Lompoc, CA questions (apartment complexes, to rent, insurance)

[sval]

Hello everyone! I haven't seen any really recent posts about living in Lompoc, so I thought I'd create my own. From what I've read, I understand its relatively small, with not a lot of shopping in the city itself, which I guess is fine with me. Crime isn't bad so long as you avoid certain areas and crowds. I just got a call today and I'm being offered a job there, should have the official offer letter tomorrow and everything. The annual salary offered is $56,000. So, some questions:

* Should that salary be fine for a single person, no kids, pets, etc., to rent there and get by? I definitely would think so, supposing rent rates aren't too high. Non-rent bills (car, insurance, phone, internet) will likely amount to around $600 per month, with a little more taking utilities and groceries, etc., into account.

* What would you say is average rent there per month? I don't need much space or anything fancy, just a 1 bedroom or studio. Preferably not a s**t hole, you know?

* What are some good apartments complexes I should look at? As far as amenities, I would like some kind of fitness room, and laundry in the apartment would be great. I think, as I was looking around, communal laundry facilities were the norm.

I think those are my main questions. I don't know what deductions will be made from my paycheck, so I don't know what my take-home salary will be, so I'm hoping I find something good to rent below $1000 per month. I'm estimating bills, including rent, to take up 50% or more of my after-tax income, which is ok for a first job, I guess, allows some wiggle room.

I'm also open to having a little commute if something makes sense to rent outside of Lompoc. Not a big commute, but maybe 20 or 30 minutes out is bearable if its worth it. Any help will be greatly appreciated! I'm currently about 4 hours away, so I'll be researching and calling some apartment complexes over the next couple of days and hopefully go view some Thursday or Friday and get the ball rolling. Should start work early September.

[Doveviverebene7]

Hello,

I was checking the area as well, did you move there at the end? Thank you.

[savoytruffle]

Originally Posted by Doveviverebene7

Hello,

I was checking the area as well, did you move there at the end? Thank you.

I used to live in Lompoc and was previously involved in some threads about it. I am not not an expert as I have not lived there for a few years, but I think I give a fairly measured view of the place. I can link to a few discussions about it:

//www.city-data.com/forum/calif...lompoc-ca.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/calif...-lompoc-3.html (third page has somewhat more recent info)

One thing I can't answer is the question about apartment complexes from OP, mostly because I avoided them. Apartments and many houses in Lompoc are pretty old, so I don't really recommend the complexes for the most part.

Anyone with Lompoc questions can DM me. I am almost never in the California forum (too much talk about politics..lol)