Wherever I lay my hat…

So like in most places, where you live is key to what your experience of that place is like. And nowhere is this more apparent that in LA. It does remind me a little of London…in a general sense. As in the East of London, East LA has a lot more ‘hipster’ bars and cool chic hangouts (though it does have the ace Dresden club, that shot to fame in the film “Swingers”). West LA in general is where the money is, much like in London (such as Notting Hill, Mayfair, Knightsbridge). South LA much like South London is a little bit more sketchy. However the South West of LA is like an enclave of money or at least prettier living in places like Santa Monica, Venice and Marina Del Rey. And the North is pretty much strange to everyone who doesn’t live there – haha.

I live in North Hollywood, which is NOWHERE near West Hollywood (full of cool places to eat on the street and be seen at) or Hollywood in general (where the Oscars take place). It’s about a 30 minute drive via either a highway or a twisty route ‘over the mountain’. And because of the difference in areas, there is a difference in housing too. I have found that it is really important about where you live.

If I was doing this initial trip again, I would have researched further into places to stay, because Angelenos rarely like to travel far. And each area of LA is essentially like its own little state/ village/ town. If you live and work in West Hollywood, going to Santa Monica or Venice is a trip you would make maybe once a month (and vice versa). It’s only 30 mins in the car, but that 30 mins seems like a lifetime’s worth or effort to those that live here. And if that 30 mins is via a freeway, then forget those friends, you’d be better off making new ones that live closer as you ain’t gonna see them EVER…

Now where I live is cheaper than living closer to the action, and if I had things to do in Burbank (where Warner Brothers studios and Universal studios are situated) or Studio City or Sherman Oaks, then it would have been an easy sell as they are really close. But I am rarely there and most people who I have met live more centrally, with a price tag to match. But the essential difference is that I have to tack on a further 30 mins whenever we go out as that’s what the cheaper cost means. It also means an extra 30-50 mins if I want to be in town for something in the morning. It means that unless I drive (thank God I drive), I would be stuck.

If I went for a more central option (as Kez did at her hotel), then I could get away with walking a few places and taxis for the longer commutes. So my advice is to see what you want your LA experience to be – a lot of time in the car? Head out of the centre. If you are a person who likes to walk and things on your doorstep, then stump up the extra cash for a place in town. Now I live in a two-bedroom house that has a small garden and is part of a complex that has a pool and plenty of on-street parking.

Where I live, there is a lot of room, wide roads (an American staple) and quite a few ‘strip malls’ – small pockets of shops and eateries. It’s not the prettiest place, but as I said, it is cheap. On my various trips around town, I have been making a short study of places I have noticed – all houses are NOT the same (obviously).

I have a friend who lives in the West part of LA. Think Mayfair – large houses, plush lawns, armed response security and country clubs chock full of stars (apparently a star of ‘Friends’ is a member of the local club). The house is a lovely oasis of calm – large picture windows letting in light, a huge kitchen and a lovely long pool. And a piano. Which is cool. Check out the pictures –

Another friend lives in West Hollywood – an area that is pretty cool in terms of places to go and be seen in as well as a ton of bars, clubs and cool shops. It is the most like the Portobello area of Notting Hill or Clapham and unlike most places in LA, it is possible to walk around. Now this place is pretty much what I wanted to be staying in, however the price tag is double what I paid for my place, but it is easy to get around and close to a lot of good places. I find myself in this area a lot so next time I come around, I may consider saving a bit more and getting me a place here. Check out the pictures –

I also went to a place on the coast, a brilliant surfer’s paradise, only a few blocks from the Ocean. The downside of coastal living is that it is a bit of a trek to get to town. But the place is fab, totally lived in and cosy as well as a lovely little haven of trees, leafy nooks and a lovely laid-back vibe. Get a load of the fab pictures –

I would love to live by the sea, but I also like the town centre living of West Hollywood (WeHo) too. Then again, I can’t surf in town…surf’s up dudes!!