Affordable areas on the west side (Vista, Santa Monica: apartments, rent, houses)

[Larkinhill]

We live in Hollywood in a one bedroom at $1500/month. We're looking to find a 2 bedroom, hopefully, roughly, for around the same price. Are there any deals to be had? Is this possible? Area we're most interested in are Santa Monica(long shot, I know). Any areas in SM that can be done on this budget? Would like to avoid Mars Vista and Palms, if at all possible(but it's not completely out of question). What ARE the best areas in Mars Vista and Palms, if this is the only thing we can afford? Is Calabasas a Moderator cut: language of a drive to Santa Monica?

It's me, my wife and our 2 1/2 year old daughter, so we def. want a more quiet, suburban-ish area. Less noise than Hollywood, more peace and quiet. My wife got a job in Santa Monica, which is partly the reason for the move to the westside.

Thanks very much for any advice!

[DowntownVentura]

I think the westside would be best but if you do decide on Calabasas, the commute is much easier by taking old Topanga to Topanga to PCH and up the California Incline.

[BRinSM]

good luck finding a 1br in santa monica for $1,500, let alone a 2br. if you're looking for a sleepier area, you may also consider the southern portion of culver city or even playa del rey, neither of which are too far from santa monica.

[Bruin5]

It might be a stretch, but check some of the older apartments on the Westside. When I was a student worker for housing at UCLA we would receive requests for postings from older landlords who usually charged less rent for their houses or apartments. Definitely would be a stretch to find a 2 bedroom around Santa Monica for $1500.