AlnessW From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 618 posts, RR: 1 Posted (11 months 9 hours ago) and read 2832 times:
So, with me starting my senior year of high school in the fall, it's that time to start considering college options. I am planning on majoring in some form of business.
I am from Portland, OR and would prefer to go out-of-state. Someplace that is not like Portland.
Several of my west coast options are in the L.A. area. These include LMU in downtown, Whittier College, Cal State in San Bernardino, and University of Redlands.
I have heard lots of mixed reviews about L.A and its surrounding areas. Some say it's awesome, and some say it's awful. So I am curious...
What do you think of Los Angeles? Any feedback would be great!
jpetekyxmd80 From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 4238 posts, RR: 29 Reply 1, posted (11 months 9 hours ago) and read 2820 times:
Quoting AlnessW (Thread starter):
I have heard lots of mixed reviews about L.A and its surrounding areas. Some say it's awesome, and some say it's awful. So I am curious...
They're probably both right. Lots of very distinct communities which vary immensely.
Quoting AlnessW (Thread starter):
Several of my west coast options are in the L.A. area. These include LMU in downtown, Whittier College, Cal State in San Bernardino, and University of Redlands.
I assume you mean the LMU main campus in Westchester, since I think only the law school is downtown.
Frankly most of those do absolutely nothing for me, but LMU is the exception. Nice campus, nice neighborhood, near LAX!, fairly close to a lot of nice areas. I think LMU is the runaway standout here.
AlnessW From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (11 months 8 hours ago) and read 2797 times:
Quoting jpetekyxmd80 (Reply 1): They're probably both right. Lots of very distinct communities which vary immensely.
That would make sense considering how big the city is. (or how big it looks on a map, anyways...)
Quoting jpetekyxmd80 (Reply 1): I assume you mean the LMU main campus in Westchester, since I think only the law school is downtown.
Yes, sorry, I was not specific there. You are correct.
Quoting jpetekyxmd80 (Reply 1): Frankly most of those do absolutely nothing for me, but LMU is the exception. Nice campus, nice neighborhood, near LAX!, fairly close to a lot of nice areas. I think LMU is the runaway standout here.
Cool, thanks. It seems to be marginally outside of my "range" (looking at ACT scores, etc.) but I would still definitely consider it as an option.
Quoting September11 (Reply 2): Unsurprisely LA is crazy - hence people love & hate LA
jpetekyxmd80 From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 4238 posts, RR: 29 Reply 4, posted (11 months 8 hours ago) and read 2780 times:
It should also be pointed out that CSSB and Redlands are waaay out there. It's a whole different world to LA, you might as well be on the moon. It has some positives, surrounded by nice mountain and desert scenery in a residential setting. But just saying, anyones thoughts on "Los Angeles" aren't going to really apply out in the far Inland Empire, for better or for worse.
I wasn't very familiar with Whittier College and that area, but quickly looking it seems nicer than I thought.
StuckInCA From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 1781 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (11 months 8 hours ago) and read 2775 times:
I'm not a Los Angeles fan (and have lived in the area), but understand what some people like about it. That said, based on what you've laid out, I'd look elsewhere.
What about some of the other Cal State schools? Long Beach maybe? Or some other part of CA?
LAXintl From United States of America, joined May 2000, 22025 posts, RR: 51 Reply 6, posted (11 months 7 hours ago) and read 2771 times:
LMU is about the only one really in LA. A decent part of town, near the ocean and LAX.
Whittier College, Cal State San Bernardino, and University of Redlands are all in the boonies so to speak.
Whittier is in the city by its name, a bit of a mixed city, both a lower class bedroom community with some nearby neighboring industrial cities, and also a bit of an upscale town set against the foothills.
San Bernardino is a different county. The campus is a bit isolated but newish set against the mountains on the road to Las Vegas. The community nearby has lots of cookie cutter style suburbia home communities.
Redlands also is out in San Bernardino County. A more urban setting than Cal State, but still out in suburbia and far from LA proper.
If you go visit anyone of the last two schools fly into ONT. Much much closer to both. Oh and it can be quite hot out that way.
Good luck !
