What is it like living in Downtown LA?

So I am moving back to LA after living in San Francisco for a couple of years. Being in the thick of the city, with bars, clubs, restaurants, concert venues; and at the same time a short bus ride to museums, art galleries, parks, beaches, the Bridge - you could say I was spoiled. And it was overall very safe, an added bonus.

And now I am going to start work in Downtown LA, and it's nothing close to SF. But I want to give it a chance, since they are redeveloping so much of it, and since work will be right there. I would like to hear some words of genuine advice about living Downtown. Are there things to do there, i.e. nightlife, bars, restaurants, shopping centers, gyms? I know of the museums, which is a highlight, and Staples, which is another plus. But what else? Are there affordable and safe housing options? And how about the surrounding areas? I know it won't be like SF living, but I'll take some good considerations.

Thanks a ton.

I live in Downtown and I love it. There is definitely all you are looking for, tons of restaurants and bars, gyms, etc. Shopping isn't the greatest, but at least there is a grocery store now! Best areas to live are the Financial District, South Park, City West, and Little Tokyo (really the closer you are to Figueroa the better). Farther east in Downtown gets a little sketchy, but you can probably use your judgment when checking out the area. Living in lofts Downtown can be a little pricey, but you are moving from SF so you are probably used to that. As far as safety, I usually stick to the areas I mentioned above, and I walk around at night with no issue.

Scary if you're closer to Skid Row.

Ecclectic if you're closer to museums garment district etc Downtown's big!

wilshire one, buy a condo for 600K with view.

depend where about in downtown LA every where in LA as bad places i live in drury lane 4 doors away from the osbournes film house and believe me that aint a quite neighbourhood at all

dtLA is dope!!
you have everything you can ask for there,
bars, clubs, museums, great restaurant's
and everything is walking distance.
i say jump on it!
and dont forget to check out bar 107
:)
its the best