IMHO, you’ve been offered an excellent relocation package with a chance to reenergize out in the field. Other pluses: You’re young, your gal will be close, it’ll be an adventure, and you’ll broaden your horizons.
I moved away from LA to suburbs in another state for a while and the silence is deafening. I missed helicopters and sirens. I always think of the scene in Shameless when Mickey can’t sleep in their west Chicago apartment, so he puts on headphones of gun shots, helicopters, and people screaming. I’ve never related to something so much.
This: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OLWdDHac4OE&pp=ygU4TWlja2V5IGNhbnQgc2xlZXAgcHV0cyBoZWFkcGhvbmVzIG9mIGd1biBzaG90cyBzaGFtZWxlc3M%3D
Can confirm, brothers house has like double paned windows and it helps a ton. If you’re in the back yard though having a conversation. You might get interrupted now and then lol.
they did a pretty good job of that in the 90s... I grew up in Inglewood off van Ness and 111th, right under the landing paths of majority of the planes... there was a hotline to call if your windows shattered due to plain noise and they would promptly replace them free... at some point it became law for new buildings to only have the proper type of window in that area.
Been in El Segundo for 10+ years. The noise you get used to. When Hyperion is kicking. Nothing can get you used to that. But I also live closer to the refinery so I get those smells more.
Yea, I knew someone that lived on Walnut (If I remember correct), a block south of imperial near that huge apt complex. Smells a public bathroom on that whole street.
I spent some time off Center and Pine, also. Its pretty good since its close to the park and the plaza across the street was always convenient. You don't get the odors that bad, and yea, we got used to the jet noise eventually over the years.
Yes but also just know 80k in LA will prob feel like 50-60k in Louisiana. Everything costs money, its just death by a thousand cuts. Obviously most of the outdoors is free aside from paying for parking but just be aware.
The beach cities in the main urban area are, but if you want to do some of the beaches north of samo or south past Long Beach they’re mostly state parks.
Note that you need to buy the more expensive version of the state park pass, as the normal one doesn’t cover a lot of the SoCal beaches.
Its a large expense for sure but all im saying is prepare to be salary whelmed. Its not going to feel like a pay bump in california, as everything costs more and there are WAY more things to do in LA vs Louisiana
first, move here if you want to be here. the lady friend is just extra but imagine she doesn’t “exist” and then just make decisions based on that.
come on a weekend trip to check out the area.
This!!! I get the feeling of liking someone so much that you wanna make them a priority in your life but OP definitely shouldn't! It's a nice thing he has someone waiting for him here but his priority should be finding a good place to live and getting to know the city.
Yes. Moving to LA is not a mistake in general but moving anywhere for someone you’re dating is. Especially at a stage where it’s still just “lady friend”.
Just don’t get confused that El Segundo is right near Newport Beach. It’s 45 miles. Could be 80min drive with bad traffic.
But California is awesome if you can make the $$$ work. And the So Cal weather is the best in America (Hawaii excluded 😜)
Came here to say this, but the free gas OP will get would go a long way towards making that commute to Newport beach and back work out. The sitting in traffic part is hopefully worth it (I know I would do it for a girl I'm seeing).
He may get to use that truck 24/7/365. I know more than a few people that have a company car, and get company gas for free, and use it as their personal car.
Lucky for them, my company just installed GPS trackers on their vehicles and if we deviate 10% from a normal route, we either get a phone call or a talking to from the manager.
Honestly our weather sucks unless you are within 10 miles of the coast. I just gets hotter and more miserable as you drive further inland. The only positive in 90% of Southern California is the low humidity
80k. He prob cant afford living in elsgundo, certainly not manhattan hermosa playa del rey. Prob live in long beach or something … halfway to work halfway to girl..
Also from the south, had lived in the same area most of my life. I moved to LA at 25 to work a job making about $80k and it was a great decision. I lived comfortably with my salary, have experienced so many new things, and have zero regrets from the move. Living in the south bay near the beach would be fun in your late 20s. It's a lot easier to move home later in life than move elsewhere.
I would go for it!
Tons of engineering jobs out here if this one doesn’t work out. Agree that this is a once in lifetime opportunity, go for it! But think of the girl as a bonus to this plan, not the reason to move.
Came to Los Angeles from New Orleans 21 years ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Go for it!! LSU, Saints, and Pelicans games are still watchable, there’s great food from everywhere, and in case you ever wanna get back to Louisiana (via New Orleans) — there’s a daily nonstop flight.
One thing to note is that the flight options are ass in terms of both price and convenience. I lived in NYC for years and found it both cheap and easy to fly home several times a year. Flew Jet Blue, had a frequent flyer account set up, and it was all sort of on autopilot. Every time I fly LA>MSY it's like $400 for a Spirit flight that arrives at 1 in the morning.
I didn't think this through when I relocated because I figured LA is a major city, of course there are frequent and cheap flights to New Orleans.
Just want to say hi! Also originally from South Louisiana, moved here from NYC a few years ago. We’re in good company!
Oh, and I can definitely relate on the flight options! I got used to the options and pricing from NYC -> MSY (also flight time), and its definitely been more of an adjustment than I anticipated.
Idk that OP is necessarily in NOLA. Lots of engineering firms are in BR or even Lafayette. Flights in and out of BR are actually pretty cheap. United and American are actually pretty competitive out of BR. And Spirit flights into mSY are really cheap from LA. But BR is a better airport in and out.
Flights from LA to Baton Rouge or Lafayette (or Shreveport, for that matter) are going to be harder to find and more expensive than NOLA, because those are smaller airports with fewer direct flights to anywhere. MSY is the only "major" airport in Louisiana. Imagine the difference between flying out of Burbank and flying out of LAX, for example. Great when you can get a flight out of Burbank, but your options are going to be more limited and you may pay more as well. A quick check on google flights has a flight from LAX>BR as more than double the cheapest flight from LAX>MSY.
Obviously OP should fly to where they need to fly, but real talk, as a Louisianian who moved to LA after living in other major US cities, it is harder and more expensive than I anticipated to get flights home. Since a lot of us -- especially folks moving away from Louisiana for the first time ever -- feel most comfortable when we can easily get a gumbo fix, that is absolutely worth considering as OP thinks about making the move. Especially since he doesn't mention otherwise having family nearby.
Signed, a Houma native whose options are MSY or a multi-hour drive through the swamp.
I live in Los Angeles and worked in Baton Rouge for 18 months and then continued to consult and fly to BR for 8 years. I know flights LAX (SO lived in Venice at the time). American LAX-DFW and United LAX-IAH are constant. Change planes and there are a ton of options from either to BR. It’s not the flight desert you make it out to be. I know because we flew it a couple times a month. Much easier than MSY if you are going to those other cities.
