NY to LA (Los Angeles, San Diego, Torrance: flat fee, apartments, renters)

[Colleen718]

So after much debate on where to relocate from NY, my best friend and I have decided to head to Los Angeles. It will be easier for both of us to find a job there (we were previously considering San Diego).

The problem I am finding is that most of the areas I have looked into are a little too expensive for us right now. So far I have been to Redondo Beach and Venice Beach, so I have looked into the surrounding areas and have found that it is too expensive. I don't know much about other areas of Los Angeles...so maybe those prices are high because they are right one the beach?

I hope someone can help out...here is a little detail of what we are looking for....

We are looking in the $1600 rage for a 2 bedroom. I want something that is more on the quite side, when we feel the need to go out and let our hair down we can just head to those places. We are two 27 year old females. We both have tattoos...so I don't want to live in a "snotty" area. I also want to live someplace that is safe. Now, safe is only a relative term. Coming from NY I have gained some street smarts to get my by.

So with that said, anyone have any suggesstions?

Thanks so much!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Colleen718

So after much debate on where to relocate from NY, my best friend and I have decided to head to Los Angeles. It will be easier for both of us to find a job there (we were previously considering San Diego).

The problem I am finding is that most of the areas I have looked into are a little too expensive for us right now. So far I have been to Redondo Beach and Venice Beach, so I have looked into the surrounding areas and have found that it is too expensive. I don't know much about other areas of Los Angeles...so maybe those prices are high because they are right one the beach?

I hope someone can help out...here is a little detail of what we are looking for....

We are looking in the $1600 rage for a 2 bedroom. I want something that is more on the quite side, when we feel the need to go out and let our hair down we can just head to those places. We are two 27 year old females. We both have tattoos...so I don't want to live in a "snotty" area. I also want to live someplace that is safe. Now, safe is only a relative term. Coming from NY I have gained some street smarts to get my by.

So with that said, anyone have any suggesstions?

Thanks so much!

Any idea where you are going to work?
What line of work are you in?
Which would you prefer (not that this is your only choice), increasing your housing budget, OR, living in a more boring, suburban neighborhood which might meet your budget (though i don't think it will)?

[Colleen718]

I haven't found a job yet. I am an accountant. I need to start looking after tax season. I guess I could increase my budget, but not by much, if it meant that I could live in an area I would feel comfortable in.

[motoman]

Where you work is really going to be the biggest determinant of where you want to live. As far as your budget goes, you should be able to find a 2-bedroom for that price away from the beach. Areas east of the 405 would be your best bet, like Culver City, Hollywood, etc. Check out westsiderentals.com to get an idea of rent rates.

But again, you want to live as close to your place of employment as possible. Otherwise you'll drive yourself insane with the commute.

[Colleen718]

That seems the best tip from anyone. Is westsiderentals.com a reliable place to get rentals from? Or is it a scam?

Here in NY I ran into a problem with an apartiment finder program. They totally scammed me out of my fee, and never found me a place.

[motoman]

No, no, no. Westsiderentals doesn't work like that. You pay a flat fee. I think it's $60 for two months of use. It's just a listing service, like the classifieds. They don't help you find a place. I think NY is the only place I have ever heard where people pay someone to find them an apartment. You don't have to do that in LA.

Because the rental market is so fragmented in LA, westsiderentals gives landlords and potential renters an easy place to list and find apartments, houses, condos, etc., for rent. Whether or not you find a place is up to you. And I doubt they guarantee you'll find a place.

I looked at 30 places before I found something I liked, and then it ended up being something I just saw while driving down the street. It wasn't listed on westsiderentals. But by using westsiderentals I narrowed down the areas I wanted to look in, put together a list of places I thought I might like, and was able to see everything in just a couple of days. It saved me a helluva lot of time. I would highly recommend it. A buddy of mine found a house using westsiderentals and he highly recommends it as well. Many people will mention it and recommend it. It really is a huge time saver, even if you don't end up finding a place from it.

You can also look at sites like rent.com. I think there are several others. But those will typically only list larger properties.

[Colleen718]

Thanks so much. Its good to know before I spend the 60. I don't mind doning the footwork, cause it always helps to have some ideas where to look first.

You can find a place in NY without paying someone, but its a lot harder.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it!

[Cubancoffee]

Westside Rentals is legit, but I would just go to craigslist. I'd bet 99% of the listings on Westside Rentals are also there. And it's free. The last time I was looking, the place I ended up renting was listed by both.

[blackfords]

I'd go with craigslist too. It really all depends on where you work. As others have stated, the commute can be really bad. If you want live near the Southbay beaches, like Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan, Torrance would be the best bet. It's pretty safe and is close to everything. Stay west of Western Ave. and South of Artesia Blvd. and you should be good.

[TheRealAngelion]

Originally Posted by Cubancoffee

Westside Rentals is legit, but I would just go to craigslist. I'd bet 99% of the listings on Westside Rentals are also there. And it's free. The last time I was looking, the place I ended up renting was listed by both.

I agree. Especially in the $1600 price range, you'll likely find more options on Craigslist.