Haven't checked out the new galleries yet, so I can't comment on that.

Couple cents on new writers, super generally: One of my least favorite kind of posts on this site is the type that features a particular local store or shop. I love yelp.com for that sort of review and for when I'm specifically aiming to find a shop, but here those posts feel like they just fill space. They don't particularly showcase a writer's talent, or functional design inspiration. Great shops, I'm sure, and an occasional wow-factor shop is great to feature, but there's been a LOT of these posts lately, especially with the auditioning writers. Most of them are for garden variety thrift/antique/curiosity shops that abound in every city. Maybe AT could filter these posts to show up just under the regional tabs for local exploration, but not have them appear on the main page. I don't know, this is probably nit picky. I like to read AT everyday, but the site is already so slow, and a full day's material takes a long time to get through! Know what I mean, Vern?

haven't participated in any open threads, but i'm relocating to LA next month for work. My territory will be N LA. i was thinking about santa monica or maybe oxnard/ventura to live. i'd really like a place with hardwood floors, but my main criteria are that it has to be within walking distance to the beach and i need a parking spot.
i'm looking for a one bedroom apartment, but a two bedroom would do at the right price. ideally i'd like to spend $1500 or less. i'd like an area with things to do (i've heard the paladium(?) in santa monica is a nice area). i'm in my late 20's (wow, i can't believe that), single, and am coming from chicago.

any tips/pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Matt

Hi Matt.
Welcome to LA. Your key to good quality of life in LA has to include careful consideration of your commute. Will your work be in Santa Monica? Then you should move to Santa Monica. You can definitely find a place in your price range, and I'm sure you'll love it. Almost any area in SM is a nice area, so you can spread out your search. But Santa Monica is a TRAFFIC BLACK HOLE. At peak hours, if you have to get in or out of town, expect to burn up gas while sitting on pavement for HOURS. It's a serious drag. At this point, responsible citizenry in LA has to involve responsible commuting. I'm not even talking about green factors, our infrastructure just can't support this many cars. Anyway, good luck.

Oooh ooh oooh!
There's a website/blog that has detailed lists/info on apartment for rent (not Curbed, it's a smaller, lesser-known blog). I think Gregory posted it, but I could be wrong.
It covers most major cities (Los Angeles included, which is why I'm looking for it). I think it was posted on AT awhile back, does anyone recall the site?

Is that the window from Mercado on Sunset?

i'm loving the australian posts generally, and think austin looks like a fun visit but i'm not sure if it warrants coverage (then again rose and radish in sf seems to generate 2-3 posts for you each week. so who am i to dismiss a city?).

asia hasn't shown me much yet - which is surprising given how much product comes from china and the stratospheric auction prices for contemporary chinese fine art globally... as well as the long history of east west design influences.

how about further south? as in mexico city? lots of great design and a very different vibe. i know you're working off your responders but a search may be productive in this case.

just a thought on the gallery: what i miss is being able to navigate with the arrow keys (eg. right arrow is next, left arrow is previous); it is a very small thing overall, but it makes a difference IMO.

thanks little ribbons. i'll be working out of my house, but also travel around N LA as well as the occassional visit to an office in westlake village. so my work area covers a number of cities north of the city.
i'm not sure what peak traffic hours are in LA vs Chicago, but i'd be able to avoid the morning rush and leave at say 10am to get to my destination.

I like the new gallery much better as well, but I agree with madsarah. You need to put back the "return to original post" button. The only option is to go back to the main page and after scrolling through all the posts to find that tour, it can be a little frustrating. That is my only critique!

Ok, so this isn't my thread, but as I don't really have one... Healthyhome, we don't all live in LA. I'm just happy to see styles/resources/etc featured from somewhere in my state. Even if it's a town 300 miles away. Throw us a bone here.

creative*m: you've got keen eyes. Yes, that's a photo I snapped at nearby Mercado weeks ago!

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm taking notes about both the new writers and the response/input about the new gallery (phew, glad people mostly like it). Your polite and helpful opinions are always appreciated!

New writers: I think the new writers are doing a decent job. Agree with the others that there have been over much coverage of thrift stores. Also the writing seems to be lacking in content and point relying instead on photos to provide visual stimulation. The photos are okay, sometimes too many and not of great quality. I think editing the photos to just two or three high quality shots and tight writing with a clear point would improve their posts.

New gallery: I've only been on one. I prefer to click on each thumbnail to advance to the next image (or go back) at my speed. With the new set up, the page loads with the expanded image at the bottom of the screen and the numbered thumbnails at top. So I have to scroll down to see the image each time. There's always a bit of a hiccup with the load so that it's not a smooth transition from image to image.

Matt from Chicago: Santa Monica is a great place to live. Very close to the beach. Lots of things to do within walking distance. Expect to travel at least 45 minutes to get to Westlake Village and Oxnard/Ventura. That would be without rush hour traffic. All the other beach communities that match your description are further south and would add to your drive time for those days you need to get to your northern LA locations. Additionally, I don't believe you would be able to find a 2 bedroom in Santa Monica for $1500 that is within walking distance to the beach. My 1 bedroom in Brentwood (a considerable walk to the beach - about 4 miles away) is $1400/month in a pretty crummy looking building. Good luck with your search and hope you enjoy LA.

Austin has its own aesthetic and I'm really enjoying the new coverage (full disclosure: I am originally from San Antonio :) ). Great job!