San Gabriel, Mid-Wilshire, Irwindale, East LA? (Los Angeles, Pasadena: apartment, rentals, job transfer)

[mn320]

Hi, I'm possibly moving for a job transfer to the Los Angeles area. I'm coming from the suburbs of Minneapolis. With my job, I would be traveling between San Gabriel, Mid-Wilshire, East LA (right of Telford blvd) and Irwindale. Any of those areas safe to live? If not, any recommendations on surrounding areas that may be fine to live in. From what I've heard from friends that live there, East LA is not the most pleasant place to live.

I realize LA all together is very different from Minneapolis, but its a change I'm ready and willing to adjust to. So any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[timelesschild]

Do you have a family? Children? Do you need schools?

Or are you young and seeking a hip location with nightlife?

In general, given your commutes, I would suggest that you stick with San Gabriel or Alhambra. My recommendation will change if you are young and looking for nightlife.

[Americanboy]

East LA is the worst of the four.

[BRinSM]

i would look into places like los feliz or pasadena, especially if you like more urban neighborhoods.

[MIKEETC]

Irwindale is a mostly industrial city. When I worked there a few years ago, I looked at a zoning map and it seemed that about 80 percent of the city was zoned industrial. The dominant features are the various rock quarries - big ones. Only about 1500 people live there.

Pasadena is my recommendation.

[mn320]

Originally Posted by timelesschild

Do you have a family? Children? Do you need schools?

Or are you young and seeking a hip location with nightlife?

In general, given your commutes, I would suggest that you stick with San Gabriel or Alhambra. My recommendation will change if you are young and looking for nightlife.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, its greatly appreciated and very helpful w/my research before I make a decision. To answer the above questions...I'm a single female in mid-twenties.

[timelesschild]

DEFINITELY live in Pasadena, then.

[mn320]

Hopefully one last question, since the general consensus seems to be Pasadena. How affordable is it? Right now I pay $600/mo for a 1 br apt. I realize, regardless, Calif. is more expensive than Mpls. Just trying to get an idea of what to expect and how Pasadena compares to other L.A. areas.

[timelesschild]

Check craigslist for a ballpark figure for apartment prices. I just looked and it seems you're looking at around $1100-1400 for a 1br in Pasadena. That seems high to me but maybe it's true. You'll have to monitor it for a few days to get a feel for it.

If you don't find what you like on craigslist, there is a pay service for rentals: Westside Rentals. That costs $60 and has some that never appear on craigslist, although there is significant overlap between the 2.

[KnoxTown]

Pasadena is probably a good idea. Lots to do around there.