$2600/m to spare on rent...where can we live? (Long Beach: apartments, rentals)

[sydney22]

Been reading the many threads on relocating to LA and they've all been incredibly helpful. My friend and I will be moving to LA (big surprise). We're 24, both female, and will be working in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. We can spare up to 2500-2600 a month on rent for a two-bedroom but we have no idea which areas to look at given the very different areas we'll be working in. What do you guys think? help would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

Based on $2500-2600, for rent money you can afford a luxurious apartment in almost any neighborhood. I would recommend these communities along the hills from Beverly Hills to the Ocean...

Beverly Hills: A great, luxurious place to live with vibrant street activity in the "Golden Triangle Area." An excellent place for rentals is south of Wilshire and north of Olympic.


Brentwood: Close to the big city, but with a small town environment. Brentwood is located in a quiet pocket just between Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. San Vicente Ave. has all the local conveniances. Large homes are located north of San Vicente Ave. and apartments are generally south.


Pacific Palisades: Further from the big city, it's a smaller, and friendlier environment. PP is mainly single family homes, but there are a few rentals on Sunset Blvd. It is an incredibly safe area, and very family-friendly. Beaches are only a short walk, or bike ride away!

Santa Monica: The southern nieghbor of The Palisades. Generally much busier and more things to do. There are also a lot more younger people in Santa Monica than all other places listed. (Take note: An excellent neighborhood for renting in your price range is north of Wilshire Blvd., and south of Montana Ave.)

Start your search with Westsiderentals.com or Craigslist.

[sydney22]

Thanks so much newportbeachsmostwanted. Your breakdown was incredibly helpful and has made it so much easier for us. Now we know exactly where to look and we're feeling much more positive about the move!

[dusesean1986]

Yeah, definently look into Santa Monica, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Palisades, and Brentwood. You have some tremendous options for a great place. Go to realtor.com to help you look better!! These cities will definently shorten your commute to Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, big time!!!

[sydney22]

Thanks you guys for all the information! Another question and hope its not too much trouble. I have another job offer in downtown LA but would still like to live closer to the west side as my friend would be working in Santa Monica. Will the commute be insane? 45mins is no problem for me as thats my current commute to work. It only takes me 25mins at 2am! What routes can I think from the west side to downtown LA? Sorry for all the inane questions. I've only been to LA once and I like to know what to expect before coming down! Thanks for the all the help already!

[majoun]

Originally Posted by dusesean1986

Yeah, definently look into Santa Monica, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Palisades, and Brentwood. You have some tremendous options for a great place. Go to realtor.com to help you look better!! These cities will definently shorten your commute to Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, big time!!!

I'd avoid the Palisades. Extremely limited nightlife options. Malibu's pretty far removed from the action, and commuting on PCH is pretty hellish. Not to mention the risk of natural disasters being quite high.

Santa Monica, Westwood, and Beverly Hills would be the best places of those listed.

[dusesean1986]

Majoun, are they planning on extending PCH?! Thanks for the Info!

[staraman]

but great nightlife, people, and atmosphere... Downtown Long Beach... every Friday and Saturday night V20, Mai Tai's, Cohiba, Sevilla... many, many more hotspots and restaurants like the Yard House.

Also great because you can head over the Vincent St. Thomas Bridge and head over to Torrance and then on up to Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches. Seal Beach and Huntington Beach are just a short drive south on the PCH.

For the price you'd pay in those places mentioned above you can get an awesome pad with a view of the Ocean. Another reason I prefer Downtown LB... hop the 110 from Pedro and avoid the 405 all together.... that's reason enough alone!

[wall st kid]

West Hollywood or Brentwood or even Bev Hills if you can afford it. If you are working dowtown, before you rent, make sure you have access to a major highway....because if you aren't somewhat close to the major road, you'll spend a bunch of time just GETTING to the freeway.

[artichoke63]

Check Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. You can get a nice 2-bedroom for $2600 but spend plenty of time looking! One caution: in Bev Hills, they can raise the rent 10% a year, and many do. Also try Santa Monica. Westwood would be right in the middle.

Artie