after being here for more than a year, here is what i have to say about south land. it is expensive, yes. especially buying a house. besides that i don't think anyone needs to be scared. i don't think i'll live here forever but for now it is ok. rent is about what you will pay in DC metro. people have told me that DC area is not cheap either. in OC a 2 bedroom will rent for $1500. and driving is stressful. you have to be alert all the time, mostly on the freeways and this area has over 30 of them. LA/OC is definitely not for students. but if you are a professional, there is great money to be made if you have good network. there are a lot of companies and you can make money while the going is good. i think most nepalis are scared of the south land because of expensive housing, i would be too. when i was a student i survived in the midwest. this place is expensive to live in because where else can you get mountains, beaches, deserts, theme parks and the most nummber of diverse people in the world all within a 60 mile radius?