Whats your Thoughts on Brentwood, L.A.??? (San Francisco, Long Beach: apartments, rentals)

[Lindy_TT]

Hey Everybody. I have read many posts about where to live, work, etc. but this is MY first thread and I am very interested in learning more about the Brentwood area of West L.A. I am prepared to pay close to $400K for a 1 bed/1 bath, or $2500 in rent. So the shock of costs has already been considered. Everything I’ve read about this area says that it’s a very nice area to live in, with lots of shopping, and many celebrities live in the area as well. They are not why I am considering it. It is because if they feel safe there, it must be a beautiful, nice, safe area. What are everyone’s thoughts on Brentwood?? Also, what is the job market like out there? I am currently living in Orlando, Florida. Jobs are readily available and easy to find. Is L.A. similar? I am really excited about getting to know the L.A. area and am planning a trip out there for the near future. Public schools aren’t really an issue of mine right now, because it is just me and my husband. What colleges or universities are close? I want to hear everything, the good AND the bad. I am trying to do as much research ahead of time as I can. Every bit of information helps!!! Thanks Everyone!!!!

[fairweathergolfer]

I have lived in Brentwood for nearly 8 years as a home owner and I LOVE it!! I personally do not know why anyone prefers to live anywhere else with money in this town. It is close to the water. It doesn't have the 'lower companions' of the city life that one will see much more of in Santa Monica business and even some residential areas. It is close to the water and to the freeway (unlike the Pacific Palisades).

You have absolutely everything at your beck and call in this one small area. Heck you really do not have to ever cross the freeway unless you have a job somewhere else. UCLA is right there (that is just a few miles east over the freeway). All the best medical care, all the shopping, clubs, restaurants, movie theaters, museums, ocean, amazing largest and independently owned bookstore in nation I believe, playhouses, amazing hiking, jogging, biking etc all right here on the westside.

No seedy element whatsoever in Brentwood (there is down in the business area of Santa Monica). So Brentwood really stands out as very safe and lovely to a resident!!! A short bike or car ride to the water. More moderate temperatures then Beverly Hills. It is a prestige area with lovely people that are kind hearted and treat everyone the same (in my experience). It is also a very private area. People respect others privacy. There is sort of a live and let live attitude, while being nicely manicured and lovely. Regular people that grew up here stay. Elderly folks stay. Young, hip move in. There are good folks in Brentwood.

It is all completely walkable. Very small town in a big city with the best of everything at your fingertips and maybe just right next door. . You see stars in low key Mom and Pop cafes and restaurants, shopping, getting ice cream, even getting an inexpensive manicure and pedicure--email me for my person. She is lovely, all the stars go there and she is inexpensive. But it rolls off of your back and you get very used to them and even a bit protective when you spot a camera (the paps hide out up here because we just don't tolerate them as a community!). It is a magical world and I rarely like to leave it for long.

There is traffic all over LA though and you will experience traffic anywhere in this town.

I say GO FOR IT!!!! Even though I want desperately to move out of the city, I really can't leave because we have absolutely everything here that anyone could want. I just wish people overall were more kind in LA, but that is a pipe dream (no problems is Brentwood, except when it comes to traffic, but this is true throughout this area). The businesses and churches and just about everywhere other then the road around here are full of very nice and good people.

Brentwood is full of money and celebrities, but totally a chill place where in my opinion none of that is played up. Everyone is chill around here. Parking is high and a bit more difficult, so be prepared to pay there. There is a lot of valet parking as well as regular parking it is just that so many people are busy enjoying this place you have lots of competition for spaces. It is fantastic.

In my opinion most drivers in the LA area, no matter what part are cruel and without conscience it seems. That can get to a person after a while. But compared to many places, it really is not even a reason to not enjoy all the benefits of living here. Not many places like it. Brentwood all the way!! Besides it was voted in some cool, hip magazine for the younger crowd (I am forty, maybe Nylon or something) that this is the newest, hipest place to live for the young and wealthy. And I agree. It is the hipest place for any age young or old alike (we love our elderly here and take care of them. There is no ageism here at all either way. No too young. No too old). All my friends that live elsewhere that are younger and older want to live here, even those living in amazing homes in Beverly Hills, which surprised me.

