I'm a 34 year old chap from the UK who has been living in NY for almost 3 years (and London for a decade before my exile to the US) and I'm looking at moving to LA next year when my lease ends in May. I've been back and forth a lot this year for work and the pace, combined with the weather, is getting harder to resist.

Work for me is hybrid; I'm either at home or wherever filming is as I work in the film/tv industry, alongside a remote b-job that I do from home a couple of days per week.

Currently paying $4200 on a Manhattan 2 bed with zero natural light because that's New York for you. My budget is pretty much the same although ideally if I can cover my rent and monthly car payments like lease and insurance for 4200 that would be ideal.

I live a pretty chill life when I'm not working as I just hang out reading with my cat (although I'd like to adopt a dog someday) so my needs for a neighbourhood are pretty simple; I like a decent coffee shop, a gym nearby, and a solid bar within stumbling distance. I should probably consider dating at some point soon so an area that's bustling with people would be ideal.

Currently I've stayed in Ktown and West Hollywood when visiting for work but I've checked out Venice, Ocean Park, Silver Lake, and DTLA. The European in me craves a walkable area but I'm happy with just a few things in the immediate area.

Tl;dr: exiled Brit in New York is moving LA next year, but which neighbourhood is best for caffeinatinh, reading, occasional drinking, and infrequently dating?