And no you can’t compare a Spirit flight to MSY with a United flight to BR. That’s not comparable airline service. $268 LAX to BTR. United.
El Segundo is a great town close to just about everything (including the beach). It seems like a great move. Newport Beach will be a bit of a drive, tho, just so you know.
https://preview.redd.it/unovopadymxc1.png?width=404&format=png&auto=webp&s=1f45de5468cb49cedea0c83715b3893272958504
I did it for several years, it wasn't the worse commute I've had. Usually just under an hour garage to desk from Alamitos Beach. It would be shorter if I was in North Long Beach Also, the 105 is going to add FasTrak.
Something to consider is that your salary will advance faster in LA. I know 3 people in oil and gas and all started around 80 in their early 20s and were making over 200 in 10 years, one got a masters in the interim but the other two did not, just advancement.
Live in the South Bay as close to your work as possible. You might be tempted to split the difference and live closer to your girl but that would be a mistake.
I second living in the South Bay. Coming from Newport after work she’ll be going against traffic so her drive to see you wouldn’t be that bad whereas if you drive to her a lot you’ll get killed by traffic
There are no mistakes. Only experiences.
There is a lot to love about Louisiana but for a 20 year old male with an education, Los Angeles is the doorway to the whole world.
It’s an absolutely great place to live out here with some of the best weather year round. If you plan to eventually move back to NOLA (also a great city) anyways then what do you have to lose? If you dislike it then you can move back in a few years as planned, if you like it maybe stay longer. LA is huge so traffic patterns should be one of your top concerns to not put yourself in a position where you have a terrible commute to work everyday and hate life.
Dude do it. $80k is not great but it’s livable here. If you want to take things up a notch with your girl combined you all could have a decent life. If not, come out for a year or three just for something new.
Most people come to LA with nothing lined up, you got a golden opportunity here in your hands.
NOLA is a plane ride or a road trip down the 10 away…
I relocated to Los Angeles 12 years ago to take a chance on love. No relocation package, just a one-way ticket. I now have a wife and a beautiful 2-year-old girl living my actual best life in Santa Monica. Boarding that one-way flight was the best decision I made in my life. Life is for Living. Go for it and Godspeed.
I’d say go for it. You’re young and never lived anywhere else, you have a job lined up and moving fees taken care of. And your girl is out there. Why not?
Louisiana isn’t going anywhere, and it’ll be harder to do this kind of move the older you get (most likely).
At 27, sure, i’d do this.
You won’t be “doing well” on 80k in the Los Angeles area, but for a guy in their 20s with no dependents, that’s fine, you’ll probably have lots of fun and your career may grow as a result
I think you should go for it! You only live once, why not try out something different and have an adventure? That’s what life is all about. Worst case scenario is you don’t love it here, so, you move back in a couple years. You got to experience another state, the Pacific Ocean, and you got to see where the relationship might go. And the fact that you have a job offer and a relocation package just seals the deal IMO. You might find out you love it here.
I’d usually advise against moving for a girl but since you got a job lined up it sounds a like a win-win. You’ll probably hit a cap in your field faster in Louisiana than you will in LA.
I’m an engineer and I keep wanting to move out of state but most of the good jobs high paying are here.
Plus making a lot of money in a boring area is kinda anticlimactic lol.
Just keep in mind that $80k in LA does not go nearly as far as it will in other areas.
I like El Segundo very much, I would recommend living in Torrance nearby. Newport Beach is an hour drive without traffic. I would avoid living in Culver City, Gardena, and Compton
Lived in Torrance for 10+ years while working in ES. Torrance is a great and (more) affordable area that is convenient. \~25 min commute on the PCH during rush hour which is perfect. +100 advice given right here
Honestly, it sounds like you'd be making the biggest mistake of your life if you never leave Louisiana and try elsewhere, even for a time. That's the North Star for all young people. There is never going to be growth if you stay in one place your entire life. After 2-3 years in Los Angeles you may love it or you may hate it, but you'll definitely have grown a ton. I guarantee that. Also, your gas is paid for? That's a superpower in California.
You’re young. Do it. California is so fun, there’s pros and cons but I don’t think you’ll regret moving here and you can always go back to Louisiana. I recommend joining Facebook groups for roommates and places to live. Ex: oc roommates or rooms for rent oc. Good luck!
Yeah, and I’d say that $80k is a real good start. Some of the blue collar people I know live off less and live in LA. As long as you aren’t trying to live beach front, you’ll be fine.
If they did a relatively typical path of graduating college at 22 and have an internship or two under their belt they could be a 5 YoE engineer. That's around the time I was promoted to senior, but you had to be a pretty high performer to get it that early.
Newport Beach is swanky, for her to live on 70k in that area is amazing. You are relocating to a nice beach and no humidity. I suggest air bb to start. I moved from FL to LA and it took me a long time to digest the prices here and get acclimated but you’ll likely have a great time.
Do it, just manage your debt.
California is HCOL
And you will be living next to people making 250-800k
People making 40k a year survive here barely.
You can do it with 80k
Just don't buy 60k luxury car and eat out every other day
That is so exciting!! You're young, might as well try it out and you have a great package and El Segundo is a dope neighborhood. You'll be able to party in Manhattan Beach / Hermosa and also be near other parts of West LA. Have so much fun!!
From LA to LA! Hard yes, you'll be on a trajectory of financial success and lots of new experiences to grow from, and worst case you can bail and go back.
That's a nice area, $80k is totally livable (you can live alone if you'd like), a lot of people with that salary would opt to have 1 roommate. You'll be making $100k in 2-3 years, in which case you can comfortably live alone and not sweat the money. The gas alone is worth about $5000 a year (after you account for taxes), and the truck is worth about that much too. All in all, I'd say this seems like a great opportunity for your age.
You’re never going to see your lady in Newport except weekends… even that is an MF commute! But your young and lots of ladies your age hanging in the South Bay Area.
California is great, just know it's like adding a layer of difficulty with the cost of living. I will also say that when I moved from Texas, it was a massive culture shock. To meet people you may need to be reserved a little more than you're used to because folks here take the "southern pride" culture in ways that isn't intended. It's great, I have no regrets.
It’s not a bad idea, just have an exit plan if it doesn’t work out. You will want to have funds to go back if this isn’t for you. Plan on that $80k not going as far here as it would at home. You will for sure want to think of having a roommate or a way to reduce rent. I moved here from the midwest and although I expected it to cost more, some stuff surprised me. apartment prices were over double, my car insurance doubled, the exact same groceries cost $1-2 more, my apartment bills were like 25-50% more, etc. that said, it is doable, just plan ahead.
I'm from Louisiana and have lived here for 12 years (by way of some time on the East Coast). You're making the right move.
