These criteria with this budget...is it at all possible? (Burbank: apartment complexes, rentals)

[Cbrown52290]

I spent 6 weeks in LA last summer to do a program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and have decided to make the move out there. I will be living with another young girl that I met at the summer program. Although I was able to become familiar with the area, I didn't have a car while I was out there ( I will, this time), and therefore I was only able to become acquainted where I was living (Oakwood Apartments in Toluca Lake), and the area where my school was. Its located at 1336 N La Brea, close to Hollywood/Highland.

I am not going to be attending the full time program at American Academy of Dramatic Arts, but my roommate is. She won't have a car, so it would be ideal to be close (even walking distance) to the school. We would love a place that has utilities included although I am realizing this is not easy to find in LA. We are totally cool with, and most likely will be living in a studio because our budget is 1,200.00 (600 each).

I have spent so much time looking for apartments on craigslist that I think my brain is going to explode. We'd like somewhere SAFE, that includes 1 parking spot, close to AADA, and would love some utilities to be included. I've also been looking at the NoHo Arts District to widen our search, but all of the ones I've found IN the actual arts district, where I've read is really the only acceptable place to live in NoHo, are out of our price range.

Does it exist or should we be making some changes? Please help.

[Cbrown52290]

If you have any specific recommendations for apartment complexes or anything of that sort...feel free!

[ConsideringLA]

No specifics on a complex but try Sherman Oaks off Dickens - there are tons of apts there and it is close to NoHo. A less expensive option might be in Northridge near CSUN.

It's worth the $50-$60 for a 2 month subscription to Westside Rentals - this is where the quality listings are... and you can see them on a map.

Good luck.

[katenik]

if you can't afford your own bedroom in a shared apartment, that's a pretty good indicator that LA is too pricey for you. however, if your obvious financial limitation doesn't dissuade you, i suggest you think very hard about sharing such a small space with someone you barely know. there's nothing like a complete a lack of privacy to make a roommate situation turn sour post-haste.

[ExPit]

Check into the Avalon Apartments on Pass Avenue in Burbank, just down the hill from Oakwood Apts. Just bare to your left just past Warner Bros. Studios and go a couple blocks. Entrance is just at the end of the Von's Supermarket parking lot.

It's a nice complex in a nice, safe area, every building has a pool and a security door. They're not cheap, but I'd say $1200. should get you a studio, though I'm not a hundred per cent on that. If you gotta go a couple hundred more and you can swing it, it might be worth it, for two young girls who are concerned about safety. There are parts of North Hollywood that are safe, (Toluca Lake is part of North Hollywood after all), but it's touch and go one section to the next.

Good luck in L.A. and in your acting too!

[CESpeed]

Your budget is not realistic for what you want. One of two things has to happen: 1) you raise your rental budget or 2) You will not be able to live near the school and your roommate will have to suffer with the very unreliable bus system.