From the desert to the sea, to all of Southern California
Quoting StuckInCA (Reply 5): I'm not a Los Angeles fan (and have lived in the area), but understand what some people like about it. That said, based on what you've laid out, I'd look elsewhere.
Why?
Quoting StuckInCA (Reply 5): What about some of the other Cal State schools? Long Beach maybe? Or some other part of CA?
Absolutely. I am also looking into East Bay and Sacramento.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8201 posts, RR: 28 Reply 8, posted (11 months 6 hours ago) and read 2727 times:
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Los Angeles as a whole is awesome, sucks, is too big, just right, too crowded, too sparse, too industrial, too much sprawl, beautiful, ugly.....basically I love it and I hate it.
Pros: the weather, the weather, did I mention the weather, the very distinct communities, very distinct cultures, the weather, some beautiful areas, nice mix of landforms (mountains, hills, desert, beach, ocean, etc.) and their associated activities, and the weather.
Cons: the sprawl, having to drive everywhere, it taking an hour and a half to drive from Whittier to Calabasas on a Saturday, some of the not-so-nice areas (though you get used to them), lack of greenery, too much asphalt and concrete.....
Quoting AlnessW (Thread starter): Several of my west coast options are in the L.A. area. These include LMU in downtown, Whittier College, Cal State in San Bernardino, and University of Redlands.
As stated, LMU is in Westchester, which is part of LA, but not near downtown. It's a nice area, though, near the beach and LAX, in between the South Bay (Hermosa, Redondo, etc.) and the Westside (Venice, Santa Monica, etc.).
Whittier College has a nice campus right near uptown Whittier, which has shops, restaurants, etc. More a small-town feel than big-city feel. My girlfriend lives in Whittier, so I'm out there a lot. As LAXintl stated, it has (at least) two distinct feels. Near the hills and uptown, it's expensive, with large houses and yards and such. Farther south, it's more working class, though still suburban. I wouldn't call Whittier boonies; it's about 12 miles east of downtown LA.
I wouldn't go to college in San Bernardino if you paid me.
Redlands is a nice town, and the campus is nice as well, but it's WAY the hell out there (near San Bernardino). San Bernardino county will be in the 90s and 100s during the day from mid-spring to mid-fall.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
WestJet747 From Canada, joined Aug 2011, 1256 posts, RR: 7 Reply 9, posted (11 months 6 hours ago) and read 2722 times:
It seems like you aren't stressing too much over which school to pick. I envy you because when I was graduating highschool I was losing sleep over where I wanted to go!
With that said, as a business student, I'd suggest making sure that location is a very small component of your selection formula. At the end of the day, it's the quality of your education, not the location of it, that will ultimately shape what you take away from university. In my case, I decided to attend a school that was located in the middle of nowhere, in a city that is the antithesis of my personality. Although the location is less than ideal, I chose this school because the program itself was a best fit for me.
If you're dead-set on going to school in California, so be it, but just make sure you're giving the quality of the program a much greater weighting than the campus itself.
I've been to Los Angeles several times, but never actually left LAX, so I'm not too much help there. But I wish you the best of luck with your tough decision!
usflyer msp From United States of America, joined May 2000, 1785 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (11 months 6 hours ago) and read 2704 times:
The Inland Empire sucks. I have family there - its a horrible oppressive place. Scratch CSSB and Redlands. LA proper is fun. My GF went to Pepperdine (we were both raised church of Christ) and she loved it. It was like an episode of "schooling with the Stars".
Thanks for all the info, vikkyvik. I think you hit it all!
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): Los Angeles as a whole is awesome, sucks, is too big, just right, too crowded, too sparse, too industrial, too much sprawl, beautiful, ugly.....basically I love it and I hate it.
So it sounds like this city does indeed have pretty much everything...
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): Pros: the weather, the weather, did I mention the weather, the very distinct communities, very distinct cultures, the weather, some beautiful areas, nice mix of landforms (mountains, hills, desert, beach, ocean, etc.) and their associated activities, and the weather.
So the weather is obviously a big thing to like...
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): Cons: the sprawl, having to drive everywhere, it taking an hour and a half to drive from Whittier to Calabasas on a Saturday, some of the not-so-nice areas (though you get used to them), lack of greenery, too much asphalt and concrete.....
