The key in SoCal is to minimize the commute. I have known people (including myself) who will move across town if taking another job, only to avoid traffic. Conversely, I will not take a job if I know the commute will kill me. At the end of the day you just have to consider how much your time is worth, not to mention your sanity. $10k, $20k year? I don't think so. Having lived here for 10+ years, I know the do's and dont's of commuting in LA. DO: minimize the commute learn the surface streets pay attention when driving (you know who you are. then again maybe you don't) support your local music scene DONT: take the 405, anytime take the 10 west in the AM get mad if the freeway is jammed at midnight, it just happens live on the east side and commute to the west side live in Orange County and work in LA live in LA and work in Orange County It's not for everyone, but I love it here.

OK OK. I enjoyed Crownies while I was there, send some of that! picky bastards. I notice you shmucks sure do like our Budweiser!