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I basically won the lottery but am still trying to make ends meet. Sometimes think about leaving LA. Any advice or guidance?
I'm pretty young (26), and its brought on a lot of responsibilities since. Basically the last few years have been stabilizing the property overall, keeping up with all the taxes/bills...stepping up to new challenges, and I'm making it work. But I've never had a fing legit job! Always been freelance, in a creative industry, and I continue to make it through.
I feel like i'm constantly on the precipe of financial failure...but in such an ironic way: my taxes (since moving in) have been paid from songs I wrote, sessions I ran, sometimes the occasional royalty check if the timing lines up. Baffles me every time I sit down and think about it: My brain wrote things that people wanted enough to pay for, which in turn grants me a license from the government to live in this house for the next year legally. Which brings me to something I've learned: YOU CANNOT TRULY NOT OWN A HOME IN AMERICA.* Try skipping your property taxes and see what happens.
In conclusion, I'm trying to really not rush this whole life process, be easy on myself and remember to be grateful that my late-friend gave me something very valuable here. I just want to avoid running to my only parent and remaining support system with my tail between my legs, not able to make this work.
What do make of this crazy life I have and how would you think about things here? LA is home. I just want to do what makes me happy, share that with others, and have enough success that I can be extra generous with my friends and family who helped raise me through such an insane time.
dude honestly you're already doing the thing most people here never figure out - you're making the art pay for the life, not the other way around. that freelance hustle where you're constantly stitching together income from different sources? that's basically LA's real economy, just most people are paying rent with it instead of property tax
couple things i'd add to what others said. first, if you haven't already, look into the property tax reassessment rules for inherited property in california. prop 19 changed some stuff but depending on when your friend passed, you might still be locked into their old tax basis. that could be way lower than what a new buyer would pay and it changes the whole math on whether selling makes sense
second, and i know this sounds basic but i mean it - keep making music. like, don't let the house stress kill your creative flow. i've seen people get a windfall like this and suddenly they're spending all their mental energy on being a landlord or a property manager instead of doing the thing that actually got them there. the house is a tool, not the point. you said LA is home and you want to share your art - bet on that instinct, it's already working
honestly the best move nobody's mentioned is looking into the Mills Act if your place has any historic bones. some neighborhoods in LA like parts of highland park or angelino heights qualify and it can slash your property tax by 30-40% in exchange for keeping the place's character. takes some paperwork and maybe a maintenance plan but it's worth a couple hours to check
also re: the freelance thing, you should look into what the city calls "creative economy" grants. LA has a bunch of small pots through DCA and the arts commission that are designed for people exactly like you, like 5-15k for projects that don't require you to be a registered business. that could cover a property tax bill or a big repair without touching your royalties
the fact that you're making it work on creative income at 26 with a house says more about your hustle than your luck. most people with a paid-off place in LA are still paying a mortgage to the city via taxes. you're just paying it with songs instead of a paycheck which is honestly more LA than anything i've seen in a while
The property tax thing is real, but you should check if your friend had it under Prop 13 from way back. If they bought before 1978, your base rate could be absurdly low, like 1% of a 1970s valuation. That changes the whole math on whether selling makes sense.
What I haven't seen anyone mention is the city's Mello-Roos districts. Some neighborhoods have these special tax assessments layered on top of regular property tax that can add a couple thousand a year. Check your title docs or pull the parcel from the county assessor's site to see if you're paying extra for things like street lighting or sewer bonds that might be expiring soon.
You're 26 with a paid-off structure in LA and a creative income that covers your nut. That's not a precipe, that's a head start most people here would kill for. The only real risk is letting the house turn you into a nervous property manager instead of a musician. Rent a room to another creative for $1500, put that straight into your tax escrow, and get back to writing.
Things to Do in Los Angeles (2026)
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping vi… 🌴 Iconic Sights
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🎨 Museums and Culture
The Getty Center in Brentwood offers free admission (parking $20) and stunning gardens with art from the Middle Ages to modern times. For contemporary art, head to The Broad in downtown LA, which has free timed-entry tickets for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms. Book online weeks ahead.
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Santa Monica Pier is a lively spot with an amusement park and aquarium, but for a quieter vibe, try Manhattan Beach with its wide sandy shores and local shops. Both have bike paths connecting to Venice Beach, where you can watch skateboarders at the famous Venice Skate Park.
🍽️ Foodie Hotspots
Grand Central Market in downtown LA has been a food hall since 1917, offering everything from tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas to egg sandwiches at Eggslut. For Korean BBQ, head to Koreatown's Park's BBQ, where the beef short ribs are a must-try. Expect lines on weekends.
🚶 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore the Arts District for street art and industrial-chic galleries, then grab coffee at Blue Bottle. Echo Park is great for a stroll around the lake and vintage shopping on Sunset Boulevard. Both neighborhoods are walkable and less touristy than Hollywood.
🚌 Getting Around
LA's Metro system has expanded with the K Line connecting Crenshaw to the Westside, but a car is still the most convenient option. Rideshares are widely available, but traffic on the 405 and 101 can be heavy from 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Consider renting a bike for beach areas.
🌆 Best Evening Spots
Catch sunset at the rooftop bar of the Ace Hotel in downtown LA, which offers craft cocktails and views of the city skyline. For live music, the Hollywood Bowl hosts concerts from May to October, with affordable bench seats starting around $20. Pack a picnic for a classic LA experience.
💡 Local Tips
Many museums offer free admission on certain days, like the Natural History Museum on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking can be expensive, so use apps like SpotHero to reserve spots ahead. Always carry a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe and refill stations are common.
Seconding the Academy Museum free day tip, that's a solid addition. One thing the guide doesn't mention is that the Griffith Observatory can get completely overrun on summer weekends, to the point where they close the road to cars. If you're not up for the hike from the bottom, take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, it's 50 cents and drops you right at the door. Also, for a quick beach lunch that's not a tourist trap, the fish tacos at Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach are worth the short walk from the pier.
one thing the guide doesnt mention is that the getty center has a free shuttle from the parking structure up to the museum, so you dont have to hike the hill unless you want to. also if you go on a weekday morning the gardens are basically empty and the light is perfect for photos. for a quick bite after, the cafeteria is overpriced but the hot dog stand outside the tram stop has decent cheap snacks
honestly the guide is pretty solid but i think theyre sleeping on the food scene in the san gabriel valley. if you have a car and an afternoon, drive out to monterey park for some of the best chinese food in the country. the soup dumplings at din tai fung are famous for a reason but the real hidden gem is the xiao long bao at mei long village just down the street. way less of a wait and just as good. also for a chill evening that's not downtown, the rooftop at the standard on sunset has a great vibe and you can see