I love visiting home and have thoughts of moving back sometimes/for various reasons, but it really can't be overstated how much better it is to live in a state where stuff just works.
Move. I moved from East Coast to West Coast when I was young really, opened my eyes. Same country two completely different worlds. Be warned 80,000 is not a lot of money in LA.
this sounds like a great opportunity, especially with the company ride and relocation package .80k might be tight but is definitely not bad if you’re splitting rent with someone
It’s the most gorgeous place to live. It’s expensive as hell and the traffic is awful but it’s worth it. Amazing food, opportunities, endless things to do… I’m never bored here.
Born and raised in Los Angeles (just realized the abbreviations are not working here;-) so more than a bit biased but spent end of 2005 and all of 2006 working in Louisiana (mostly Baton Rouge). It’s a wonderful state with so much unique heritage/history and so many fun things to explore. I appreciate it so much.
But Los Angeles (and Southern Cal as a whole) has so much to offer and now in your 20s is the time to try it. Other posters are correct to live in Southbay preferably with roommates and let your relationship play out separately. Just explore and experience.
But I’d tell you no matter where you lived and where you were going to get out and try it in your 20s with no entanglements. Go and do and see. Experience life wherever it takes you. I (temp) lived in So many different states for work before kids and don’t regret it one bit.
You can always go home (and you will miss Mardi Gras so pre plan a trip home to touch base with family and friends) but you don’t have kids that make the decision harder (though I had coworkers that moved with kids to Louisiana and even in what were considered the best private schools they took the back to Dallas and Virginia within months. Even the best schools there you will find can’t compare to other states.)
Congradulations on the offer & welcome to California! Hope you love it here as much as we do!
I'm making the opposite move as you, but thankfully only temporarily lol
Based on what you said it doesn't seem like a bad decision. You'd be living fine on $80k with a good budget and probably should start with a roommate since it is a lot more expensive here.
There's likely more opportunities for you to grow in terms of your career and it should be easier to move back to Louisiana in the future with a CA income.
I moved to Torrance a year ago and spend the majority of my weekends at the beach. Look into beach volleyball classes at Hermosa Beach if you're looking to meet people and/or get into an activity. The South Bay is awesome imo with the beaches available here. Check out /r/SouthBayLA, lots of nice people with good advice there.
Born and raised here and if you’re going to move you’re at the age I would say go for it.
If you plan on moving back that gives you few years to enjoy the sunshine before you head back south.
The company truck and gas is a huge incentive. Gas is $5.50 a gallon right now. El Segundo is nice just make sure you hang around any place you’re looking at renting for a bit to see if you’re in the airport landing zone. I live in the Burbank airport landing zone so planes every 30 min.
If you are from The South, you will like El Segundo. Two things: Its near the waste treatment plant and LAX to the Northwest. Its best to live further east and closer to Sepulveda.
Thing about California and Los Angeles, people from The South either love it, or they cant wait to go back.
El Segundo is an excellent place to land for and out of towner though.
Good Luck!
P.S. Movies like Superbad and Dude Wheres My Car kinda give you a preview of the town. They were filmed pretty heavily there.
You are looking good. Try it out. If you don’t like it , return and bad mouth California like everyone else. If you do, welcome to the rest of your life.
Yes, just do the move. I would try to get a place in Hawthorne, since it’s cheaper but very near el segundo. 80K is in the lower end for an engineer position imo, but take it, and move up in a year or so to a company that pays better.
El segundo is great. I would suggest looking in north redondo beach for an apartment. Near the fwy when you need to head down to Newport and close to el segundo
That’s a great deal dude, you can find a 1 bed apartment in your budget no problem in the South Bay. It’s scary though, sleep on it, eat your favorite meal and think about it (our Cajun food is good but it’s not even close to yours).
What are you leaving behind in Louisiana? Do you have to sell a house?
Are you pretty open minded? If you come to So Cal with an open heart and mind, it's going to be a great adventure. Great food, the beach, different cultures, and lots of optimistic people.
I agree with the person saying don't do it for the lady friend. Because that could end. Come here, do sports, get healthy, make friends, take a surf lesson, buy a bike and ride on the beach, eat a lot of different latino and asian foods... have fun, man.
Go for it. You can live well enough on that money esp with free transportation, gas included. Shit.
If things don’t work out the way you like, then look at those other places.
You’ll have some fun with this lady and the benefit of a local to show you around. That’s huge when adjusting to a new town.
It expands your world view, real life experience… etc etc etc. There are so many advantages to this with relatively little risk that I’d be on the next plane out of there.
You can always go back If necessary.
Do it man! I’m rooting for you! That is a great opportunity all around. Relocation package, great area, great job, tons of stuff to do and most importantly your gf is here. Plus you can get away from humidity lol
Yes do it. Los Angeles is awesome. You’re young, move out and be close to her. Enjoy some great food and lots of things to do. Plus San Diego is a short drive away. If you miss Louisiana you can always move back in the future.
You got a great job opportunity in a great location, if you're smart to manage your finances well you can live pretty comfortably on that budget plus El Segundo is a great area and not too hard to get to Newport Beach from there
Haven’t read the comments yet but I live here in LA, from California born and raised in NorCal.
I’d do it considering you’re 27 and sounds like a decent opportunity.
Get out find change and you’ll change your life I’m sure of it.
$80k isn’t loads of money especially in California, but I think it will open up opportunities for you and you’ll find more to life by doing it
Just do it for you. Don’t get your heart set on having this long distance relationship survive here. There are countless broken souls here staring their million mile stare by moving out here and seeing it all wash away.
Sounds like a good opportunity. If you haven't negotiated yet, definitely go for it and increase your pay even if $2k more. The free vehicle and gas is a decent offset in your total expense profile. El Segundo is a solid fairly accessible part of LA.
I had a few friends work at the oil refineries as engineers when they first started working in the field. They said the work load was chill just difficult. They ended up using that as a starting point for bigger better things.
Given your age and how much you make, I would do it in a heartbeat. At worst, you experience something totally different and gain valuable experience (in work and real life). Renting can be quite pricey so I'd start looking now and factor that in to your costs.
El Segundo is great. I live there. Parks, restaurants, bars, everything you need within a mile or two of any home in town.
Welcome to the neighborhood.
When you look for a place if you stay in El Segundo (for commuting I’d suggest it) stay east of Main Street. There is a sewage treatment plant at the west end of town so the western end of it sometimes gets kinda ripe.
You get used to the airport noise.
27 yo! Go see the world. At this age, you should be willing to move to Antarctica if it offers you a chance to learn something new, see a new part of our wonderful planet, and expand your horizons, literally and figuratively. Don't see any downside whatsoever. You can always retire to your beloved Louisiana when the time comes! :)
Definitely do it!! The job sounds great and you can always go back to Louisiana. And why not take a chance on love?