Good to know, thanks. I could probably live with the driving, though.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): As stated, LMU is in Westchester, which is part of LA, but not near downtown. It's a nice area, though, near the beach and LAX, in between the South Bay (Hermosa, Redondo, etc.) and the Westside (Venice, Santa Monica, etc.).
Yes, I got that confused. Sounds like a pretty good location, though.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): More a small-town feel than big-city feel.
Which is not what I'm looking for in a city.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): I wouldn't go to college in San Bernardino if you paid me.
Why?
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): Redlands is a nice town, and the campus is nice as well, but it's WAY the hell out there (near San Bernardino).
It looks pretty far on a map!
Quoting WestJet747 (Reply 9): It seems like you aren't stressing too much over which school to pick. I envy you because when I was graduating highschool I was losing sleep over where I wanted to go!
Indeed, that is not me... yet.
Quoting WestJet747 (Reply 9): With that said, as a business student, I'd suggest making sure that location is a very small component of your selection formula. At the end of the day, it's the quality of your education, not the location of it, that will ultimately shape what you take away from university.
Absolutely, but the location is still an important thing to keep in mind, considering I'll be spending 4+ years there.
Quoting WestJet747 (Reply 9): If you're dead-set on going to school in California, so be it,
Not at all! California just has several options I'm looking at. I also have options in Washington State, along with the east coast, etc..
Quoting WestJet747 (Reply 9): I've been to Los Angeles several times, but never actually left LAX,
Same here!
Quoting WestJet747 (Reply 9): But I wish you the best of luck with your tough decision!
PHX787 From Japan, joined Mar 2012, 4954 posts, RR: 15 Reply 12, posted (11 months 5 hours ago) and read 2695 times:
Los Angeles.... full of crazy people. Make sure you got full coverage auto insurance because you will get in an accident. somehow.
I love the airport, and Santa Monica, and Orange County though
AlnessW From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (11 months 5 hours ago) and read 2688 times:
Quoting usflyer msp (Reply 10): The Inland Empire sucks. I have family there - its a horrible oppressive place.
I am guessing you are referring to San Bernardino County and Redlands? Not the best with terminology here...
Quoting usflyer msp (Reply 10): Scratch CSSB and Redlands. LA proper is fun. My GF went to Pepperdine (we were both raised church of Christ) and she loved it. It was like an episode of "schooling with the Stars".
Good to know!
Quoting PHX787 (Reply 12): Los Angeles.... full of crazy people. Make sure you got full coverage auto insurance because you will get in an accident. somehow.
How reassuring... Well, I'll do that if I end up down there!
Quoting PHX787 (Reply 12): I love the airport, and Santa Monica, and Orange County though
Interesting to know. Orange County is... south of L.A?
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8201 posts, RR: 28 Reply 14, posted (11 months 4 hours ago) and read 2667 times:
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Quoting PHX787 (Reply 12): Los Angeles.... full of crazy people. Make sure you got full coverage auto insurance because you will get in an accident. somehow.
Definitely. I've gotten in 3 accidents in the last 4 years or so. Two of them were not my fault, and the third, while technically my fault, I would personally split 50/50.
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 11):
Which is not what I'm looking for in a city.
Yeah, then don't go to Whittier. Not sure about Redlands, but I doubt it has much of a big-city feel either.
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 11): So the weather is obviously a big thing to like...
Hell yes. It's my favorite thing about LA. Although to be specific, I like the weather within a couple miles of the coast. It's cooler all year round (60s in the winter, 80s in the summer, typical daytime temps).
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 11): Good to know, thanks. I could probably live with the driving, though.
That's good then. I wouldn't recommend living here without a car.
Granted, it does have nice areas, but they're mostly suburban nice areas. It's not the kind of place I would have wanted to go to college.
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 11): So it sounds like this city does indeed have pretty much everything...
Absolutely. Just not within walking distance.
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 11): Yes, I got that confused. Sounds like a pretty good location, though.
