needing advice as a student moving to go to school at CSU-LA... (Los Angeles: apartment)

[Jaket54]

Hello all,
This forum has proved to be pretty helpful for me learning Los Angeles. I currently reside in Las Cruces, New Mexico right down I-10. I will be going to school on a student exchange program to California State University-Los Angeles in East La next year. I need advice on specific areas to live that are safe, clean and affordable. I have 2 other roommates and we are looking to spend about $1800-$2300 on an apartment monthly. South Pasadena looks geographically pleasing as well as affordable. How about Alhambra?

Is it realistic to make trips to the beach often from South Pasadena or is that drive tougher than i imagine?

Thanks, All advice is much appreciated!

[Chinghis]

In the height of summer, getting to the beach pretty much any time after about 10 a.m. on a weekend will be a hassle. But, people do it. I'm just not much of a beach person. South Pas has some nice areas, but I don't know much about the rents. As an example, I'm paying $1,800/month for a 2-BR apartment with underground parking, fireplace, washer/drier inside. It's close to the freeway, however, so noise and pollution are something of an issue. This is on the West side, which is generally a nice safe area. Would be about a 15-mile drive to CSU-LA for you, however. That being said, my wife did it from Koreatown for a few years. If your classes don't require you to be there at rush-hour times, the West side might be OK. Much easier beach access, too, if that's that important.

Don't know much about Alhambra, sorry.

[Sorcerer68]

Alhambra is a nice community with a large Asian population. South Pas is asthetically more pleasing and IMHO a nicer community...and next to Old Pas which is a huge plus but Alhambra is a little closer to your school. I know South Pas well, family has lived there since the 40's and I lived in Pasadena which is my favorite spot in L.A.