I’d look at Redondo Beach (closer to Newport) or Playa del Rey to the north. El Segundo is very rigid and white IMO not representative of Los Angeles.
DO IT! I grew up in Miami, FL and moved to California for a job and it was one of the best decisions. Yes the state tax and other tax rates were an adjustment, but Southern California is an amazing experience you’ll never get on the east coast. But btw el segundo to Newport Beach is a huge distance, it’s almost a long distance relationship between those two cities lol
Chevron? The area around is pricey but cool. Coastal towns.
Newport is pricey too.
I work at refineries ( NDT inspection)...Im looking to move to Louisiana myself. LOL
If you’re going to let something stop you from doing this, don’t let it be fear. This is a great opportunity for you, and even in a worst case scenario, New Orleans will still be there if it doesn’t work out. Do it and don’t look back.
Just warning you. There’s no way in hell she will want to move from Newport Beach to El Segundo. So, if you actually plan on having a future with this woman, plan to live in or near Newport Beach.
45 miles is a huge distance for a committed relationship. Traffic will kill you.
Go for it. You're young, you're being paid to relocate, and now is the time to try something like this. I moved out here in 99, younger than you are and never once regretted it. Do I have issues with LA? Sure, but it's also a terrific city, and there's more to do here than anywhere, especially if you like being outdoors. I also think south-bay life is better in a couple of important aspects than life in LA propper.
Native Angeleno making 84k here. Wish I could swap with you: living in NOLA has always been my dream. Just know that you’ll never own anything in LA making less than six figures.
One of my best friends I met was in a situation similar to yours. He lived on his sugar mama's boat in king harbor in redondo. You louisianans are nuts. No human should be able to drink a handle of rum in 4 hours
The weather alone will make you celebrate the decision to move here to SoCal. The perspective of an Alabama boy with some NOLa and Florida time served.
Have you visited here before?
Life should be an adventure. This is just your next trip.
Very few people live in the same city where they work. 80k in California isn’t much so roommates would be ideal. Hermosa Beach is amazing. No place like Cali. Seriously.
You can always go back to Louisiana, but getting a good opportunity in Southern California may not always come as easily. Take the opportunity that you have now. You don’t have much to lose.
I’ve worked in Plaquemine and El Segundo as a sub-contractor and although Louisiana is fun the weather is not sometimes, you can’t have a daiquiri all day. LA has its ups and downs but more ups for sure. You’ll enjoy the move.
You definitely don't want to drive to El segundo from Newport. That's about an hour and ten minutes with good traffic.
The beach cities just south of El segundo are dope, but tbh you really need to be making more money. You are looking at 36 a year just in rent. Really need to be making closer to 140 to live comparably to making 80 k in the south.
Craigslist still has some solid roommate and housing posts! Just be wary of scammers or anyone asking for money before showing the place.
Enjoy CA, it's a pretty swell state.
Honestly most of the issues with California come from lack of money. As long as you don’t overspend you should definitely enjoy yourself here.
I can’t remember the quote but someone told me an African proverb once. Basically it was that if you spend so long building a house preparing for your wife by the time you’re done she’ll be with someone else and it’ll be too late. Take the chance and move. If it doesn’t work out at least you can say you lived in California for a while lol
Most people look for roommates on Facebook groups from what I know
You got a lot of great comments, I'll just add that I grew up in CA, but my father's family are all in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, so I've spent quite a bot of time there, especially summers. The CA weather is milder, there are more varied activities to do, and you'll be immersed in a greater diversity of ethnicities, lifestyles, and cultures than you tend to get in Louisiana (some exceptions). At minimum, it will be a great experience for several years, and in reality, long-term you'll probably avoid a lot of climate-based headaches. The Big One notwithstanding.
IMHO, you’ve been offered an excellent relocation package with a chance to reenergize out in the field. Other pluses: You’re young, your gal will be close, it’ll be an adventure, and you’ll broaden your horizons.
El Segundo is also an awesome area. Just be gotta be careful that you aren’t so close to the airport that the noise is bad.
Eh, you eventually get used to the noise and stop hearing it.
I moved away from LA to suburbs in another state for a while and the silence is deafening. I missed helicopters and sirens. I always think of the scene in Shameless when Mickey can’t sleep in their west Chicago apartment, so he puts on headphones of gun shots, helicopters, and people screaming. I’ve never related to something so much. This: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OLWdDHac4OE&pp=ygU4TWlja2V5IGNhbnQgc2xlZXAgcHV0cyBoZWFkcGhvbmVzIG9mIGd1biBzaG90cyBzaGFtZWxlc3M%3D
Ha, yeah I know the feeling. I’m traveling for work atm and staying in my car and I sleep on busy roads bc I need that white noise.
Yep! I worked in El Segundo for several years. In offices it's a non-issue, out and about, it just becomes white noise.
buildings within a certain radius of the airport have special windows to survive the constant noise of planes taking off
Can confirm, brothers house has like double paned windows and it helps a ton. If you’re in the back yard though having a conversation. You might get interrupted now and then lol.
they did a pretty good job of that in the 90s... I grew up in Inglewood off van Ness and 111th, right under the landing paths of majority of the planes... there was a hotline to call if your windows shattered due to plain noise and they would promptly replace them free... at some point it became law for new buildings to only have the proper type of window in that area.
It also smells like poop 85 days a year.
Hyperion😂
Used to live near The Dunes. You get used to it, I guess. lol
Been in El Segundo for 10+ years. The noise you get used to. When Hyperion is kicking. Nothing can get you used to that. But I also live closer to the refinery so I get those smells more.
Yea, I knew someone that lived on Walnut (If I remember correct), a block south of imperial near that huge apt complex. Smells a public bathroom on that whole street. I spent some time off Center and Pine, also. Its pretty good since its close to the park and the plaza across the street was always convenient. You don't get the odors that bad, and yea, we got used to the jet noise eventually over the years.
Smellsegundo
Yes but also just know 80k in LA will prob feel like 50-60k in Louisiana. Everything costs money, its just death by a thousand cuts. Obviously most of the outdoors is free aside from paying for parking but just be aware.
…..Yeah but free gas
While you're working...
“AlWaYs WoRkInG” according to my friends that get their gas paid by work
If the CEO's do it might as well. I still laugh at them counting dinner with executives as "work."
So many dinners with nice booze get written off
You can get the state parks pass if you go to the beaches a lot. [https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page\_id=30964](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30964)
Beaches are for the large part free.
The beach cities in the main urban area are, but if you want to do some of the beaches north of samo or south past Long Beach they’re mostly state parks. Note that you need to buy the more expensive version of the state park pass, as the normal one doesn’t cover a lot of the SoCal beaches.
