Possible NY to CA Move (Los Angeles, Glendale: extended stay, apartment complexes, lease)

[njml1982]

Hi folks...I've lurked in various city-data forums for awhile, but now I get to finally post. I was just offered an $85 K/yr job in Montebello/Rosemead, and I am wondering if anyone has any advice for someone moving from Upstate NY (true Upstate NY (Utica)...not Westchester...originally from NJ). I was told by folks out there that Pasadena is a great place to live, and I drove around there while I was on my interview. I was pretty impressed. I'm looking to rent at this point..my fiance may be a year behind me on the move out, so that's fine for now. I know cost of living is obviously higher there than here, but does anyone have any apartment communities they'd recommend that are preferably newer, safe and won't cost $2,500/mo for a 1-BR? Also, are there any other communities within about 10 miles of there that would be good for a 20-something to make a move to? I've done some research on the area, so I have a pretty good idea of how things work, but obviously I'd like to hear first hand if I can. Thanks!

[drshang]

If you are working in those areas, Pasadena would definitely be the #1 place on my list. The best locations for apartments is east of the 110, south of the 210 and west of CalTech in terms of Old Pasadena and the night life in the city, as well as the restaurants (basically close to Colorado will be the most walkable). There are numerous apartment complexes in the area that are 1-8 years old that will all suffice. You should be able to find a 1BR for 1700ish at most of those complexes. Many are offering great deals due to the economy - rents have dropped a lot over the last three months. I'd check Craigslist for what's available, most of the major complexes list there. I would also chck rent.com to get an idea on what apartment complexes are in the area. Anything in the area will be safe and have plenty of young people. Pasadena attracts many people from other states (I'm from PA).

Another area you may want to consider is Eagle Rock, which is between Pasadena and Glendale. It's in the City of Los Angeles, but it has a slightly different vibe and may be an area you want to visit. It is slightly farther away from Rosemead but it's still a reasonable commute (it's 5-10 mins from Pasadena and there generally won't be any traffic between the two). I would recommend at the very least looking at a couple places there and compare it to the scene in Pasadena.

[chacho_keva]

Take a look at Monrovia. It's only a few freeway exits east of Pasadena. It's a nice little community on the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains. Plenty apartments to be found there. If you happen to work in the north Rosemead area, Monrovia can be reached thru surface streets during peak traffic hours if necessary.


Depending on where you're going, you'll only be travelling from the 210 freeway to the 605 south, and then onto either the 10 west to Rosemead or the 60 west to Montebello. If it sounds like a lot, trust me, it's no out here. Monrovia will make your commute to either location relatively reasonable by L.A. standards.


My friend lives in Monrovia. She rents a spacious two bedroom apartment with two full bathrooms, a laundryroom, fireplace and a two car garage. Her monthly rent is $1500. The only draw back to her apartment is that it's on a busy street which tends to get a bit noisy during peak traffic hours. Similar apartments in quieter areas may go for $2000. Best of luck!

[KnoxTown]

Pasadena sounds like it would be good for you.

[njml1982]

Thanks all for the replies. They've been most helpful!!

[njml1982]

I have accepted the job offer and will be moving out later in January. I've been reading up on apartments in Pasadena and elsewhere. Any thoughts on the Archstone ownership...I've read overpriced, but that's often a given. Specifically, I'm looking at Archstone Del Mar Station. Are there any other good, new construction, managed properties around Old Pasadena that are non-Archstone? Any other advice for a newcomer?

Thanks!

[spagirleaglerock]

I live at Archstone Del Mar & love love love love it! It is expensive but you can negotiate your lease. It is very convenient, close to all the bars and restaurants. I can use the metro into Hollywood. The rooftop pool is awesome in the summer. The gym is state of the art & never really busy. It is noisy at times, metro runs 15 feet away, but very light. There is a restaurant below my townhouse that will get loud during the week but no biggie. The fire & police sirens are a bit much since they are across the street but then again I guess Im really safe. On the other hand I own a business and grew up in Eagle Rock & would also recommend it. It is a smaller town within Los Angeles City but borders Glendale and Pasadena. It is a close knit community. If you visit, check out the area around Colorado Blvd & Eagle Rock Blvd. You can also go to www.eaglerocktalk.com & check out the message boards. Many movies have been made there & up coming celebrities have lived there. It is also home to Occidental College. You should first try an extended stay hotel and get familiar with the city and then decide for yourself. Otherwise you will be stuck with a 12 month lease.