Single guy looking for a 1bedroom condo in socal (Long Beach: renting, insurance)

[jksocal]

Hi, I'm a single guy in my mid-twenties. I work at home so I'm flexible with the location. The most important features of the area to me are : Quiet, safe and friendly neighbors. I also don't like much traffic. My budgets is around 150k- 200k for a 1bedroom 1 bathroom condo. I'm considering Glendale since I've heard it's a safe and quiet city, and it's pretty close to everywhere (downtown,hollywood etc) I also took a look at North Alhambra but the condo there looks pretty bad maintenance.
any suggestion ? thanks!

[Miss Pip]

Glendale is not close to everywhere. It's more closer to the east than anything. If you ever wanted to go to the Westside or the beach, it would be a drag.

[1200RT]

Where do you work?

If that was my budget, I would rent.

[jksocal]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Where do you work?

If that was my budget, I would rent.

I work at home.
Renting a studio cost at least $1000. So I'm thinking buying a condo.

[eastontracks]

Curious to hear other replies as I've thought about doing almost the exact same and wondered if it's a realistic move.

[Dunbar42]

Originally Posted by jksocal

I work at home.
Renting a studio cost at least $1000. So I'm thinking buying a condo.

Have you done any research online that suggests a condo would be cheaper with association fees, maintenance, and insurance factored in? I'll throw out Torrance, Redondo Beach and possibly Pasadena as areas that may be affordable with plenty of things to do for a 20-something. Alhambra is pretty "blah" if you ask me, but if you go far enough east condos do get pretty affordable.

[jksocal]

Originally Posted by Dunbar42

Have you done any research online that suggests a condo would be cheaper with association fees, maintenance, and insurance factored in? I'll throw out Torrance, Redondo Beach and possibly Pasadena as areas that may be affordable with plenty of things to do for a 20-something. Alhambra is pretty "blah" if you ask me, but if you go far enough east condos do get pretty affordable.

is Torrance and Redondo Beach safe? what's your take on Glendale, Burbank ?

[HoliWood]

Try the condos on Sierra Madre Blvd., heading East (in Pasadena). Prices are anywhere from 150-290k, from what I've seen. You can always negotiate for a lower price. Also, get in touch with a local realtor - depending on where you want to buy - and tell them your limit and ask to get MLS (Multiple Listing Service) emails; they do it for free, as long as you get them to represent you when it's time to buy (or you can just go check out the listing on your own). The seller pays the realtor fees.

Old Town Pasadena has quite a bit going on for a 20+ person, so you'll find plenty to do.

I work in Glendale and I'd hardly call it quiet. I find it pretty congested and the streets are narrow, compared with Pasadena and Alhambra. You may also want to try Montrose and La Crescenta. Both of these places are cute and quiet, and are just about 3+ miles away from Glendale or Burbank (a few more miles to Burbank, though).

Alhambra is also very quiet, with little to do unless you're down on Main Street, but well...I don't like it there. Or, you could head North towards Pasadena again, esp. if your condo is in N. Alhambra, and within a 10 minute drive, be in the midst of all that is Old Town.

[mayorhaggar]

Maybe check out Long Beach condo prices.

[Dunbar42]

Originally Posted by jksocal

is Torrance and Redondo Beach safe? what's your take on Glendale, Burbank ?

Yes, Redondo and Torrance are safe, try searching this board for more info. I wouldn't choose Glendale or Burbank if I had the freedom to live anywhere in LA.