How is Brentwood?? (Santa Monica, Nice, Westwood: relocating, apts, rental)

[pureid]

Hi,

I'm relocating to LA to work at UCLA and I'm trying to figure out where to live. I do not want to spend more than $3000/month on rent and would prefer not to have a long commute.

I hear Brentwood might be a nice option. What do you think? What is Brentwood like? What should I expect to pay for a 3 bedroom? Are there other areas I should consider?

Thanks!

[LASam]

I would consider Brentwood a good option, but Westwood may be an even better option. Can't get much closer to campus then Westwood... that is... unless you live in a dorm.

[King0fthehill]

It's wonderful, lots of UCLA students live in a area bordered between Bundy Blvd and Barrington near Montana.

Very small, high density (except for the mansion part). It's the perfect neighborhood to walk your poodle to Starbucks and sip a 'latte.

[JackSparrow]

Westwood!!!

Rent my loft! It's 5 blocks from UCLA!

Just kidding, we're getting slightly more for the lofts and mine isn't up for rent. BUT! Westwood has a younger age bracket, and more to do than Brentwood. I would think it's a better fit for a student. Unless you're in your 40's...

HTH

[pureid]

My wife and I are in our early 30's and prefer not to be around a lot of students. It's sounding like Brentwood is less student-oriented than Westwood....

[greggd]

Originally Posted by pureid

Hi,

I'm relocating to LA to work at UCLA and I'm trying to figure out where to live. I do not want to spend more than $3000/month on rent and would prefer not to have a long commute.

I hear Brentwood might be a nice option. What do you think? What is Brentwood like? What should I expect to pay for a 3 bedroom? Are there other areas I should consider?

Thanks!

In brentwood, your price range is for a 2 bdrm. 3 bdrm is more like 3,500.

Under 3,000 a month would be 1960s to 70s built and in west los angeles, south of wilshire & maybe even santa monica blvd. There is a shuttle to UCLA down SM blvd.

Westwood village will have alot of students, but once you go south of Wilshire, that is not so much the case. Even South of Santa Monica blvd/east of the 405 frwy, you can find lower rental rates while still close to UCLA & away from the student housing.

many apts are 1-2 bdrm.

[fairweathergolfer]

Absolutely Brentwood. My husband and I moved here around the same age as you and your wife and it has been the most perfect place in everyway for us. We love, love, love it. Brentwood has a lot of energy and a lot to do and has many different age brackets. That is part of what makes it so nice is the variety. If you are working at UCLA you will appreciate shifting gears to a relaxed, fun, walkable, energetic, but also chill neighborhood. You will also be that much closer to spending your weekends exploring Santa Monica or the mountains just a few miles away.

You will be very centralized in either area, but just a quick bike ride, jog, or drive to the beach and SM if you live in Brentwood. Not having to cross the freeway on your time off is a good thing!

Originally Posted by pureid

My wife and I are in our early 30's and prefer not to be around a lot of students. It's sounding like Brentwood is less student-oriented than Westwood....

[fairweathergolfer]

However if you were to move to Westwood I would follow greggd's recommendation and go south of Wilshire or Santa Monica Blvd. Nice quiet neighborhoods down there, too. Must eat at Apple Pan!!

[motoman]

Depending on what you are looking for, you can find a nice place well under $3,000 per month and not far from UCLA. It just depends on what you want.

[wclac]

Originally Posted by fairweathergolfer

However if you were to move to Westwood I would follow greggd's recommendation and go south of Wilshire or Santa Monica Blvd. Nice quiet neighborhoods down there, too. Must eat at Apple Pan!!

What about the West L.A. district (aka Sawtelle)?