It is a pretty good location. Although there isn't that much directly adjacent to it (mostly quiet residential), you're between two hotspots of beach and nightlife. Go north on PCH and you hit Marina, Venice, and Santa Monica within 6 miles; go south on PCH and you hit Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo within 9 miles.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
747400sp From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3301 posts, RR: 2 Reply 15, posted (11 months 3 hours ago) and read 2641 times:
Well I am from Los Angeles, and I like it, because it is a great place for a transportation buff like me. Also, you will love walking on the beach in the winter.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 14): It is a pretty good location. Although there isn't that much directly adjacent to it (mostly quiet residential), you're between two hotspots of beach and nightlife. Go north on PCH and you hit Marina, Venice, and Santa Monica within 6 miles; go south on PCH and you hit Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo within 9 miles.
Sweet! A good location indeed.
Quoting 747400sp (Reply 15): Well I am from Los Angeles, and I like it, because it is a great place for a transportation buff like me. Also, you will love walking on the beach in the winter.
Ken777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 7442 posts, RR: 5 Reply 17, posted (10 months 4 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 2540 times:
I believe that, if I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would go the community college route to save money (which might be spent on Graduate School), then go to a state school - also to save money.
When I look around today I see a lot of successful people who went to state schools. Areas like Business and Engineering are ideal fields for state schools. Same with various fields in Medicine. The costs of a college education today is so extremely high that I would want to avoid the long term debt associated with school. Getting out of university with minimum debt should be one criteria for any high school student who isn't from a wealthy family.
Another reason why I would hit the CC level first is that I could get the "general education" courses out of the way at a far lower cost. It also provides more time to change majors if you were not on a firm path.
Aeri28 From United States of America, joined Dec 2000, 594 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (10 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2467 times:
3 of those 4 I woudl not even consider "LA" and as others said, are a world away. LA to me is really about a 'feeling' and not a city in that sense, so it's hard to answer what one feels about "LA" as it is a cornucopia of neighborhoods and suburbs. I actually grew up there, IN Westchester/Playa del Rey of all places and went to Westchester High School when it was a really good school (in the 80s). The area around the school is very good but the high school may no longer be., students bussed in from outlying areas and those students living in Westchester going to private schools. But Westchester is suburban, but is part of the City of Los Angeles and uses the "Los Angeles, CA 90045" zip code, is close to LAX and the cool beach areas of Playa del Rey, and further south to El Segundo, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. You could probably find a share apt in Playa del Rey I would imagine. Im sure many attending LSU do things like that. I m sure you have your options squared away...
Anyway , I guess you have to figure out what you are looking for during your time there.
I lived in San Francisco for several years and there was always a friendly ribbing between the two cities, but I dont' always get the 'hate' of LA. I mean, it is really scores of suburbs and towns in a huge area, you don't like one area, go to another,. lol. Just like the US, you dont like one state, move to another... Big country. Big City (well I wouldn't call it a city like San Francisco or Seattle are).
CompensateMe From United States of America, joined Jan 2009, 870 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (10 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2464 times:
Unless you're fortunate enough to have affluent parents or you're receiving full-scholarships, do yourself a favor and commute to a public university close to home. No, it's not as sexy as going off to college but you'll discover that four years will come & go much quicker than your four years of high school -- and when it's over certainly don't want to be owing $800/month in student loans while being told by prospective employers to pursue a graduate degree. As the cost of college has soared in the past decade, many top financial advisors actually recommend against going off to college ,believe it or not... And God Bless those parents who delay retirement or take on additional hours to pay for their kids' educations. I won't be one of them .
tommy767 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 6172 posts, RR: 9 Reply 21, posted (10 months 4 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 2459 times:
Quoting jpetekyxmd80 (Reply 1): I assume you mean the LMU main campus in Westchester, since I think only the law school is downtown.
Frankly most of those do absolutely nothing for me, but LMU is the exception. Nice campus, nice neighborhood, near LAX!, fairly close to a lot of nice areas. I think LMU is the runaway standout here.
I went to LMU and absolutely loved it. Westchester is kind of boring but being near the beach and LAX is very fun. I now am back in NJ/NYC and would move back to LA in a heartbeat.
"Folks that's the news and I'm outta here!" -- Dennis Miller
AlnessW From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 22, posted (10 months 4 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 2430 times:
Quoting Aeri28 (Reply 19): 3 of those 4 I woudl not even consider "LA" and as others said, are a world away.
Thanks for clarifying.
