22 yo Graduating College in May, Just Got a Job in LA! (San Diego: apartments, for rent)

[GraduatingSoon]

So I'm a 22F who's graduating from college in San Diego in May, and I found out recently that I got an awesome job in LA that starts over the summer! I wasn't originally planning on leaving San Diego because, let's be real, SD is amazing and I definitely didn't want to move back to the Midwest where I grew up. However, I just can't turn down this offer.

My job is in Century City and I figure I'll be able to afford $900-1200 for rent (studio/1B), but I'm not sure where I should live that's:
A) a great area for 20-somethings (bars, people my age, cool shops, etc.),
B) will have places in my price range, and
C) have a reasonable commute to work.

What areas near-ish to Century City would be good for a recent grad? I will have a car, btw!

[SpaceMonkyPunks]

Congrats!

If I were you, I'd look in West LA/Sawtelle, or maybe Melrose/Miracle Mile...Santa Monica and West Hollywood would be good also, but a somewhat longer commute probably. I'm not sure how long it would take, but I can't imagine it being too terrible.

You're place range is probably more apt to a studio or jr 1B.

[Ceece]

Consider a roommate to get a better place too.

[flyingmonkey38]

SilverLake / Los Feliz is also a great area for 20 something's. A bit more of a happening place. Lower rents, commute around (~30 min).

[yby1]

Palms. You are near Downtown Culver City which is a relatively active area.

[hken]

West LA gets my vote. Such great memories there going to grad school at UCLA and tons of housing for people your age.

[Bartleby9]

Originally Posted by Ceece

Consider a roommate to get a better place too.

I'd rather live alone then live with a roommate just so I can save $100 a month.

[TheGreatUnwashed]

Originally Posted by Bartleby9

I'd rather live alone then live with a roommate just so I can save $100 a month.

Save $100? Are you high?

[subPrimeTime]

You'd save more than $100 living with roommate, probably more like $300. For example, in a location where a 1 bedroom/studio is around $1,100, a 2-bedroom in that same building would be roughly $1,600 ($800 each room). Just an estimate.

To the OP, congrats on the job and the job location. You can easily live in West LA and have a decent commute without needing to get on the freeway. I'd recommend the areas off Santa Monica Blvd west of the 405 (around Federal, Barrington, Bundy). Tons of apartments here, mostly consisting of recent college grads (or some current UCLA students). But in your price range, you're not going to be able to live in a luxury building or even one with secured parking. In your range, you may be able to get an apartment in one of those 2-story buildings with an unsecured carport below (not sure what these are called).

[Ceece]

In your range, you may be able to get an apartment in one of those 2-story buildings with an unsecured carport below (not sure what these are called).

Dingbats

It's not just about the money OP, it's the KIND of place you will be able to live, amenities that will be nearby, space available to you, etc. If you don't know anyone in the area it can also help you to meet people. But if you look you can find a studio or something to live in by yourself.