Another "I'm Moving" thread (Long Beach, Pomona: apartment complexes, rentals, house)

[TheBiggE]

I guess this is what the forums do best, and I need advice.

My company has opened a new office in Tustin, CA and I'm in the process of seeking a 2bd rental. I'm temporarily staying with two different relatives, commuting from either Pomona or Norwalk. Originally being raised in the Northern NJ/NYC area I can deal with the usual traffic so I'm trying to locate a place within an hour commute to and from Tustin/Irvine, at most. North OC/South LA County preferred.

*Trying to avoid apartment complexes because of pet restrictions.
*I have 2 teen kids so protecting them is my top concern.
*Prefer a duplex or house rental for at least our first year here.
*Aiming to keep rent around $1400 until we can settle and my wife starts working.
*Need a truly pet friendly home, not with $300/pet deposit and $75/pet monthly rent.

~What cities should I be considering?
~Are there any local lesser-known websites to find housing classifieds?

Craigslist sucks, of the 32 emails I've sent only one was a legit response. Figures!

Thanks for any input.

[Mr_Geek]

I'll just say a 2 bedroom home for $1400 is going to be tough unless you are in a rough area.

[TheBiggE]

I expect a challenge but I know some stuff goes unadvertised so I'm just keeping my eyes open wherever I drive. Not looking for a huge home in a suburb, I can deal with some aspects of "rough" areas depending on definition of rough. I've been told of "shady", "rough", "iffy" parts that turn out to be working class Hispanic or Mexican neighborhoods, for me that's fine as long as I'm not in gangland.

[bpeeps]

I pay 1400 for a one bedroom in West Hollywood, one of the cheapest apartments you'll find in a desirable neighborhood. I've been looking to move and I can't find anything cheaper at the moment.

You're really going to have to make a sacrifice. Apartments are going to be the better choice with rent expectations that low. Homes renting at $1400 are only going to be in less than desirable neighborhoods. That's the dichotomy you're looking at. $1400 is totally doable for a modest 2 bedroom apartment in the valley. Maybe 1600 to 1900 for a 3 bedroom. And again, you'll have to put down an additional deposit for pets.

In general a 1400 2 bedroom apartment places you in the valley, East Hollywood, parts of Hollywood, Palms, Venice.

You can look up homes on Trulia.com. Also check out padmapper.com, hotpads.com, or westsiderentals.com for apartment rentals. And RadPad and Lovely on your smartphone.

[thelopez2]

Do you include you phone number in the craigslist responses? I only answer emails that include a phone number.

[TheBiggE]

Not until I get a real response, too many phishing scams as I said before. The good ones will reply to me by name and keep it short whether or not the property is available for viewing. Obviously, if they reply that they are missionaries out of the country looking for my personal info so they can mail me keys I almost IMMEDIATELY give them my bank information.

[drunk on kool aid]

Since Tustin is in Orange County, you should also post your questions in the Orange County forum.

I really don't know but the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood or Cerritos might be worth a look.

What are you going to do about your teens' schooling? Not all school districts are created equal. It might be tough for them to settle in and then have to change schools.

By "pet" do you mean a medium-sized dog. Large or multiple animals will restrict your choices.

Some properties are advertised with a sign and you could find a smoking deal but it'll mean recruiting a friend or relative to drive around and do the drudgery for you.

Good luck.

[TheBiggE]

Thanks. I'd consider Long Beach, I know that finding anything remotely affordable in OC will be super difficult so I'm setting my sights on the lower part of LA County. My teens are pretty much done with school in about two months, relocation is after graduation. As for pets, I have 2 smaller dogs, a Corgi mix and a Shih Tzu. I just want to be in an area that is at least moderately safe, very minimal to zero gang activity preferred.