For me the only problem is I love it here and must make a lot more (A lot more) money to move up to my next home. I am chill and money is never really a huge priority, so I am unsure if I am ready to pay the price to make the money, so that is the only thing keeping me from moving up. But I culd easily if I wanted, jobs are abundant in this town and so is opportunity. Brentwood makes a chill existance easy too. No pressure here. But all the best at the same time. Those I meet in Santa Monica are much more snobby (sorry neighbors, but comparitively I have found this to be true in some of my experience, not all.). Not here in Brentwood though. Not at all. I love Brentwood. How soon can you move in is what I'd be asking .

(by the way Santa Monica does have some fantastic people. Just more snobs then up in Brentwood in my experience. We have nothing to prove in the Brent hood.) :-) LOL.

Originally Posted by Lindy_TT

Hey Everybody. I have read many posts about where to live, work, etc. but this is MY first thread and I am very interested in learning more about the Brentwood area of West L.A. I am prepared to pay close to $400K for a 1 bed/1 bath, or $2500 in rent. So the shock of costs has already been considered. Everything I’ve read about this area says that it’s a very nice area to live in, with lots of shopping, and many celebrities live in the area as well. They are not why I am considering it. It is because if they feel safe there, it must be a beautiful, nice, safe area. What are everyone’s thoughts on Brentwood?? Also, what is the job market like out there? I am currently living in Orlando, Florida. Jobs are readily available and easy to find. Is L.A. similar? I am really excited about getting to know the L.A. area and am planning a trip out there for the near future. Public schools aren’t really an issue of mine right now, because it is just me and my husband. What colleges or universities are close? I want to hear everything, the good AND the bad. I am trying to do as much research ahead of time as I can. Every bit of information helps!!! Thanks Everyone!!!!

[jessemh431]

Brentwood is VERY nice area...with prices to show. I checked out realtor.com (which you should do often) and only homes com up under 400,000 and both are 1 bed condos. That would most likely be fine for you, plus its right outside of the hip areas.

UCLA is Westwood, but im not too familiar with that part of LA so i dont know how close they are.

REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail

REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail

REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail

only two rental came up under 2500 per month.
REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail

REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail


pacific palisades is nice
REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail

they have trailer parks in PP, but theyre still very nice. This one is right across from the beach
REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail


anywhere in santa monica is fun and safe
REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail

i dont know if you have ever heard of Marina Del Rey, but it is a great little beach city. Lots of shopping and beautiful beaches nearby. Loyola Marymount University is nearby. Venice Beach is the next city over which everyone has to see.
REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail

here is one in venice beach
REALTOR.com: Find a Home - Listing Detail


jobs in some fields and areas of LA dont have give people much chance for a career because of all the people moving here and not enough positions to support them all.

well good luck on finding a place out here. one last thing: a rule of thumb-the more inland you go the more sketchy the places become. like santa monica and brentwood and marina del rey are on the coast. areas near DT are horrible.

unless Brentwood is your only area youre interested in, try Venture and Oxnard in Ventura County, Long Beach, Torrance, or the O.C. like I, Laguna Beach and Hills, Newport Beach, or any of the previous places i mentioned

[AustinGuy]

I lived in Brentwood for two years ending about two years ago and loved it as well. It's safe and walkable if you get a place near San Vicente. In fact, I had a more walkable life setup in Brentwood than the many years I lived in San Francisco.

The weather is great there since you miss out on most of the coastal fog but still get to share in the cooler coastal temps.

My rent was $1450 for a 1 bedroom plus den that was nice and a block from the shops and restaurants on San Vicente.

[VillageLife]

I live in the San Gabriel Valley,When I think of Brentwood is; sophisticated,clean,high class,wealthy,hip. I hardly go that way,but if i do,I would dress differently.

