Whats your Thoughts on Brentwood, L.A.??? (Los Angeles, Pasadena: rental car, hotels)

[Lindy_TT]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

what old man?

The guy that told me Brentwood was dangerous, lol.

[goodbyehollywood]

Go with MDR. It's the new Brentwood. And while Brentwood is near the beach, MDR IS the beach. For fun or investment, the beach is better.

I've lived in both places, and they're both very nice, but given the choice, buy near the water. MDR has grown a lot, however, and traffic has gotten so much worse. It used to be quieter and more laid back, with less density, but with all the buildup during the last five years, it's almost, but not quite, as crowded as Brentwood. There are trendy places to eat, fun spots on the Marina overlooking the boats, and you're very close to all the cool shopping and restaurants on Abbott Kinney in Venice and Main Street in Santa Monica. The air is cleaner, the weather is nicer and the ocean breezes make you feel like you're always on vacation.

Your budget won't buy you much space in either place, and I doubt the prices or rents will drop much in these uber trendy locales, even if the entire L.A. RE market is tsunamied under. There will always be people eager to pony it up to live by the beach. But get in now, because soon, there won't be any more wetlands to overdevelop. Good luck!

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by Lindy_TT

I just spoke with a Realtor last night, from So. Cal. He said he loved it and had no complains about Brentwood. In fact, when I mentioned it, he kinda perked up and was like "Oh yeah, thats a nice area". So, I have no idea what that one old man was thinking... Noone I have spoken with has agreed with him. So I'll forget we ever spoke to him.

He must have gotten Brentwood mixed up with Inglewood.

[fairweathergolfer]

Although I agree that both are nice places. They are quite different. How can MDR be the new Brentwood when MDR doesn't have the critical factor that Brentwood is known for . . . its cache?

Whatever would be arguably the new Brentwood would have to have a vital critical element that makes it Brentwood. Money, cache, sophistication, political and industry power are Brentwood. MDR? Do you think money, cache, sophistication and power when you think MDR? Or if one said pick a community in LA that encompasses the essence of money, cache, sophistication and power would you pick MDR?

In fact those that have purchased in MDR historically have purchased there because they can get more for their money, because Brentwood is more expensive per square foot. (However we both know MDR is also very pricey). They look first in Brentwood or Santa Monica and then usually the real estate agent suggests MDR and they usually say, "Where? or "Where is that exactly?"" And thus they come to know the area and what it has to offer.

Smackdown! LOL. Argument against goodbyehollywood? I know. I agree. I won this one. LOL.

I may be wrong but I believe they are doing new building in Playa Del Rey and MDR as well? It is a nice area and definately would recommend purchasing there in addition to looking into Brentwood. But don't be hoodwinked that it is even close to living in the Brent hood.

Goodbyehollywood does makes great points about the benefits of the area though and I think it would be a joy to live there for the right person. I also love the huge garden store (nursery) in MDR--absolutely fantastic. It is also quite close to the airport and Home Depot. Goodbyehollywood has given us a descriptive, accurate, (except for calling it the new Brentwood.) and great sell on a special west LA community that usually does not get much attention. MDR is very worthy or anyone's investment or rental money.

But it ain't Brentwood . . . sic intended. :-)

Originally Posted by goodbyehollywood

Go with MDR. It's the new Brentwood. And while Brentwood is near the beach, MDR IS the beach. For fun or investment, the beach is better.

I've lived in both places, and they're both very nice, but given the choice, buy near the water. MDR has grown a lot, however, and traffic has gotten so much worse. It used to be quieter and more laid back, with less density, but with all the buildup during the last five years, it's almost, but not quite, as crowded as Brentwood. There are trendy places to eat, fun spots on the Marina overlooking the boats, and you're very close to all the cool shopping and restaurants on Abbott Kinney in Venice and Main Street in Santa Monica. The air is cleaner, the weather is nicer and the ocean breezes make you feel like you're always on vacation.

Your budget won't buy you much space in either place, and I doubt the prices or rents will drop much in these uber trendy locales, even if the entire L.A. RE market is tsunamied under. There will always be people eager to pony it up to live by the beach. But get in now, because soon, there won't be any more wetlands to overdevelop. Good luck!

[majoun]

Originally Posted by fairweathergolfer

Although I agree that both are nice places. They are quite different. How can MDR be the new Brentwood when MDR doesn't have the critical factor that Brentwood is known for . . . its cache?

Silver Lake is the new Brentwood....

MDR and Brentwood are both nice (as is SM) but if you're working downtown they can be a hassle. That's why I'm reluctant to live west of the 405, the traffic's worse than ever....

[Lindy_TT]

I am considering attending UCLA. I am a Gainesville, FL Native so the only school I know much about is UF. Is UCLA considered a good school or is it just average? Would a degree from there be an accomplishment or should I look into attending a different college in the area?

[jessemh431]

Originally Posted by Lindy_TT

I am considering attending UCLA. I am a Gainesville, FL Native so the only school I know much about is UF. Is UCLA considered a good school or is it just average? Would a degree from there be an accomplishment or should I look into attending a different college in the area?

UCLA is the best university on the west coast. you could get a job anywhere with a degree from there. very hard to get into. mostly asians. my dream school.

[TheRealAngelion]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

UCLA is the best university on the west coast.

I think the folks from Stanford, Caltech, and Berkeley would have something to say about that......

[rodrobinson]

My wife is being transfered to Brentwood as a teacher. I am a small contractor with a lot of expertise in general construction and specialties in custom concrete, masonary and tile. Can anyone try to give me an idea what kind of demand that I might expect for these services. Would there be room for one more? Would I be competing against illegal workers?
Thanks,
Rory

[jessemh431]

Any constructions will be done by Mexicans, sorry to tell you. They can do the same work as you for less money.

But, if you handle your business and advertise correctly, people will use your services and hopefully recommend you if you do an immacculate job, which the Mexicans cant do.