Quoting Aeri28 (Reply 19): LA to me is really about a 'feeling' and not a city in that sense, so it's hard to answer what one feels about "LA" as it is a cornucopia of neighborhoods and suburbs.
So it sounds like there's no real way to pinpoint what that "feeling" is?
Quoting Aeri28 (Reply 19): But Westchester is suburban, but is part of the City of Los Angeles and uses the "Los Angeles, CA 90045" zip code, is close to LAX and the cool beach areas of Playa del Rey, and further south to El Segundo, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. You could probably find a share apt in Playa del Rey I would imagine.
Cool, thanks for the advice!
Quoting Aeri28 (Reply 19): Im sure many attending LSU do things like that.
Quoting CompensateMe (Reply 20): do yourself a favor and commute to a public university close to home.
Absolutely an option, but not exactly what I would like. Take a look at this earlier post:
Quoting Ken777 (Reply 17): I would go the community college route to save money (which might be spent on Graduate School), then go to a state school - also to save money.
Quoting tommy767 (Reply 21): I went to LMU and absolutely loved it. Westchester is kind of boring but being near the beach and LAX is very fun. I now am back in NJ/NYC and would move back to LA in a heartbeat.
Awesome, thanks tommy767! Great to hear about a good experience.
us330 From United States of America, joined Aug 2000, 3742 posts, RR: 14 Reply 23, posted (10 months 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 2377 times:
Quoting AlnessW (Thread starter): These include LMU in downtown, Whittier College, Cal State in San Bernardino, and University of Redlands
I think LA has a fascinating history behind it.
In regards to college choices, there's no value at all in going to a california state university and being an out of state resident. You're paying tuition at near private school rates for public university access--not a good bargain, IMHO.
EricR From United States of America, joined Jul 2010, 1449 posts, RR: 1 Reply 24, posted (10 months 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2270 times:
Quoting AlnessW (Thread starter): What do you think of Los Angeles? Any feedback would be great!
Way overrated in my opinion. People are lured there based on what they see on TV, however, living there for any extended period of time has too many drawbacks. L.A. is expensive, crowded (traffic is terrible) and too spread out. Also, LA will not give you a true, traditional college experience.
I would highly recommend selecting a college located in a smaller metro area. It will give you a much better college experience. Colleges located in large metro areas tend to lose their "college" feel due to all of the distractions of a large metro area.
nwaesc From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 3324 posts, RR: 9 Reply 25, posted (10 months 4 weeks ago) and read 2263 times:
Quoting AlnessW (Thread starter): I am from Portland, OR and would prefer to go out-of-state. Someplace that is not like Portland.
If you insist on going out of state, my advice is anywhere but UW or Wazzu.
I'm also glad to see you plan on doing what Ken777 suggested, and banging out your pre-req's at a community college. I get that a place like Sylvania doesn't have the "glamour" that SoCal does, but it will save you a LOT of $$ over the long haul, and (maybe more importantly?) allow some extra time to really decide which 4 year school you ultimately want to transfer to.
"Nothing ever happens here, " I said. "I just wait."
AlnessW From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 26, posted (10 months 3 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 2174 times:
Quoting us330 (Reply 23): I think LA has a fascinating history behind it.
In regards to college choices, there's no value at all in going to a california state university and being an out of state resident. You're paying tuition at near private school rates for public university access--not a good bargain, IMHO.
Quoting EricR (Reply 24): Way overrated in my opinion.
Quoting EricR (Reply 24): Also, LA will not give you a true, traditional college experience.
All good things to know, thank you both.
Quoting EricR (Reply 24): I would highly recommend selecting a college located in a smaller metro area.
Quoting nwaesc (Reply 25): If you insist on going out of state, my advice is anywhere but UW or Wazzu.
Thanks for the advice.
Quoting nwaesc (Reply 25): I'm also glad to see you plan on doing what Ken777 suggested, and banging out your pre-req's at a community college.
Thanks!
Quoting nwaesc (Reply 25): I get that a place like Sylvania doesn't have the "glamour" that SoCal does, but it will save you a LOT of $$ over the long haul
Yes, true...