[fairweathergolfer]

Your description hits the nail on the head. If you do come this way, no need to change your dress, just bring you. There are many types. If you run into a snob, chances are they are going through a divorce or just not a long term local--LOL.

Come and enjoy. The place will elevate your attitude to want to be the best you can be, not you elevating through dress. That is one thing that makes it so amazing when you are here you just feel special. I think that brings out the best in each person in their own way. No matter who you are or where you come from. Sounds like PollyAnna, sure, but I stand behind it 100% and I am very hard to please.

Are there snobs and people who are unfriendly? Absolutely. But overtime as you start talking to people or just use the good manners, hopefully you have been raised with and blow off the jerks for the insecure props they are you will see how very happy everyone is to have a piece of such a great and also very private, but energetic community.

Originally Posted by dragonten

I live in the San Gabriel Valley,When I think of Brentwood is; sophisticated,clean,high class,wealthy,hip. I hardly go that way,but if i do,I would dress differently.

[Lindy_TT]

Wow, thanks everybody for your input and experiences. This has been very informative and now I can hardly wait for the move. I just have to get my husband on board. I will still check out other areas to ensure I am making an informed decision, but Brentwood sounds like home to me! It sounds surreal. I think it is just what I am looking for and exactly what I need. $1750 in rent is not bad. How is the San Vicente area of Brentwood? Also, yes, I have checked out Realtor.com, in fact it is where I spend the part of my time not on the forums. Thanks for the help! What would anyone say the expected salary range could be for an individual with over 5 years of corporate/office and Executive/Admin Assistance experience with college coursework (working towards BS at the moment, and then Masters)? I know this depends on a few things, but a range would be great. What do you think the average household income should be, at a minimum, to enjoy and afford life in the Brentwood area? Also, I have two awesome dogs. Are there any apartments in the area that come to mind that allow dogs? Again, thanks to everyone that has input.

[VillageLife]

Oh,that is why I want to dress up.It is one place where you want to look special. I don't think they are snobs.I think they look sophisticated and clean.

[sgfludd]

I lived right on Barrington Avenue for 2 years - just moved last June - I don't think anybody dresses differently from typical LA. There are all sorts of restaurants on San Vicente - and it runs the gamut. You'll see a young crowd hanging out at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on San Vicente and Barrington. The only caution I would make - it sounds like you don't have a job yet - so no matter how great Bwood is - if you're going to have a hellish commute - it won't be worth living there. Just something to keep in mind. Walking down Barrington to San Vicente is like watching the Westminster dog show - all breeds are in the area. However - I don't know if places limit it to one dog or not - be prepared to pay fat pet deposits - and possibly a monthly pet deposit. The cost of living here is higher than FL - be prepared to pay more for everything - food, utilities, gas - and one I hadn't prepared for - car insurance is WAY high here compared to the east coast. As to jobs - surf Craigslist and Monster to see the pay ranges. It seems like a lot of admin jobs start in the $50s here and up. But with your expenses - you still won't have a lot left over if you're in the $50s - so push for as much as you can get. You can find all sorts of calculators online that tell you how much you need to make in a different zip code to continue your standard of living. Also search for LA property mgmt companies - and you should find a good inventory of apts and info.

[Lindy_TT]

Well, I don't have a job lined up yet. I am trying to get everythign aligned before I head out there, plus I have some time before we move out there anyways. I am in college and planning on staying in until I get my Masters. What are jobs like out there for people with this education level and experience to match? Currently, our household income is $70K without college degrees, here in Orlando, FL. Which is good considering I am 22 and my husband is 24. We are very driven and motivated. I feel that if anyone can go out to Cali and make it living comfortably, it would be us or others like us. My other concern is housing, ONLY becuase I can either rent (which I'm fine with for a little while) or purchase a condo. My instrincts tell me to rent until i know an area well enough to decide which area I want to purchase in, my business mind tells me to purchase now and lock in a price. As you can see, I still have a few kinks to work out in my plan.