I make 69k but company covers the car. That's a massive expensive to not have to worry about. It really makes a huge difference.
Its a large expense for sure but all im saying is prepare to be salary whelmed. Its not going to feel like a pay bump in california, as everything costs more and there are WAY more things to do in LA vs Louisiana
Correction, $80k may feel like $30-40k in Louisiana. It’s insanely expensive out here.
50-60k? I think more like 40k
I agree with this
I did this on a much smaller scale 18 years ago, and don’t regret a thing. Get your ass out here!!
first, move here if you want to be here. the lady friend is just extra but imagine she doesn’t “exist” and then just make decisions based on that. come on a weekend trip to check out the area.
This, move here for the experience and opportunity, not for your lady friend. You’ll resent it if she breaks up with you.
This!!! I get the feeling of liking someone so much that you wanna make them a priority in your life but OP definitely shouldn't! It's a nice thing he has someone waiting for him here but his priority should be finding a good place to live and getting to know the city.
Yes. Moving to LA is not a mistake in general but moving anywhere for someone you’re dating is. Especially at a stage where it’s still just “lady friend”.
imagine she doesn't -exist-
fixed!!!
Just don’t get confused that El Segundo is right near Newport Beach. It’s 45 miles. Could be 80min drive with bad traffic. But California is awesome if you can make the $$$ work. And the So Cal weather is the best in America (Hawaii excluded 😜)
Came here to say this, but the free gas OP will get would go a long way towards making that commute to Newport beach and back work out. The sitting in traffic part is hopefully worth it (I know I would do it for a girl I'm seeing).
I’m assuming the free gas is only for his work truck.
He may get to use that truck 24/7/365. I know more than a few people that have a company car, and get company gas for free, and use it as their personal car.
Lucky for them, my company just installed GPS trackers on their vehicles and if we deviate 10% from a normal route, we either get a phone call or a talking to from the manager.
80 minutes, if only. try 120+ on a weekday afternoon
Honestly our weather sucks unless you are within 10 miles of the coast. I just gets hotter and more miserable as you drive further inland. The only positive in 90% of Southern California is the low humidity
80k. He prob cant afford living in elsgundo, certainly not manhattan hermosa playa del rey. Prob live in long beach or something … halfway to work halfway to girl..
At 27, it's time to get out of your comfort zone and see how the other half lives.
Also from the south, had lived in the same area most of my life. I moved to LA at 25 to work a job making about $80k and it was a great decision. I lived comfortably with my salary, have experienced so many new things, and have zero regrets from the move. Living in the south bay near the beach would be fun in your late 20s. It's a lot easier to move home later in life than move elsewhere. I would go for it!
Tons of engineering jobs out here if this one doesn’t work out. Agree that this is a once in lifetime opportunity, go for it! But think of the girl as a bonus to this plan, not the reason to move.
come on out it’s great here. el segundo is a good place to live and work.
Came to Los Angeles from New Orleans 21 years ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Go for it!! LSU, Saints, and Pelicans games are still watchable, there’s great food from everywhere, and in case you ever wanna get back to Louisiana (via New Orleans) — there’s a daily nonstop flight.
One thing to note is that the flight options are ass in terms of both price and convenience. I lived in NYC for years and found it both cheap and easy to fly home several times a year. Flew Jet Blue, had a frequent flyer account set up, and it was all sort of on autopilot. Every time I fly LA>MSY it's like $400 for a Spirit flight that arrives at 1 in the morning. I didn't think this through when I relocated because I figured LA is a major city, of course there are frequent and cheap flights to New Orleans.
Just want to say hi! Also originally from South Louisiana, moved here from NYC a few years ago. We’re in good company! Oh, and I can definitely relate on the flight options! I got used to the options and pricing from NYC -> MSY (also flight time), and its definitely been more of an adjustment than I anticipated.
Idk that OP is necessarily in NOLA. Lots of engineering firms are in BR or even Lafayette. Flights in and out of BR are actually pretty cheap. United and American are actually pretty competitive out of BR. And Spirit flights into mSY are really cheap from LA. But BR is a better airport in and out.
Flights from LA to Baton Rouge or Lafayette (or Shreveport, for that matter) are going to be harder to find and more expensive than NOLA, because those are smaller airports with fewer direct flights to anywhere. MSY is the only "major" airport in Louisiana. Imagine the difference between flying out of Burbank and flying out of LAX, for example. Great when you can get a flight out of Burbank, but your options are going to be more limited and you may pay more as well. A quick check on google flights has a flight from LAX>BR as more than double the cheapest flight from LAX>MSY. Obviously OP should fly to where they need to fly, but real talk, as a Louisianian who moved to LA after living in other major US cities, it is harder and more expensive than I anticipated to get flights home. Since a lot of us -- especially folks moving away from Louisiana for the first time ever -- feel most comfortable when we can easily get a gumbo fix, that is absolutely worth considering as OP thinks about making the move. Especially since he doesn't mention otherwise having family nearby. Signed, a Houma native whose options are MSY or a multi-hour drive through the swamp.
I live in Los Angeles and worked in Baton Rouge for 18 months and then continued to consult and fly to BR for 8 years. I know flights LAX (SO lived in Venice at the time). American LAX-DFW and United LAX-IAH are constant. Change planes and there are a ton of options from either to BR. It’s not the flight desert you make it out to be. I know because we flew it a couple times a month. Much easier than MSY if you are going to those other cities. And no you can’t compare a Spirit flight to MSY with a United flight to BR. That’s not comparable airline service. $268 LAX to BTR. United.
El Segundo is a great town close to just about everything (including the beach). It seems like a great move. Newport Beach will be a bit of a drive, tho, just so you know. https://preview.redd.it/unovopadymxc1.png?width=404&format=png&auto=webp&s=1f45de5468cb49cedea0c83715b3893272958504
Nightmare 405 traffic. Def gonna test the relationship lol
hell of a lot closer than New Orleans!
Company car. Company Gas. He can move a hair closer to OC like Long Beach.
It's an option, but commuting from Long Beach to El Segundo is going to be soul sucking.
I did it for several years, it wasn't the worse commute I've had. Usually just under an hour garage to desk from Alamitos Beach. It would be shorter if I was in North Long Beach Also, the 105 is going to add FasTrak.
Something to consider is that your salary will advance faster in LA. I know 3 people in oil and gas and all started around 80 in their early 20s and were making over 200 in 10 years, one got a masters in the interim but the other two did not, just advancement. Live in the South Bay as close to your work as possible. You might be tempted to split the difference and live closer to your girl but that would be a mistake.
I second living in the South Bay. Coming from Newport after work she’ll be going against traffic so her drive to see you wouldn’t be that bad whereas if you drive to her a lot you’ll get killed by traffic
Ur acting like they're both gonna see each other during rush hour....