Quoting nwaesc (Reply 25): and (maybe more importantly?) allow some extra time to really decide which 4 year school you ultimately want to transfer to.
foppishbum From Taiwan, joined Mar 2006, 737 posts, RR: 0 Reply 27, posted (10 months 3 weeks 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 2089 times:
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 7): Absolutely. I am also looking into East Bay and Sacramento.
East Bay is somewhat close to San Francisco so it's OK. However, don't go to Sacramento. You will be disappointed (judging from your posts). It is a very small city. I'm a city boy (born in Taipei, lived in Shanghai, Hong Kong, LA, SF, NYC). I went to University of California, Davis just about 30 minutes west of Sacramento and I worked in Sacramento. Don't get me wrong, many people love Davis and Sacramento for the small town/slow pace. However, I couldn't wait to get out of there. I moved away before graduation and only went back to walk and pack the remaining things. Also, my family lives near Whittier College (and I took the SATs there 9 years ago). I think you probably won't like Whittier either.
Schools around LA to consider: CSU Long Beach, CSU Los Angeles (though not in the greatest neighborhood), CSU Northridge (in Northridge/San Fernando Valley, about 30 minutes drive to West LA/Beverly Hills...without traffic), LMU (near LAX and I really like the campus). Feel free to message me if you have questions re: colleges. I walked through applications with all 5 of my younger cousins.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8201 posts, RR: 28 Reply 28, posted (10 months 3 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 2075 times:
Braniff747SP From United States of America, joined Oct 2008, 2618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 29, posted (10 months 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 2071 times:
For the most part, the city of Los Angeles is terrible. The 'nice' turisty parts are, well, nice, but when you venture out of that... not so much. Plus, distances are huge and there is no way to cover it with an effective transportation system. Many other cities I'd like to live in.
The 747 will always be the TRUE queen of the skies!
Not necessarily all bad, no? Haha. I've met a couple of people who attended UC Davis and stayed in Davis afterwards. Don't ask me why but they like the small town pace and sweltering summer temperatures.
rampart From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 2851 posts, RR: 7 Reply 31, posted (10 months 3 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 2012 times:
I taught at USC for a year (and lived in North Hollywood). Any college -- anywhere -- will have something special to offer you. YOU make what you can of it, with the professors you like best. (And you can find excellent -- and poor -- professors everywhere.) So, a good and fulfilling education can be had as San Bernardino and Northridge as it can at USC or LMU. Your best approach is to actually talk to and meet some professors (and their students), to see what clicks. And, learn if the campus environment and environs suits you.
You didn't mention Pepperdine. The location is killer. Claremont has an excellent program and reputation, it's halfway (distance) between LA and Redlands. Redlands itself is nationally known in certain programs. The huge campuses like UCLA and USC have their appeal. Offer EVERYTHING, big college atmosphere (if you like that, some do, some hate it). USC has a love/hate position with it's SouthCentral location. Myself, I thought it was pretty interesting, and fun.
Revelation From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 10448 posts, RR: 20 Reply 32, posted (10 months 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 2004 times:
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): lack of greenery, too much asphalt and concrete.....
My impression as well, as a fellow New Englander...
AlnessW From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 33, posted (10 months 2 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 1586 times:
Quoting foppishbum (Reply 27): East Bay is somewhat close to San Francisco so it's OK. However, don't go to Sacramento. You will be disappointed (judging from your posts). It is a very small city. I'm a city boy (born in Taipei, lived in Shanghai, Hong Kong, LA, SF, NYC). I went to University of California, Davis just about 30 minutes west of Sacramento and I worked in Sacramento. Don't get me wrong, many people love Davis and Sacramento for the small town/slow pace. However, I couldn't wait to get out of there. I moved away before graduation and only went back to walk and pack the remaining things.
Cool, thanks for the info.
Quoting foppishbum (Reply 27): I think you probably won't like Whittier either.
Why?
Quoting foppishbum (Reply 27): Feel free to message me if you have questions re: colleges. I walked through applications with all 5 of my younger cousins.
I will, thanks foppishbum!
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 28): Really? I think I've only heard bad things about that area.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8201 posts, RR: 28 Reply 34, posted (10 months 2 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 1560 times:
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Quoting Braniff747SP (Reply 29): For the most part, the city of Los Angeles is terrible.
