L.A

[FCBarca]

Disingenuous?
That’s my honest opinion, I probably know LA better than most.
Would I suggest walking around Compton, while waving a wad of cash? No, but it’s not as dodgy as people make it out to be.

You are always a stones throw away from trouble, anywhere in LA. Doesn't mean it happens all the time but you have to be vigilant and any tourist recommendations about visiting always emphasizes that. There are few places in SF where that happens

I am not talking about obvious spots like Inglewood, South Central, Compton etc - even in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Melrose, Pasadena, Westwood, etc. I am not talking about gated communities like Bel Air or Westlake Village either. I lived there as well and I recognize how easy it is to simply adapt and accept a certain normal but to suggest there's nothing unsafe is skewed. 32 years, you learn to be smarter in LA and be aware of what to avoid but for a tourist? It's unlike many big cities in that regard IMHO, you need to be vigilant

 

[Saxmundham Blue]

I wouldn't bother. L.A is a soulless shithole. A neverending sprawl of concrete and without question the most disappointing place I have ever visited.

Plenty of better places to visit in the USA

 

[mikemcfc]

San Diego & San Francisco were brilliant as was Carmel.

If money were no object; I'd retire to Carmel.

Yes and Yes, San Diego & San Francisco are brilliant, sooo much to offer.
Carmel is a charm. We make a point of going to Demetra Cafe, very nice, just up from the beach.
Pacific Grove near Monterey on the point is quaint as well, and would be a nice
place to retire to as well(if money were no object).