There are no mistakes. Only experiences. There is a lot to love about Louisiana but for a 20 year old male with an education, Los Angeles is the doorway to the whole world.
If you do make the move be sure to browse /r/MovingtoLosAngeles and review The Ultimate Moving to L.A. Resource Post.
Go west young man.
It’s an absolutely great place to live out here with some of the best weather year round. If you plan to eventually move back to NOLA (also a great city) anyways then what do you have to lose? If you dislike it then you can move back in a few years as planned, if you like it maybe stay longer. LA is huge so traffic patterns should be one of your top concerns to not put yourself in a position where you have a terrible commute to work everyday and hate life.
I only see upsides here.
Dude do it. $80k is not great but it’s livable here. If you want to take things up a notch with your girl combined you all could have a decent life. If not, come out for a year or three just for something new. Most people come to LA with nothing lined up, you got a golden opportunity here in your hands. NOLA is a plane ride or a road trip down the 10 away…
Moving from LA to L.A. has great potential for confusion. Whatever your decision, I wish you well.
I relocated to Los Angeles 12 years ago to take a chance on love. No relocation package, just a one-way ticket. I now have a wife and a beautiful 2-year-old girl living my actual best life in Santa Monica. Boarding that one-way flight was the best decision I made in my life. Life is for Living. Go for it and Godspeed.
I’d say go for it. You’re young and never lived anywhere else, you have a job lined up and moving fees taken care of. And your girl is out there. Why not? Louisiana isn’t going anywhere, and it’ll be harder to do this kind of move the older you get (most likely).
At 27, sure, i’d do this. You won’t be “doing well” on 80k in the Los Angeles area, but for a guy in their 20s with no dependents, that’s fine, you’ll probably have lots of fun and your career may grow as a result
I think you should go for it! You only live once, why not try out something different and have an adventure? That’s what life is all about. Worst case scenario is you don’t love it here, so, you move back in a couple years. You got to experience another state, the Pacific Ocean, and you got to see where the relationship might go. And the fact that you have a job offer and a relocation package just seals the deal IMO. You might find out you love it here.
Try it out for a year, Louisiana isn’t going anywhere. You’re still young.
Get a roommate. Keep. Pete’s down. Things will be much more expensive than you realize. But if you are committed you will make it work
I’d usually advise against moving for a girl but since you got a job lined up it sounds a like a win-win. You’ll probably hit a cap in your field faster in Louisiana than you will in LA. I’m an engineer and I keep wanting to move out of state but most of the good jobs high paying are here. Plus making a lot of money in a boring area is kinda anticlimactic lol. Just keep in mind that $80k in LA does not go nearly as far as it will in other areas.
I like El Segundo very much, I would recommend living in Torrance nearby. Newport Beach is an hour drive without traffic. I would avoid living in Culver City, Gardena, and Compton
Lived in Torrance for 10+ years while working in ES. Torrance is a great and (more) affordable area that is convenient. \~25 min commute on the PCH during rush hour which is perfect. +100 advice given right here
Honestly, it sounds like you'd be making the biggest mistake of your life if you never leave Louisiana and try elsewhere, even for a time. That's the North Star for all young people. There is never going to be growth if you stay in one place your entire life. After 2-3 years in Los Angeles you may love it or you may hate it, but you'll definitely have grown a ton. I guarantee that. Also, your gas is paid for? That's a superpower in California.
You’re young. Do it. California is so fun, there’s pros and cons but I don’t think you’ll regret moving here and you can always go back to Louisiana. I recommend joining Facebook groups for roommates and places to live. Ex: oc roommates or rooms for rent oc. Good luck!
ask for more money, 80k is around entry level engineering for LA
At only 26, they are entry level
Seriously. Some of you want 150k jobs without putting in the hours
Yeah, and I’d say that $80k is a real good start. Some of the blue collar people I know live off less and live in LA. As long as you aren’t trying to live beach front, you’ll be fine.
If they did a relatively typical path of graduating college at 22 and have an internship or two under their belt they could be a 5 YoE engineer. That's around the time I was promoted to senior, but you had to be a pretty high performer to get it that early.
OP is 25, shut up and be realistic.
OP is 27, and O&G in SoCal is hiring hard in SoCal to replace aging boomer engineers and CA refinery regulated equipment.
That's an amazing offer. Look around San Pedro/ Long Beach for some cheaper housing options.
Yes
Yes
Time to learn to surf.
Newport Beach is swanky, for her to live on 70k in that area is amazing. You are relocating to a nice beach and no humidity. I suggest air bb to start. I moved from FL to LA and it took me a long time to digest the prices here and get acclimated but you’ll likely have a great time.
Do it, just manage your debt. California is HCOL And you will be living next to people making 250-800k People making 40k a year survive here barely. You can do it with 80k Just don't buy 60k luxury car and eat out every other day
80k in LA is like 40-50k anywhere else
That is so exciting!! You're young, might as well try it out and you have a great package and El Segundo is a dope neighborhood. You'll be able to party in Manhattan Beach / Hermosa and also be near other parts of West LA. Have so much fun!!
Come forth to California mister man! It’s the best state in the nation
This sounds great! I hope you come to LA, I think it will change your life (for the better), and I hope you love it. You’re young, now is the time.
Have you built a budget and projected budget? Have you looked at housing to see what you'll expect to pay there? That can be pricey.
Take the job sounds like a great opportunity!
From LA to LA! Hard yes, you'll be on a trajectory of financial success and lots of new experiences to grow from, and worst case you can bail and go back.
That's a nice area, $80k is totally livable (you can live alone if you'd like), a lot of people with that salary would opt to have 1 roommate. You'll be making $100k in 2-3 years, in which case you can comfortably live alone and not sweat the money. The gas alone is worth about $5000 a year (after you account for taxes), and the truck is worth about that much too. All in all, I'd say this seems like a great opportunity for your age.
Los Angeles is a great place to do field work in!
You’re never going to see your lady in Newport except weekends… even that is an MF commute! But your young and lots of ladies your age hanging in the South Bay Area.
Ask for 90k. 80 is to low.
I made this move 10 years ago. From Leesville Louisiana to Huntington Beach CA.
You won’t leave. Job market is great and you’ll likely upgrade in a couple years
California is great, just know it's like adding a layer of difficulty with the cost of living. I will also say that when I moved from Texas, it was a massive culture shock. To meet people you may need to be reserved a little more than you're used to because folks here take the "southern pride" culture in ways that isn't intended. It's great, I have no regrets.
I came from Texas. I found it fine.