The City of Los Angeles is enormous (470 square miles or so), and has some incredibly nice areas in it. I wouldn't say it's terrible in general, though there are certainly plenty of not-so-nice parts. And there are lots of nice areas that aren't touristy, and that the average tourist would never see.
Quoting foppishbum (Reply 30): Not necessarily all bad, no? Haha. I've met a couple of people who attended UC Davis and stayed in Davis afterwards. Don't ask me why but they like the small town pace and sweltering summer temperatures.
Nothing against small-town pace (though Sacramento is not a small town!). To be fair, I haven't talked to many people who've gone to Davis. But you know, I like forming stereotypical opinions with little evidence.
Quoting rampart (Reply 31): You didn't mention Pepperdine. The location is killer.
Too killer, in my opinion. I can't imagine EVER getting anything done that's actually related to school, had I gone there.
Quoting rampart (Reply 31): The huge campuses like UCLA and USC have their appeal.
USC actually isn't that large a campus. Lots of students, yes, but it's quite tightly packed! Though there is tons of student housing (university-owned and private) in the half-mile north of campus, so one could kind of consider that area part of it.
Quoting Revelation (Reply 32): My impression as well, as a fellow New Englander...
Yeah. Since about 7 or 8 years ago, every time I go visit my parents in MA, the amount of greenery is actually shocking. It's like culture shock, but with foliage instead of people!
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
n229nw From United States of America, joined Sep 2004, 1850 posts, RR: 36 Reply 35, posted (10 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1548 times:
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8): Pros: the weather, the weather, did I mention the weather, the very distinct communities, very distinct cultures, the weather, some beautiful areas, nice mix of landforms (mountains, hills, desert, beach, ocean, etc.) and their associated activities, and the weather.
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 11): So the weather is obviously a big thing to like...
You need to know what weather you like!
I grew up in LA (and not far from the coast), and the weather (sun) is one of the main reasons I really don't want to live there.
I would list:
PROS: huge, exciting, fantastic restaurants, interesting ethnic communities, tons of stuff going on, a real major city, laid-back nice people overall (the whole Hollywood/fake thing is a part of LA but really is over-exaggerated in its effect on the city as a whole and you can avoid it completely if you aren't into that)--but LA is full of beautiful women if you are single, views along the coast...
CONS: The weather, the weather, having to drive everywhere (no pedestrian communities except some small parts of Santa Monica and Pasadena, etc. and even there you drive your car and park to walk around, the hot, dry, direct oppressive sun, the weather, the driving, the lack of seasons, the sun, the desert type plants and vegetation rather than deciduous...
I guess, what I'm saying is: if you like sun (and no relief from it) and you like driving and don't mind sitting in traffic, then L.A. is a truly world-class city. If you like seasons and don't like the sun (like me) and you don't consider driving to be a real part of "city" life, then you won't like it.
It's going to be a matter of opinion and taste.
But I would echo that the inland empire is different from LA proper: it is even hotter, and it is very conservative...
rampart From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 2851 posts, RR: 7 Reply 36, posted (10 months 2 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 1483 times:
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 34): Too killer, in my opinion. I can't imagine EVER getting anything done that's actually related to school, had I gone there.
Good point. I had that problem in Colorado, too.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 34): USC actually isn't that large a campus. Lots of students, yes, but it's quite tightly packed!
It's not quite like a city center urban campus (like CSU-LA or UCSF), in which city and campus are the same thing, USC has quads and walkways and such, but it does use its space efficiently.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 34): Yeah. Since about 7 or 8 years ago, every time I go visit my parents in MA, the amount of greenery is actually shocking. It's like culture shock, but with foliage instead of people!
I grew up on the Great Plains (but near the mountains), and lived 7 years in Arizona and then Southern California. Now living in New Jersey, I sometimes think the amount of vegetation here is oppressive! But when I do go back West, the shock is palpable. I remember in Colorado getting excited when the prairie had a slight tinge of green. Great wide open, baby!
LAXintl From United States of America, joined May 2000, 22025 posts, RR: 51 Reply 37, posted (10 months 2 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 1447 times:
Quoting n229nw (Reply 35): the hot, dry, direct oppressive sun, the weather,
It sounds like you are speaking about Tucson or something.
