Burbank...what is it like? (Los Angeles, Oxnard: appointed, apartment, rental)

[schw6600]

I am looking at a company in Burbank that is interviewing. I have lived in Utah pretty much all of my life except for 1 year in Vegas just a few months ago. I don't know a THING about Burbank, but is it really congested? I'm sure a lot of places are, and I can handle the traffic but I might go crazy if it is really busy all the time. Also, how expensive is it to live there? Rent per month would be a good place for me to start. I want to know the cost of living compared to what salary they might offer. If I'm getting screwed or not. HELP!!! Anyone able to give me some insight?

[Charles]

You will not have a problem as long as you live near where you work. I was born in Burbank (in 1961, just after horse and buggies were replaced with cars). You should check apartment rental web pages and realtor.com for quick and dirty estimates (I'd be disappointed if you haven't done this already.)

My impression of Burbank (from about six years ago) is that for some reason it retains its "niceness"; Even on the main drags, the homes look like people care. There may be a lot of old Lockheed retirees there some of whom have lived there since the late 1940s. Seems a little less transitional.
The commuter train runs into Burbank from as far as Oxnard and into the LA metro area - something to think about....check out the routes.

I think a lot of others will chime in with more specifics about neighborhoods.

[matt345]

Originally Posted by Charles

My impression of Burbank (from about six years ago) is that for some reason it retains its "niceness"; Even on the main drags, the homes look like people care.

I agree. Burbank is mostly older homes built decades ago, but they seem very well kept. The lawns are neatly cut and the houses, though somewhat on the smaller side, look like they could've been built yesterday. It definately doesn't have the run-down look found in parts of North Hollywood or Van Nuys.

[zenjenn]

Burbank is nice, though some of the surrounding communities are going downhill. It is pricey.

Check out salary.com - they have a relocation wizard that will show you what your salary needs to be in your new location in order to maintain your standard of living. It's not perfect but it has decent methodology and has proven to be a good starting place for us. (Though we're relocating in the opposite direction - from California to a cheaper elsewhere.)

[Gidget]

One thing that I really like about Burbank is that, while it is in the county of Los Angeles, it is not part of the city of LA. Burbank provides all of it's own services like police and fire department, maintains its own infrastucture, provides its own water, electric, sewer, trash pick up, and so on. Schools are good, also not part of LA Unified.

[CAMom]

I've lived here all my life, I am 33 now and my wife and I are moving to colorado primarily because of our 2 year old son. Burbank will be more busy than you're probably used to in utah, although seems like you got some breaking in from vegas. I wouldn't bother looking else where to rent near by for safety reasons, theres plenty here to rent in all price ranges, and the cops are just waiting for a phone, seriously. If you have any specific questions feel free, I live and work here and pretty much know this place like the back of my hand.

[UB50]

Until recently, I lived in Burbank for 20+ years. It's true -- the cops are just waiting for your phone call. It's an extremely safe city.

If you are commuting to a job in Burbank from a house in Burbank, look at 15 minutes tops in commuting time -- even in the worst of weather.

Prepare for most of your neighbors to be in the entertainment industry -- stunt men, sound people, electricians, actors -- a lot of people in Burbank work for the entertainment industry. A lot of them are famous too -- but you probably won't know it. It's a very low key town.

Rents are not totally cheap. Most of the housing is old (like 1960 or earlier). The town itself is wonderful to live in. Lots of creative types. I liked it when I lived there.

[Sorcerer68]

One of the things I like most about Burbank is the scale of the homes and buildings. Things are smaller and lower than a lot of the L.A. area giving the place a homey feel. To me, the older housing stock is a plus. They are charming with gorgeous oak floors and beautiful tile work (if retained). If you're not into that, there's some new construction too. My favorite neighborhood is Royal Equestrian in the S.E. part of town. Although I don't own horses anymore, the neighborhood has a great look and feel, plus you're right by Bob Hope Park which is great if you have doggies. Burbank has it's own airport which I use as much as possible to avoid the clog of LAX. I've flown direct to Hawaii, New York, Seattle and lots of other places from Burbank airport.

Yes, neighbors will likely be in the Industry. Hollywood is a very quick jaunt over the hill. Burbank is slower and more polite than a lot of Southern California. It's unusual to hear horns or profanity in traffic. Bob's Big Boy has a sort of impromptu car show every weekend. REALLY sweet rides show up. Toluca Lake is next to Burbank and I always throw it in for consideration but realise it's merely a neighborhood district in Los Angeles (important thing to know when it comes to things like schools, although they have 1 really good elementary school).

[schw6600]

Wow, thanks a lot for all the information!!! It sounds very different from what I imagined it might be. The low key part is my favorite! Thank you so much. It sounds like a great place to live and I love old homes. My home away from home.

[schw6600]

Oh, and Salary.com was a very helpful site. Thanks for the suggestion!