LA is a very unique place. People who come here generally come because they want to live in nice weather, or like to live where they are not judged if they are a bit different. Here you can be yourself. However, that comes with a bit of a price. People in LA have a casual indifference about others: "You do your thing, I'll do mine". Yet some of the same people who come here for the tolerant attitude complain that the "people aren't nice". It's not that we aren't nice, it's really that we're indifferent. People from the South, especially, find this hard to take. They're used to everyone looking out for everyone else (which means that everyone is in your business). It all boils down to the fact that you can't have it both ways.
A decent 1 BR apartment is about $1200 per month on average. You also have to factor in that you need a car, car insurance, and money for gasoline. All in all, it's rather expensive.
This is not really a good time to move here. Even if you have great skills, the job market is tight.
Good luck.