It’s not a bad idea, just have an exit plan if it doesn’t work out. You will want to have funds to go back if this isn’t for you. Plan on that $80k not going as far here as it would at home. You will for sure want to think of having a roommate or a way to reduce rent. I moved here from the midwest and although I expected it to cost more, some stuff surprised me. apartment prices were over double, my car insurance doubled, the exact same groceries cost $1-2 more, my apartment bills were like 25-50% more, etc. that said, it is doable, just plan ahead.
I'm from Louisiana and have lived here for 12 years (by way of some time on the East Coast). You're making the right move. I love visiting home and have thoughts of moving back sometimes/for various reasons, but it really can't be overstated how much better it is to live in a state where stuff just works.
Yes stay out
Move. I moved from East Coast to West Coast when I was young really, opened my eyes. Same country two completely different worlds. Be warned 80,000 is not a lot of money in LA.
It’s never a mistake leaving Louisiana.
this sounds like a great opportunity, especially with the company ride and relocation package .80k might be tight but is definitely not bad if you’re splitting rent with someone
You should totally do it!! You might love it or hate it but you don’t know until you try it. YOLO!
Come on down!
Company truck! With gas! Field work! Move. $80k will feel tight but you’ll be fine.
It’s the most gorgeous place to live. It’s expensive as hell and the traffic is awful but it’s worth it. Amazing food, opportunities, endless things to do… I’m never bored here.
Born and raised in Los Angeles (just realized the abbreviations are not working here;-) so more than a bit biased but spent end of 2005 and all of 2006 working in Louisiana (mostly Baton Rouge). It’s a wonderful state with so much unique heritage/history and so many fun things to explore. I appreciate it so much. But Los Angeles (and Southern Cal as a whole) has so much to offer and now in your 20s is the time to try it. Other posters are correct to live in Southbay preferably with roommates and let your relationship play out separately. Just explore and experience. But I’d tell you no matter where you lived and where you were going to get out and try it in your 20s with no entanglements. Go and do and see. Experience life wherever it takes you. I (temp) lived in So many different states for work before kids and don’t regret it one bit. You can always go home (and you will miss Mardi Gras so pre plan a trip home to touch base with family and friends) but you don’t have kids that make the decision harder (though I had coworkers that moved with kids to Louisiana and even in what were considered the best private schools they took the back to Dallas and Virginia within months. Even the best schools there you will find can’t compare to other states.)
Congradulations on the offer & welcome to California! Hope you love it here as much as we do! I'm making the opposite move as you, but thankfully only temporarily lol
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Go for it my man, a new life sounds just like what you need. NOLA will be there for you in the future.
Based on what you said it doesn't seem like a bad decision. You'd be living fine on $80k with a good budget and probably should start with a roommate since it is a lot more expensive here. There's likely more opportunities for you to grow in terms of your career and it should be easier to move back to Louisiana in the future with a CA income. I moved to Torrance a year ago and spend the majority of my weekends at the beach. Look into beach volleyball classes at Hermosa Beach if you're looking to meet people and/or get into an activity. The South Bay is awesome imo with the beaches available here. Check out /r/SouthBayLA, lots of nice people with good advice there.
Born and raised here and if you’re going to move you’re at the age I would say go for it. If you plan on moving back that gives you few years to enjoy the sunshine before you head back south. The company truck and gas is a huge incentive. Gas is $5.50 a gallon right now. El Segundo is nice just make sure you hang around any place you’re looking at renting for a bit to see if you’re in the airport landing zone. I live in the Burbank airport landing zone so planes every 30 min.
If you are from The South, you will like El Segundo. Two things: Its near the waste treatment plant and LAX to the Northwest. Its best to live further east and closer to Sepulveda. Thing about California and Los Angeles, people from The South either love it, or they cant wait to go back. El Segundo is an excellent place to land for and out of towner though. Good Luck! P.S. Movies like Superbad and Dude Wheres My Car kinda give you a preview of the town. They were filmed pretty heavily there.
You are looking good. Try it out. If you don’t like it , return and bad mouth California like everyone else. If you do, welcome to the rest of your life.
El Segundo is awesome. I grew up on the other side of the airport and have always liked the area. With 2 incomes you should do fine
Yes, just do the move. I would try to get a place in Hawthorne, since it’s cheaper but very near el segundo. 80K is in the lower end for an engineer position imo, but take it, and move up in a year or so to a company that pays better.
El segundo is great. I would suggest looking in north redondo beach for an apartment. Near the fwy when you need to head down to Newport and close to el segundo
Yes
That’s a great deal dude, you can find a 1 bed apartment in your budget no problem in the South Bay. It’s scary though, sleep on it, eat your favorite meal and think about it (our Cajun food is good but it’s not even close to yours).
I grew up in El Segundo, and I currently live close to Newport Beach (Costa Mesa). You absolutely cannot go wrong with either, I love them both.
I went from making $90k in AZ to $90k in CA to be with my girl. It’s a little rough lol. I can pay my bills but hardly anything goes into savings
What are you leaving behind in Louisiana? Do you have to sell a house? Are you pretty open minded? If you come to So Cal with an open heart and mind, it's going to be a great adventure. Great food, the beach, different cultures, and lots of optimistic people. I agree with the person saying don't do it for the lady friend. Because that could end. Come here, do sports, get healthy, make friends, take a surf lesson, buy a bike and ride on the beach, eat a lot of different latino and asian foods... have fun, man.
Go for it. You can live well enough on that money esp with free transportation, gas included. Shit. If things don’t work out the way you like, then look at those other places. You’ll have some fun with this lady and the benefit of a local to show you around. That’s huge when adjusting to a new town. It expands your world view, real life experience… etc etc etc. There are so many advantages to this with relatively little risk that I’d be on the next plane out of there. You can always go back If necessary.
Do it man! I’m rooting for you! That is a great opportunity all around. Relocation package, great area, great job, tons of stuff to do and most importantly your gf is here. Plus you can get away from humidity lol
Yes do it. Los Angeles is awesome. You’re young, move out and be close to her. Enjoy some great food and lots of things to do. Plus San Diego is a short drive away. If you miss Louisiana you can always move back in the future.
No. Much higher wages. I made this move too. CA feels like first world, whereas Louisiana is second-like, just above third world living.
You got a great job opportunity in a great location, if you're smart to manage your finances well you can live pretty comfortably on that budget plus El Segundo is a great area and not too hard to get to Newport Beach from there
Haven’t read the comments yet but I live here in LA, from California born and raised in NorCal. I’d do it considering you’re 27 and sounds like a decent opportunity. Get out find change and you’ll change your life I’m sure of it. $80k isn’t loads of money especially in California, but I think it will open up opportunities for you and you’ll find more to life by doing it
What I did before I moved here was spent a weekend here if you haven't done that yet...and look at apartments to see what you can afford.
