Working in Rosemead, but where to live? (Pasadena, Alhambra: home, restaurants)

[Malotu]

I'm moving to LA from Portland Oregon in about four months, and working in Rosemead. Lets start by saying I am a 23yr old lesbian and will be moving with my girlfriend. From what I know, most of LA is gay friendly so I'm not too concerned, but I understand West Hollywood is the mecca. I suppose I have two initial questions.

1) Roughly how long is the commute from West Hollywood to Rosemead?

2) What other areas do you suggest that are commutable and fun? Looking at a budget of around $1,000 a month, but up to $1,300 if thats what it takes to feel relatively safe as well as entertained.

We would love to live in an area with some "culture", so trying to avoid the suburbs if possible.

Thanks!
Mara

[BRinSM]

your budget will not get you much, if anything in west hollywood. you may want to consider areas around pasadena like eagle rock or glendale. closer to work and closer to the action in the city.

[Malotu]

Before I get several comments about my no-suberbs request...I realize most of the area is suburban! But I would like to be near shopping or restaurants (other than major chains), parks, etc.

[Malotu]

Thank you BR, what can one expect to pay for a 1br in West Hollywood?

[CESpeed]

Try Alhambra, South Pasadena or San Gabriel. Alhambra, San Gabriel and Rosemead have a high concentration of Asian persons. Anywhere along to 210 would be nice. Warning: the San Gabriel Valley is very hot during the Summer.

[katenik]

one bedrooms in west hollywood are $1500 and up, mostly up. it's also quite a distance to rosemead. you should be looking much farther east. i second alhambra, which is more in your price range, and close enough to pasadena when you want more to do. it's also home to wahib's, my favorite middle eastern restaurant, and some really good chinese places as well. you might even find something you can afford in pasadena, which, for me, would be ideal.

[nickdahammer]

Originally Posted by CESpeed

Try Alhambra, South Pasadena or San Gabriel. Alhambra, San Gabriel and Rosemead have a high concentration of Asian persons. Anywhere along to 210 would be nice. Warning: the San Gabriel Valley is very hot during the Summer.

Yep, NELA, San Gabriel Valley. My wife worked in Rosemead and commuted from Mt Washington- the commute was a breeze because she was going against traffic. There are apts in So Pas and Eagle Rock areas that you might be able to (barely) afford.