@p I get the distinct sense that this is a place I wouldn't want to live for an extended period of time, even ignoring money.

There's a lot of people who seem to have cool skills and you can learn from them, but there's nothing actually uniquely good about this place unless you want access to a specific resource or skill.

I will say that what I've had of the cuisine is...as someone who has traveled a decent amount, I've had better American, Thai, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. I have not been able to get all four of those foods of similar quality in the same place, but I have been able to find better of each food somewhere in the US. I've had better Thai and Italian in New York. I've had better Mexican in Texas. I've had better Chinese in a few university towns (but this was only ever due to having the right connection).

Weirdly, the coffee here is slightly bad. Lefties are supposed to be known for good coffee, and I'm kind of shocked at how bad it is here. It's far from the worst I've had, but I have actually had better in small rural towns.

I am not someone who enjoys the type of entertainment LA has, and I will be glad to leave it. I got what I came for and I'm glad to have succeeded at this, but seeing no pleasure in remaining and seeing the cost of staying, I will be extremely glad to leave and come back only to complete any task I set myself to.

I will make sure that my travel plans are tighter to minimize my time here next time. I will say that I have significantly more respect for the location now than I did before coming, but I do not like it here.