LA hospitals, where to live????

Published

Hey everyone, I am new to this whole allnurses.com thing so bear with me. I am currently living in Missouri and when I graduate in may I plan to relocate to CA and hopefully get a job at one of the Hospitals in the LA area. I have been looking at UCLA but haven't made a decision yet. Anyway I dont know anything about the area and have no idea where to look for a place to live. I want someplace safe but reasonable priced (1,500) also a short commute is important. Any advice on the whole LA scene for RN's would be great. Thanks so much

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I would recommend the Southern and Western San Fernando Valley because the area is regarded as safe, trendy, and convenient. The communities include Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Chatsworth, Reseda, and Van Nuys.

Out of all of the aforementioned areas, Reseda, Van Nuys, Winnetka, Canoga Park, and Chatsworth would probably be the most affordable. The other areas are more upscale.

Some hospitals in this area include West Hills Hospital, Encino Tarzana Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Hospital, Providence Holy Cross, Providence Saint Joseph, Olive View Medical Center, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LA is very geographically spread out, so if you don't have a job lined up before moving, don't sign a lease before finding employment. That way, you can move closer to work if need be so you can avoid horrible daily commuting.

There are MANY hospitals through out the area. Some of the bigger names are UCLA, USC, Cedars-Sinai, Children's Hospital LA, City of Hope. Then there are VA hospitals and Kaiser hospitals. And many more community hospitals - often one or two in each of the many cities that make up Los Angeles and the surrounding regions (Northridge, Alhambra, Torrance).

What kind of place are you looking for for $1500? That could get you a decent 2BR in the 'burbs (eg San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley), though average prices of available places are probably higher overall.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the help guys! I am not sure which hospital I want to work at yet, I am currently in touch with UCLA and considering their new grad program. I am relocating with my boyfriend who is still looking for a job with a post production company out there. I have been doing some looking on move.com and craiglist and have found some decently priced places, I am just concerned about the commute! I don't want to have to drive an hour to work every day. Thanks again for the help

Any RN's that work at UCLA let me know how you like it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
I have been doing some looking on move.com and craiglist and have found some decently priced places, I am just concerned about the commute! I don't want to have to drive an hour to work every day.

As someone else pointed out, LA is HUGE.....decently priced may equal undesirable neighborhoods....until you are out there and actually see some of these places/areas, I would be very cautious....I grew up in LA and lived there until about 10 years ago....the same city can have wonderful neighborhoods with heavily gang-ridden, crime-filled areas a block away....and you'll have a hard time getting away from a commute almost anywhere you go, just based on the volumes of traffic...I laugh at "traffic" here in St. Louis....at least we're still driving 25+ mph when traffic is "bad". You can sit and polish your nails, do your taxes, and read Gone with the Wind in some of LA's traffic!! Best wishes!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion