Van Nuys, in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, makes a comfortable short-term homebase—more affordable and residential than central LA but with plenty of cafés, diverse restaurants, parks, farmers’ markets and easy freeway/public-transit access, so you can relax between shifts and still have things to do.
You’re also a short drive from downtown Los Angeles for museums and nightlife, Santa Monica for beaches and sunsets, and nearby Burbank for studios, dining and hiking.