Fullerton vs Long Beach (San Diego, Huntington Beach: apartment, rent, schools)

[miamiheat305]

Ok so here's the deal. I'm considering grad school at these two Cal State campuses. I'm not asking for details on the schools, but rather the cities themselves. Which would be better for an early 20s student? Where could I find cheaper rent without getting too uhh...seedy (I am in favor of roommates btw). Also, while I don't mind driving, I'd like to live somewhere where the drives to places of leisure aren't too far. For example, where I lived in Miami for most of my life, it was a good 25-30 minute drive at least to the cooler places to hang out. I would like to avoid a situation like that. If either of these places is pedestrian friendly, even better, but not entirely necessary. Any info is appreciated, thanks!

[bhcompy]

honestly, both places are great. long beach will be better during the warmer months. fullerton and long beach both have places that appeal to young adults. it really depends on what you like though. one spot that may make a difference is that you say you want pedestrian friendly and i would say that naples and belmont shore are probably the most pedestrian friendly areas near either of those colleges(and some of the best in socal). not too far of a drive or perhaps a busride to csulb from belmont shore

[EscapeCalifornia]

Fullerton is cheaper than the parts of Long Beach you'd want to live in. SoCal traffic is really bad so 20-30 minutes doesn't always take you that far. Fullerton has a downtown area they're revitalizing (intersection of Harbor Blvd and Commonwealth) that might interest you. The metrolink train goes right through there so you could easily take the train up to LA or San Diego. Long Beach does have some nice areas that are walkable, and they're pretty close to the school, but they're very expensive and parking is terrible.

[BRinSM]

It's a win-win situation. However, since you're from Miami, you probably enjoy the beach, so Long Beach would probably be the better choice. Although Long Beach's beaches aren't that nice, nearby Seal Beach and Huntington Beach have surf and have plenty of bars and restaurants.

[MisterDuke]

Each campus is a few miles from their cities' downtowns, which is where you will find the nightlife and bars. Both campuses have a long history of parking problems. My sister went to Long Beach and I went to Fullerton and we would always trade horror stories. In either case, your best option would be to live within biking distance of the campus, and then plan on driving to places of recreation.... rather than living near the recreation and driving to school. Parking will drive you insane.

[miamiheat305]

Originally Posted by MisterDuke

Each campus is a few miles from their cities' downtowns, which is where you will find the nightlife and bars. Both campuses have a long history of parking problems. My sister went to Long Beach and I went to Fullerton and we would always trade horror stories. In either case, your best option would be to live within biking distance of the campus, and then plan on driving to places of recreation.... rather than living near the recreation and driving to school. Parking will drive you insane.

I understand completely about crappy parking on campus...this combined with the fact that my current school has the nerve to charge over 200 dollars a semester for parking permits is very annoying. Thanks everybody so far for the advice. I am anxious to escape the humidity of Miami.

[NaplesRes]

I am biased but I'd say LB and it's not close. Live on campus the first year and then you and all of your friends can move to Belmont Shore after that. You'll love it. Walkable, upscale,etc.

[bhcompy]

well, living on campus is difficult at csulb. very little oncampus housing and, at least when i went there, out of state people had close to no chance of getting into it(compared to instate having a little more than close to no chance). something like like than 3000 spots for a campus that has 30-50k students

[miamiheat305]

I am a grad student so I am not really looking for the traditional on campus college life experience. I'd be looking to share a house/apartment with professionals and/or grad students.

[NaplesRes]

Originally Posted by miamiheat305

I am a grad student so I am not really looking for the traditional on campus college life experience. I'd be looking to share a house/apartment with professionals and/or grad students.

Then Belmont Shore for you is what I suggest.