I grew up in LA – in the Valley, and moved to E”Y many years ago. Since my parents made aliya, I haven’t been back since.
My oldest brother was working as a menahel there this last year, while his family was in E”Y, commuting regularly.
While I went to Day School, I also learned in the Y”G for a short period of time, and am familiar with B”Y high school a little bit.
I had an excellent experience in Day School, and that’s what inspired me to come to E”Y and drop plans for going to college and dedicate my life to Torah.
Please don’t get me wrong about what I’m going to say!
I would be very hesistant to move there if you expect to live a life anywhere similar to BP, Monsey, Lakewood, etc. Check your resources well.
LA is big, spread out, fun – maybe the term Fruppy (an oldy) is applicable, laid back (a former UK affluent roommate of mine in MIR, who visited LA put it, you can cruise in a Jaguar at 55 MPH), although not as much as it used to be. The frum community is no where near the size of a community like BP. I’m looking for some other terms, but seem to be short.
If I were to move back to the states, a possibility I’ve been researching. I would goto one of the previous 3 mentioned if possible, and if going out of town, some place on the east coast, else Detroit would probably be a top choice as well.
I wouldn’t count out LA, but I grew up there, and I think I could live there based upon my prinicipals, knowing how to adjust.
Good luck!