Central good location for commute downtown and Chatsworth? (Glendale, Pasadena: rentals, neighborhood)

[Pirate Bride]

My boyfriend and I are moving to LA in the summer. I'll be working downtown (around 5th/Flower) and he'll be working up in Chatsworth. Any idea what would be a good neighborhood/area to split the commute into something humane for both of us? Our budget is about $2500 for a big 1BR/2BR. We'd like something safe, and ideally with nice restaurants, shops, nightlife, etc. We're both from the East Coast. Our uninformed view was to look in the following areas: Los Feliz, Silverlake, Pasadena, Hollywood Hills...

Thanks for any help!

[dusesean1986]

Originally Posted by Pirate Bride

My boyfriend and I are moving to LA in the summer. I'll be working downtown (around 5th/Flower) and he'll be working up in Chatsworth. Any idea what would be a good neighborhood/area to split the commute into something humane for both of us? Our budget is about $2500 for a big 1BR/2BR. We'd like something safe, and ideally with nice restaurants, shops, nightlife, etc. We're both from the East Coast. Our uninformed view was to look in the following areas: Los Feliz, Silverlake, Pasadena, Hollywood Hills...

Thanks for any help!

All the areas you mentioned are great areas. I would try to stray from Hollywood Hills commuting into downtown. The 101 is bad, and the 10 freeway is terrifying. The other areas you mentioned are absolutely great, I would say your commute for your husband would be 50 minutes, he is heading away from the city. Your commute will be short, be in horrible traffic, thirty five minutes tops on the freeway, even though it's only around six miles. You folks will easily be able to afford two bedrooms for $2500. The weather is great in SoCal, the area you are referring to is low to mid 90's in the summer, but it's a dry heat, no humidity like the East Coast. The winter only drops to the low 40's with mid 60's during the day for your particular area. The beach, forty minutes away, and the mountains probably around 45 minutes. Let me remind you, California is extremely diverse, with high levels of latinos, asians, and African Americans. I hope I helped friend, if you thought I was of help just click rate this post positively below my quote. Have a Nice Day! Tell your husband if he likes sports to listen to AM 710 or AM 570, it quicly passes time. BTW, the earlier you leave, the quicker you will arrive to work, same said for going home.

[Pirate Bride]

Thanks for the help! Would any of the Westside communities work?

[Rats]

If you don't mind driving a bit for the restaurants and nightlife: Montrose, Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada would all be fantastic choices. They are expensive areas, but with that budget, you'll have no problem affording them. Chatsworth and Downtown are about 30 minutes each way assuming you guys work 8-5.

[puffle]

May I suggest Sherman Oaks or Studio City. Pretty much in the middle for both. As East Coasters you might appreciate living close to Ventura Blvd. in either city for the close proximity to shopping, restaurants, a little night life and great walking area. Many rentals south of Ventura in Sherman Oaks in your price range. Considered an upscale area and cooler in the summer than some of the other areas you mentioned. They get lovely canyon breezes to cool you off at night and morning. You will also be much,much closer to the beach, Brentwood, Century City, Beverly Hills, Hollywood than from the Glendale, Pasadena area which is quite a distance from these areas, if this matters to you. Good luck and welcome to California!

[miracle]

I agree, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, also Encino, are the best options, traffic down the hills is terrorific but no more options....

[tomslick5408]

This is great info, and I really appreciate the thread. I will be moving to SoCal in June, commuting to Chatsworth, and looking for the following:

Reverse-commute to Chatsworth of hopefully not more than 1/2 to 45 minutes
A reasonable (under an hour) drive to the ocean
Studio or small 1 BR for 1 person
Some modest street life (more local coffee joints and humble eats than nightlife) within walking distance
Reasonably safe

Also a native of New York, but have spent time in New Orleans and Minnesota, so climate is not as much of a concern, but breezes sound nice.

Any advice would be most appreciated

Tom

[nightlysparrow]

Live near Topanga Canyon Blvd. and you can drive over the hills to the beach. Look at Warner Center in Woodland Hills, or along Sherman Way east of Topanga. Note: that part of the Valley gets blisteringly hot (105+ not uncommon), but no humidity or wind. If you want breezes, try Chatsworth closer to the 118 freeway. The Porter Ranch area is windy a lot.

[BGS91762]

North Hollywood would be great. 20 minutes downtown on Red Line and going against traffic to Chatsworth. Also have Orange Line to Chatsworth as an option.

[Vic Romano]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Burbank...