Moving to Santa Monica, need thoughts! (Vista: sublets, rentals, luxury)

[Superiorwitt]

Well, not me personally. But a friend of mine is moving from DC, to Santa Monica(well her work will be right in the 90403 zip code). She wont have a vehicle, and was looking for insights on where her residence radius should be, based on the availability of public transportation?

We've been looking mainly for roommate listings, and sublets, as her budget is sub 1k for now, and right in Santa Monica, the search has yielded very little.

Does anyone have any thoughts or insights on this situation?


Thanks!

[disgruntled la native]

Sub 1000? Well she may have to look into a 2 bedroom then with a roommate. Or shared something. Anyway, there is affordable housing in Mar Vista and Palms, which are both bus accessible to Santa Monica and not too far away. Also safe and decent areas close to the beach

[1200RT]

Sub $1k in SM?

Eh.

[Superiorwitt]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Sub $1k in SM?

Eh.

Even with a roommate, or room rent, not possible 1k? She isnt looking for a one bedroom at that price.

Also, disgruntled la native, we've looked in Mar Vista, but not Palms, so thank you for that suggestion!

[1200RT]

with a roommate in a 1 bedroom, that will be no problem. $2k 2 bedrooms are out there, but tough. I don't know about renting a room.

[Superiorwitt]

^^ Ahh.. hmm.. didnt think about that aspect. Good thoughts, thank you!

[smokingGun]

The going rate for 2-bedrooms in SM is $2200~2600 (non-luxury of course). Right now it's a landlord's market on the Westside so you really need to put your names in with different building managers to be kept in the loop on when vacancies come up. They're often rented out within a couple weeks of listing and many times don't even make it to WestsideRentals. Tell your friend to also take a look at the WLA/Sawtelle area. It's within biking distance to SM.

[jaypee]

Here's a dinky 400 sqft studio in Santa Monica for $950: 400ft² - SANTA MONICA STUDIO - LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Otherwise roommates at $1k is doable.

[Cluckr7]

I live in 90403 two blocks from the beach and pay 2300 for a 2 br. I think other people are about right as far as prices go for a 2 br. As you go further east the prices will drop, but I dont think youll see a steep drop until you get close to west la (centinela).

Google big blue bus to see the public transit options.

[Superiorwitt]

Very good info!! Thanks guys. She's actually looking at a place in West LA tomorrow. Hopefully it isnt too far out of the way. This is her first real trip to Cali, so gauging distances, and such will definitely have to be done. Only so much can come from internet research.