LA hardly has "oppressive sun". In 20 years here, I can barely recall ever getting sun burned, nor is it hardly ever more than 90, especially near the coast, where even on a summer day it might only hang in the upper 70s.
From the desert to the sea, to all of Southern California
AlnessW From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 618 posts, RR: 1 Reply 38, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 1372 times:
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 34): The City of Los Angeles is enormous (470 square miles or so), and has some incredibly nice areas in it. I wouldn't say it's terrible in general, though there are certainly plenty of not-so-nice parts. And there are lots of nice areas that aren't touristy, and that the average tourist would never see.
Cool, thanks for the details.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 34): But you know, I like forming stereotypical opinions with little evidence.
Surely that's sarcasm!
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 34): Too killer, in my opinion. I can't imagine EVER getting anything done that's actually related to school, had I gone there.
Quoting n229nw (Reply 35): You need to know what weather you like!
I grew up in LA (and not far from the coast), and the weather (sun) is one of the main reasons I really don't want to live there.
I think that CA sunshine is pretty hard to argue with...
Quoting n229nw (Reply 35): PROS: huge, exciting, fantastic restaurants, interesting ethnic communities, tons of stuff going on, a real major city, laid-back nice people overall (the whole Hollywood/fake thing is a part of LA but really is over-exaggerated in its effect on the city as a whole and you can avoid it completely if you aren't into that)
Sounds pretty great, thanks n229nw!
Quoting n229nw (Reply 35): LA is full of beautiful women if you are single
Quoting n229nw (Reply 35): having to drive everywhere (no pedestrian communities except some small parts of Santa Monica and Pasadena, etc. and even there you drive your car and park to walk around, the hot, dry, direct oppressive sun,
I think I could probably live with that.
Quoting n229nw (Reply 35): I guess, what I'm saying is: if you like sun (and no relief from it) and you like driving and don't mind sitting in traffic, then L.A. is a truly world-class city. If you like seasons and don't like the sun (like me) and you don't consider driving to be a real part of "city" life, then you won't like it.
It's going to be a matter of opinion and taste.
Thanks again for all the info!
Quoting LAXintl (Reply 37): LA hardly has "oppressive sun". In 20 years here, I can barely recall ever getting sun burned, nor is it hardly ever more than 90, especially near the coast, where even on a summer day it might only hang in the upper 70s.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8201 posts, RR: 28 Reply 39, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1367 times:
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Quoting LAXintl (Reply 37): LA hardly has "oppressive sun". In 20 years here, I can barely recall ever getting sun burned, nor is it hardly ever more than 90, especially near the coast, where even on a summer day it might only hang in the upper 70s.
Depends on what you're used to. Compared to Boston, the sun here (especially inland) can feel quite oppressive.
But it's more than made up for by the lack of humidity. Just as an example (sorry if I already posted this, I'm tired), I once went hiking in Topanga State Park on a weekend afternoon. It was certainly hot, and I was sweating, but it didn't feel unusual or unsafe or anything. Had no issues.
When I got back to my apartment, I looked up the temp in Topanga, and it was 105 or something like that. The temp here is always warmer than what I think it feels like.
Right now, at 3 PM in July in Redondo Beach, it's beautiful outside. Cloudy, 73 degrees, about 70% humidity (a bit high, but it's not too hot, so no problem), with a nice breeze.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
lewis From Greece, joined Jul 1999, 3444 posts, RR: 5 Reply 40, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1364 times:
I have lived in Los Angeles for almost two years now. The city has its good and bad sides but overall I am happy with life here. There are so many different things to do and places to explore to keep you busy for a long time. The weather overall is great and the city has a pretty laid-back feel to it.
I do think that the weather is one of the city's (and region's) strong points. It is pleasant year-round but not too hot and rough. I have never gotten sunburned like I did during Greek summer and it is rare for the weather to be so hot that it cannot be tolerated.
PSA53 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3004 posts, RR: 4 Reply 43, posted (10 months 1 week 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 1245 times:
Quoting AlnessW (Reply 42): Quoting PSA53 (Reply 41):
You'd better hurry before the city cut backs.San Bernardino filed for Bankruptcy today.Second city in California to do so.
Oh boy... What was the other city?
Actually,there were two others.Stockton and Mammoth Lakes,both filed last week.
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