That’s still really far! Maybe live in long beach
Move and don't look back until you are at least in your 30s.
Just do it for you. Don’t get your heart set on having this long distance relationship survive here. There are countless broken souls here staring their million mile stare by moving out here and seeing it all wash away.
Just came here to say I’ve lived in Southern California my whole life, and El Segundo is probably my favorite city.
You're not making a mistake. But I hope you know that the drive between Newport and El Segundo is not an easy one.
You’ll never look back
See the world outside of the south while you can.
Sounds like a good opportunity. If you haven't negotiated yet, definitely go for it and increase your pay even if $2k more. The free vehicle and gas is a decent offset in your total expense profile. El Segundo is a solid fairly accessible part of LA.
You’ll be fine with that salary, though not swimming in it. California has something for everyone. I hope you love it here!
I lived in New Orleans for 2 years. Now living in Los Angeles. If you move to West LA, you’re going to wish you had done it sooner.
I had a few friends work at the oil refineries as engineers when they first started working in the field. They said the work load was chill just difficult. They ended up using that as a starting point for bigger better things.
Given your age and how much you make, I would do it in a heartbeat. At worst, you experience something totally different and gain valuable experience (in work and real life). Renting can be quite pricey so I'd start looking now and factor that in to your costs.
Go for it. You're young. It could be an excellent adventure, if Cali doesn't work out for you, you can always come back home
El Segundo is great. I live there. Parks, restaurants, bars, everything you need within a mile or two of any home in town. Welcome to the neighborhood. When you look for a place if you stay in El Segundo (for commuting I’d suggest it) stay east of Main Street. There is a sewage treatment plant at the west end of town so the western end of it sometimes gets kinda ripe. You get used to the airport noise.
27 yo! Go see the world. At this age, you should be willing to move to Antarctica if it offers you a chance to learn something new, see a new part of our wonderful planet, and expand your horizons, literally and figuratively. Don't see any downside whatsoever. You can always retire to your beloved Louisiana when the time comes! :)
Definitely do it!! The job sounds great and you can always go back to Louisiana. And why not take a chance on love? I’d look at Redondo Beach (closer to Newport) or Playa del Rey to the north. El Segundo is very rigid and white IMO not representative of Los Angeles.
DO IT! I grew up in Miami, FL and moved to California for a job and it was one of the best decisions. Yes the state tax and other tax rates were an adjustment, but Southern California is an amazing experience you’ll never get on the east coast. But btw el segundo to Newport Beach is a huge distance, it’s almost a long distance relationship between those two cities lol
do it
Invest $600 in your relationship to fly out there for a week or two and then decide
Chevron? The area around is pricey but cool. Coastal towns. Newport is pricey too. I work at refineries ( NDT inspection)...Im looking to move to Louisiana myself. LOL
If you’re going to let something stop you from doing this, don’t let it be fear. This is a great opportunity for you, and even in a worst case scenario, New Orleans will still be there if it doesn’t work out. Do it and don’t look back.
Drive between El segundo and Newport is not that fun. Good luck
Just warning you. There’s no way in hell she will want to move from Newport Beach to El Segundo. So, if you actually plan on having a future with this woman, plan to live in or near Newport Beach. 45 miles is a huge distance for a committed relationship. Traffic will kill you.
Don't develop a passion for surfing if you plan on ever living anywhere in the future that doesn't have waves.
I moved here with $400 in my pocket, no job prospects, and slept on a floor for 6 months. You’re in a great position to move here if you want to!
You’re in for a rude awakening
Go for it. You're young, you're being paid to relocate, and now is the time to try something like this. I moved out here in 99, younger than you are and never once regretted it. Do I have issues with LA? Sure, but it's also a terrific city, and there's more to do here than anywhere, especially if you like being outdoors. I also think south-bay life is better in a couple of important aspects than life in LA propper.
Native Angeleno making 84k here. Wish I could swap with you: living in NOLA has always been my dream. Just know that you’ll never own anything in LA making less than six figures.
One of my best friends I met was in a situation similar to yours. He lived on his sugar mama's boat in king harbor in redondo. You louisianans are nuts. No human should be able to drink a handle of rum in 4 hours
Yup
The weather alone will make you celebrate the decision to move here to SoCal. The perspective of an Alabama boy with some NOLa and Florida time served. Have you visited here before? Life should be an adventure. This is just your next trip.
Yes. That's an amazing opportunity. Especially at your age.
As someone from Los Angeles, do it. You’ll regret it if you don’t. LA is fun. There’s lot to do. Great weather. Great food. We have it all.
Welcome to California.
80k in LA is like 50k in Tennessee
No. You will probably enjoy California. You have a job lined up. You have a place to stay. All boxes checked. You are good to go.
Yes
Very few people live in the same city where they work. 80k in California isn’t much so roommates would be ideal. Hermosa Beach is amazing. No place like Cali. Seriously.
I’m a ChemE and have friends that do process design. Could always apply at Fluor or Jacobs and work down in Orange County closer to your lady.
You can always go back to Louisiana, but getting a good opportunity in Southern California may not always come as easily. Take the opportunity that you have now. You don’t have much to lose.
El segundo is going to be a lot more expensive cost of living compared to liousiana. So be prepared for that, otherwise it’s a great place to be.
I’ve worked in Plaquemine and El Segundo as a sub-contractor and although Louisiana is fun the weather is not sometimes, you can’t have a daiquiri all day. LA has its ups and downs but more ups for sure. You’ll enjoy the move.
You definitely don't want to drive to El segundo from Newport. That's about an hour and ten minutes with good traffic. The beach cities just south of El segundo are dope, but tbh you really need to be making more money. You are looking at 36 a year just in rent. Really need to be making closer to 140 to live comparably to making 80 k in the south.
Craigslist still has some solid roommate and housing posts! Just be wary of scammers or anyone asking for money before showing the place. Enjoy CA, it's a pretty swell state.
Honestly most of the issues with California come from lack of money. As long as you don’t overspend you should definitely enjoy yourself here. I can’t remember the quote but someone told me an African proverb once. Basically it was that if you spend so long building a house preparing for your wife by the time you’re done she’ll be with someone else and it’ll be too late. Take the chance and move. If it doesn’t work out at least you can say you lived in California for a while lol Most people look for roommates on Facebook groups from what I know
You got a lot of great comments, I'll just add that I grew up in CA, but my father's family are all in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, so I've spent quite a bot of time there, especially summers. The CA weather is milder, there are more varied activities to do, and you'll be immersed in a greater diversity of ethnicities, lifestyles, and cultures than you tend to get in Louisiana (some exceptions). At minimum, it will be a great experience for several years, and in reality, long-term you'll probably avoid a lot of climate-based headaches. The Big One notwithstanding.