Moving: (West) Hollywood vs. West LA vs. Santa Monica (Pasadena: apartment, rentals)

[aavocado]

Hi there,

I have lived in Studio City most of my life and I want to get out of the valley. The only thing is that I work in Sherman Oaks. I know my commute will be worse but I'll be going against traffic living on the Westside so I am not too worried about it.

I don't want to live in Pasadena and Silver Lake as they are too far east for my job. I am looking to live on the westside somewhere; these are the areas I'm considering:

- Santa Monica (closer to 405 than the beach, definitely North of SM blvd)
- West LA (west of 405, north of SM blvd.)
- (West?) Hollywood (preferably near Laurel Canyon + Sunset)

My budget is about $1300 for a 1 bedroom or studio apt.

How would people compare these neighborhoods and the commutes to Sherman oaks?

I am looking for a relatively clean/safe neighborhood that is WALKABLE (very important). I am a foodie so good food options and organic markets are a must. I'm also a vegetarian, but don't hold that against me . I am also a musician, an artist/photographer, and an environmentalist so living around similar folks would be good if possible.

What do people think? Pros/cons of each neighborhood?

My favorite areas so far look to be around Laurel Canyon and Sunset or between Montana and Wilshire in SM.

Thank you SO MUCH!

Aaron

[Kalika]

Originally Posted by aavocado

Hi there,

I have lived in Studio City most of my life and I want to get out of the valley. The only thing is that I work in Sherman Oaks. I know my commute will be worse but I'll be going against traffic living on the Westside so I am not too worried about it.

I don't want to live in Pasadena and Silver Lake as they are too far east for my job. I am looking to live on the westside somewhere; these are the areas I'm considering:

- Santa Monica (closer to 405 than the beach, definitely North of SM blvd)
- West LA (west of 405, north of SM blvd.)
- (West?) Hollywood (preferably near Laurel Canyon + Sunset)

My budget is about $1300 for a 1 bedroom or studio apt.

How would people compare these neighborhoods and the commutes to Sherman oaks?

I am looking for a relatively clean/safe neighborhood that is WALKABLE (very important). I am a foodie so good food options and organic markets are a must. I'm also a vegetarian, but don't hold that against me . I am also a musician, an artist/photographer, and an environmentalist so living around similar folks would be good if possible.

What do people think? Pros/cons of each neighborhood?

My favorite areas so far look to be around Laurel Canyon and Sunset or between Montana and Wilshire in SM.

Thank you SO MUCH!

Aaron

Quite honestly, my friend, $1300 for a 1 bedroom in the areas you indicated ain't gonna happen. A studio is quite possible. Between Montana and Wilshire in SM is a very pricey area. I lived in a studio on 12th street (corner of 12th and Wilshire in SM)...it was a fantastic area. Only paid $995/month, but that was in '03. I'm sure it's gone up quite a bit since then. I like your thinking though...if you can be within walking distance of the 3rd St. Promenade and Palisades Park (bluffs overlooking the ocean) you will have a great quality of life. Endless restaraunts to choose from, at least 3 movie theaters. Life was good for me then.

WH around Laurel Canyon and Sunset is a bustlin' happinin' area. Just understand that it will not be very peacful. Lots of traffic, but a nice area nonetheless.

As for West LA, I used to live there, too. I had a junior one bedroom apartment on Sepulveda (Palm Royale apts) and was paying around $1350 if I remember correctly. That was in '05-'07. Nice area, but if you can get closer to the beach do it.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Kali

[Bruin5]

Check south of Wilshire, even south of Santa Monica, you would be able to find some studios in your range. The Big Blue Bus and Culver Green Line are both efficient and can take you to some of the more "artsy" areas of the Westside in no time (Venice, Culver Arts District- around La Cienega and Washington).

[BayAreaHillbilly]

From a strict commute perspective I'd pick West LA. Also, I tend to like the overall vibe there vs the People's Republic of Santa Monica or West H'wood. (O'course, the delis in West H'wood are somewhat of a counterpoint but delis are only one aspect). BTW - excellent bike riding potential in West LA, IMO.

[Naomi Manischewitz]

i have to agree with bayareahillbilly. i personally dont like west hollywood or santa monica. i am iffy about west la (too congested). but based on what you said i think you would enjoy santa monica. i dont know if you could really find a 1 bedroom for 1300 though. studio maybe. check out westsiderentals. i know people who had luck on that.

[Melissa R.]

I live in West LA, right of of Federal/San Vicente which is between Santa Monica and Wilshire. I'm currently paying $1200 for a studio.

[matt345]

Can someone please tell what exactly is in West LA? I’m not trying to mean or anything, I’m genuinely curious because I always hear about how places like the Valley aren’t as happening as a place like West LA, but I honestly have no idea what’s there. I mean, Santa Monica has the Promenade/Main Street/Montana, West Hollywood has Sunset/Santa Monica Blvd/Melrose/Robertson. What exactly is in West LA (and by West LA, I’m talking about that area between Beverly Hills and Santa Monica). I know Westwood’s there, but is that it? I’ve always just passed through it going from Hollywood to the beach or vice versa, but I’m just wondering if I’m missing out on something.

[Melissa R.]

The main areas of West LA are Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Westwood and Brentwood.

[MrGeorgeAmes]

There are plenty of 1 bedroom apartments on the Westside for under $1,500 per month. You can actually find a 2 bedroom in Westwood for under $1,500 per month. Paying $1,300 a month for a studio is ludicrous in this market. You certainly CAN pay that much, but for what? Check Craigslist...I rent out a 3 bedroom house in Laurel Canyon for $2,500 per month.

[MrGeorgeAmes]

West LA also includes Culver City, Rancho Park, Westside Village, Palms, Mar Vista,Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Westchester, Bel Air and Pacific Palisades, in addition to the previously mentioned areas. Basically, anything between La Cienega and the ocean, and the Santa Monica Mountains and the airport.