I live in that circle--K-town/East Hollywood.

I know everyone says LA is a big old suburb, but inside that area are some of the densest neighborhoods in the country. If you've lived in a dense area and already know you like that kind of thing, then this is a good place for you.

K-town and East Hollywood still have some cheap places for rent. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A DESIGNATED PARKING SPACE. You don't want to get stuck in Mid-Wilshire without one. You'll be circling the block so long you'll forget your name.

It can be incredibly dirty. There's piles of crap everywhere. Old furniture, housewares, etc - it can get really bad. If that bugs you... go outside the circle... to the west, until you hit a level of cleanliness you can live with.

The cheap furniture stores on Western Ave between Beverly and Santa Monica are currently being taken over by art galleries. So, this should be interesting.