Suggested rental areas near El Segundo (Long Beach, Marina: credit, apartment, travel)

[pizzicato66]

Hi - I'm coming out in a few weeks for a final interview for a job in El Segundo, and I'm wondering about where I should focus my apartment search. I'd like to keep my drive within about 30-45 minutes (or even train, if there's workable route). I'm used to driving in traffic up to an hour each way, and I've survived driving in LA before, so I know what to expect. :-)

Here's what I have to work with:
- 1 or 2 bedroom preferred
- under $2000 a month (would prefer under $1500 but willing to spend a bit more)
- large dog-friendly - would love to have a decent dog park nearby
- good walking neighborhood (gotta walk the pooch!)
- within 30 minutes of El Segundo
- I'd prefer a walk-up or cottage style (again, easier with a dog) but would consider a bigger complex.

I've been looking the strip from Marina Del Rey, down to Long Beach (possibly down as far as Seal Beach), and I know I should dodge the area east of the 405, but I've been pondering whether I should look at the Westside, Hollywood, up into the Valley, etc.

Suggestions?

[JTGJR]

Weeeelllll, have you considered El Segundo?! 1-2BR rental would run you around $1200-$2000 a month and there are usually a number of rentals for "guest houses" behind some of the homes.

There is a formal dog park on the northern edge, overlooking LAX and a not very formal one on the far west side of the city (DWP property). It's a very quiet, safe town. Your other options would be the other South Bay cities, but the further south you travel, the longer your commute as the traffic heads north in the a.m. and opposite, obviously in the p.m.

You shouldn't have a problem finding a nice place for $2K in any of the safe, SB cities, so no worries about having to look east of the 405.

Keep an eye out in The Beach Reporter.

[whatever78]

el segundo, playa del rey. they all have the type of apts you're describing. i don't think you have to look any further than that, honestly.

[jessemh431]

Playa Del Rey
2 BRM + 2 BTHS Walking distance to the beach

Mairna Del Rey
FREE Credit Check - Up to 2 Months FREE rent!! 1 Bedroom

Westchester
Move In Special on 1 Bedroom - Great Location

Venice is also an option, but I don't feel like looking through all these listings.
los angeles craigslist > westside-southbay > apts/housing for rent: search for "venice"

[Sorcerer68]

I suggest El Segundo. Live where you work. No need to commute that far (Seal Beach...GASP!)

[pizzicato66]

Thanks for the tips! I've seen a few things posted in El Segundo and had heard others say it was nice there so I'll definitely check it out. How is the noise from the airport?

It's good to hear El Segundo is a good bet. My main concern is whether I can find a place that will take me and my dog in the area - that's why I'm considering a wider radius.

As for Seal Beach, I just love it there! But, it could be a nice place to drive down to on the weekends too. :-)

[jessemh431]

El Segundo has very high rents and not many places accept even small animals. It's definitely a nice place to live in. I go to high school there so I know many residents and spend most of my time there. It's a great place to live.

Long Beach and Seal Beach would be too far.