new job at paramount studios, where to live in LA (Los Angeles: apartments, townhouse)

[heddie011]

I am moving to LA for a new job at Paramount Studios. I would like to live somewhere Studio City/North Hollywood and my budget is about $1000 per month. I have a roommate, so that puts us at $2000 total if we split rent.
To make matters a bit more complicated I have a small dog.
Questions:
Does anyone have a recommendation for a safe area/apartment/townhouse?
What would be the best way to get to work to avoid traffic?
Is their any type of public transportation that is doable?
Any other recommendations?

Thanks so much.

New to LA gal.

[katenik]

look in hollywood, near santa monica blvd or melrose, and try to stay west of highland avenue. that'll put you in one of the less-dicey parts of hollywood, but still in paramount's back yard. 2BRs in the area probably start around $1700/mo, and some places will take small dogs, usually with an additional deposit.

studio city and north hollywood are communities in the valley, and are more convenient to universal than paramount. the drive to paramount wouldn't be an unbearable commute, just an unneccessary one if you aren't already living there.

[SurekRZA]

I agree with Katenik.

Driving to Paramount Studios is not a bad commute comming from North Hollywood. You're on the freeway for about 7mins or so once you exit off of Melrose/Normandie. Once you're off the freeway you take a right on Melrose and Paramount Studios is about a mile or two away. Or you can try taking the Metro, using the Trip Planner I have it set up for you at a departing time of 7am.

socaltransport.org | Metro Bus and Rail Trip Planner for Los Angeles and surrounding Counties

[King0fthehill]

Try North Hollywood, off the 101 and near Ventura Blvd.

[heddie011]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the good advice. I meant to add in my post that my roommate will be working in Canoga Park so we're looking for places in between there and Paramount. Does anyone know of anywhere specific in North Hollywood?

[dereistic01]

you don't really want to be in north hollywood, unless you stay close to studio city, burbank, or toluca lake.

im in west toluca lake right now, which is directly below north hollywood, and i really like the area. very little crime, mostly quiet (the fire station is right down the street). try studio city or toluca lake, you can find a 2br for around $2000.

[CESpeed]

Stay as close to Ventura as possible. If you wander too far in, you may as well haved to to Tijuana. Universal City and Hollywood Hills would be good. If you want to be fair and move somewhere in the middle, I would suggest somewhere along Ventura Blvd.

[dereistic01]

yep, the closer you are to venture, the better the area gets.

just keep checking craiglist, there are new apartments everyday on there.

[jerblaine]

Paramount is on Melrose isnt it? Live off Melrose if you can find a place that takes pets. For 2,000 you should be able to find a 2 bedroom.

If you live in Studio City you will find something nice for 2,000, but the pet will require 500 deposit in some places if they allow pets.

[jerblaine]

Oh if she is in Canoga Park then Studio City is your answer. Toluca Lake also. Those are nice actor friendly areas.