of time, occasionally to the single digits. Not the norm, though.

Clicky: Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.denver.org/StaticPage.aspx?pn=why) for more info

Apotheosis

04-19-2005, 12:13 PM

well, I've avoided major debt (and under 5k in student loans)

in the end though, Denver is not my cup of tea, but it is nice...

Sean of the Thread

04-19-2005, 12:35 PM

Pinellas county area of Florida. It's perfect distance from everything. Lots of people our age. Lots to do and goto within minutes away. 90 minute drive to Orlando and Orlando sucks btw. USF is located here. Best beaches.. fishing.. sporting events.. night life.. concerts..beautiful weather - hurricanes.

I live in Clearwater and love it. One of the best Airports in the nation is a 15-20 min drive away with an alternate 15 minutes the other direction in ST Pete = great fares.. Same with every pro sport just minutes away as well as concerts at all these arenas.

Mmm beach 5 from my house.
http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.977661,-82.829221&spn=0.005761,0.010664&t=k&hl=en

Ray Jay stadium and the Yankees complex to the NW.
http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.977457,-82.505050&spn=0.005761,0.010664&t=k&hl=en

If you like to golf there is plenty of that.

So vote for Pinellas county.. Centrally located with access to the entire state! 8 hours drive to New Orleans. 5 hours to miami.. 3 and half hours to Tallahassee and Gainsville.. 3-4 hours to Daytona...
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=clearwater&ll=27.948242,-82.692086&spn=0.524414,1.257999&hl=en

Apotheosis

04-19-2005, 12:49 PM

Originally posted by Xyelin
Pinellas county area of Florida. It's perfect distance from everything. Lots of people our age. Lots to do and goto within minutes away. 90 minute drive to Orlando and Orlando sucks btw. USF is located here. Best beaches.. fishing.. sporting events.. night life.. concerts..beautiful weather - hurricanes.

I live in Clearwater and love it. One of the best Airports in the nation is a 15-20 min drive away with an alternate 15 minutes the other direction in ST Pete = great fares.. Same with every pro sport just minutes away as well as concerts at all these arenas.

Mmm beach 5 from my house.
http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.977661,-82.829221&spn=0.005761,0.010664&t=k&hl=en

Ray Jay stadium and the Yankees complex to the NW.
http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.977457,-82.505050&spn=0.005761,0.010664&t=k&hl=en

If you like to golf there is plenty of that.

So vote for Pinellas county.. Centrally located with access to the entire state! 8 hours drive to New Orleans. 5 hours to miami.. 3 and half hours to Tallahassee and Gainsville.. 3-4 hours to Daytona...
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=clearwater&ll=27.948242,-82.692086&spn=0.524414,1.257999&hl=en

dear jebus

it sounds too good to be true..

(orlando has one of my favorite clubs, Taboo) (well, i did have an interesting experience there)

HarmNone

04-19-2005, 01:13 PM

The weather in coastal South Carolina and Georgia is really quite mild. It rarely freezes, but there are seasonal changes. An occasional hurricane threatens the coast, but they aren't constant in that area, really. Summers can (and do) simmer in the 90s, winters rarely dip below the low 30's (even at night); although, it does happen rarely.

Sean of the Thread

04-19-2005, 01:20 PM

Originally posted by Yswithe

Originally posted by Xyelin
Pinellas county area of Florida. It's perfect distance from everything. Lots of people our age. Lots to do and goto within minutes away. 90 minute drive to Orlando and Orlando sucks btw. USF is located here. Best beaches.. fishing.. sporting events.. night life.. concerts..beautiful weather - hurricanes.

I live in Clearwater and love it. One of the best Airports in the nation is a 15-20 min drive away with an alternate 15 minutes the other direction in ST Pete = great fares.. Same with every pro sport just minutes away as well as concerts at all these arenas.

Mmm beach 5 from my house.
http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.977661,-82.829221&spn=0.005761,0.010664&t=k&hl=en

Ray Jay stadium and the Yankees complex to the NW.
http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.977457,-82.505050&spn=0.005761,0.010664&t=k&hl=en

If you like to golf there is plenty of that.

So vote for Pinellas county.. Centrally located with access to the entire state! 8 hours drive to New Orleans. 5 hours to miami.. 3 and half hours to Tallahassee and Gainsville.. 3-4 hours to Daytona...
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=clearwater&ll=27.948242,-82.692086&spn=0.524414,1.257999&hl=en

dear jebus

it sounds too good to be true..

(orlando has one of my favorite clubs, Taboo) (well, i did have an interesting experience there)

Yeah it truly is a great area. We frequently goto orlando for the night or weekend with the cheap hotel rates. Party it up on a lil road trip and hit those clubs for a change. Hardrock casino is about 25 minutes drive as well. I forgot to mention tons of gambling boats and such here if you're into that.

04-20-2005, 07:46 AM

What's sad is that wheaton is probably one of the lamest areas of chicago.

I'd definately go to canada but that's cause I like to experience different cultures. And yes Canada is a different culture.

DeV

04-20-2005, 08:12 AM

Yes, I'm biased. No other place tops Chicago. I'd suggest the North side if you're seriously considering.

04-20-2005, 09:03 AM

What? The west side is obviously the best place for a caucasian college student

DeV

04-20-2005, 09:04 AM

lol

Jadewolff

04-20-2005, 11:47 AM

You mention Orlando on your list and then mentioning working your way down to Miami. Why not just put Miami on the list? You have a big city, decently affordable, lots of diversity. Or if you want something a bit calmer, you can always do Ft. Lauderdale or Boca which is a bit north of Miami. Oh, and if you're into the club scene, there's nothing in Florida better than south beach.

Apotheosis

04-20-2005, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by Jadewolff
You mention Orlando on your list and then mentioning working your way down to Miami. Why not just put Miami on the list? You have a big city, decently affordable, lots of diversity. Or if you want something a bit calmer, you can always do Ft. Lauderdale or Boca which is a bit north of Miami. Oh, and if you're into the club scene, there's nothing in Florida better than south beach.

I have family and business connections in Orlando, it would make sense for me to establish myself in the area there first. Miami's not that far.. but, you know.. I think I'm gearing up to live in a different place every 4 years or so of my life..... there's just lots of appealing things to enjoy in all these places...

:spin:

Azul

04-20-2005, 03:01 PM

Anyone got any info on Chattanooga, Tennessee? I lived there when I was a little kid and thinking about going back. Thanks to the people who gave an overview of cities. I'm now considering going to Austin and maybe SC.

Sean of the Thread

04-20-2005, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by Yswithe

Originally posted by Jadewolff
You mention Orlando on your list and then mentioning working your way down to Miami. Why not just put Miami on the list? You have a big city, decently affordable, lots of diversity. Or if you want something a bit calmer, you can always do Ft. Lauderdale or Boca which is a bit north of Miami. Oh, and if you're into the club scene, there's nothing in Florida better than south beach.

I have family and business connections in Orlando, it would make sense for me to establish myself in the area there first. Miami's not that far.. but, you know.. I think I'm gearing up to live in a different place every 4 years or so of my life..... there's just lots of appealing things to enjoy in all these places...

:spin:

Hope you speak spanish if you move to Miami as it is lil Cuba. And south beach is way overated.. It's basically a very expensive drug scene. You can't spend 5 mins at a club without some dude coming to pick a fight or sell you ectasy.

Best clubs in state are Orlando and Tampa (Ybor City)

Keller

04-20-2005, 03:25 PM

Ranger hit on this -- but Wheaton? The Billy Graham Wheaton? In jest, surely, you kid? What kind of fun did you have? Did you and the girl sneak out behind a shed to share some Bailey's and hold-hands, lacing style?

Seriously. Kids in Wheaton differentiate between normal holding hands and lacing. Lacing is a serious sign of mutual affection.

On topic: I live in LA now after 4 years of college in West Michigan and 18 years of childhood in Indianapolis. To be frank I'm not sure why people ever miss the seasons. The temperature range here is between 60 (in the dead of winter) and 95 (the apex of summer). My life is not dictated by the weather. Ever. This is something you would run into in NY, Chicago, Florida, TX.

I live in West LA and have it great. I am 10 minutes from Santa Monica/Venice beaches. I am 10 minutes from Hollywood (think: clubs). I am 10 minutes from both the LACMA and the Getty. I am 5 minutes from UCLA and 20 minutes from USC. There are tons of small art schools (this is fucking LA -- everyone does SOME kind of art). I'm not really sure how good the schools are -- but I'm sure there are good ones. There is opportunity abound in every field. Of course working in TV/Movies is a bonus, but there are plenty of other careers waiting here as well.

People complain about the cost of living out here -- but the pay-scale more than compensates for that. Don't expect to come out here and buy anything though. Housing is a rough market. We got our condo for 650k and it's dreadfully small.

LA is a great place to spend the 22-30 years as it provides a wealth of career "starting lines" and PLENTY of extra-ciricular activities. Don't let people convince you the smog/traffic is worse than it is. People just need something to say when you mention LA, and this is the cliched catch-line. It's not that bad.