Looking to Relocate -LA/Commerce Area

[ashpelham]

I'm not from LA, but I would say that rents for apartments close to the beach would rarely ever fluctuate downward, except for perhaps super-short term leases in Fall and Winter (November thru February). Just my experience in other beach towns. And this part of the country doesn't experience the complete winter shutdown that places I'm familiar with do (Gulf Coast, North and South Carolina coasts).

[forgottenstar]

I know that where I grew up (Southern NJ), if you start renting in the winter months, you will get a cheaper rent and as long as you are on a lease they cannot raise your rent come summer.

I figured it might not go down much considering it isn't a full shut down, but thought it might for the apartments that are rented out by vacationers.

[the one]

most beach communities have high rent. some places do 9 month leases and in the summer the rent goes even higher, but for the most part, rent is the same year round(high). and it will be expensive the closer you get to the beach.
if you are working in commerce. i would suggest living along the 605, closer to the seal beach/ bolsa chica area. but be warned, the areas are more sleepy suburban. if you want a more pedestrian, hip vibe, then look into long beach. the beaches arent that nice, but that still wont leave you too far from commerce. and you can also always take a combo of metro train and bus from LB to COM.

[HarryKerry]

Rents for places at or near the beach are always high and in high demand. Check with your offices in Commerce if they participate in the shuttle program to takes employees to and from the Commerce Metrolink station.

I don't really see an efficient way to commute by transit from LB to Commerce as the Commerce station is served ONLY by Northbound trains in the morning (from OC to LA) and ONLY southbound trains (from LA to OC)in the afternoon rush. There is no reverse service for the Commerce station that the other stations have. Commerce is not well-served by MTA bus or other transit buses.

Please consider the horrible drive from some of the suggested cites. It could make you miserable, and the 5 that runs right through Commerce is among the WORST. We glide over it on the Metrolink trains and it is always a horrid mess. Frankly, the Commerce location is bad for the kind of housing you are looking for, and much of the surrounding communities are NOT really safe to walk during the day, let along at night. However, if you can handle the drive, then have your desires fit for commuting by car. Your post suggested that you preferred some kind of transit option. Frankly, for Commerce, Metrolink is, practically speaking, your ONLY transit option.

If you do feel you need the transit option, then ocean communities of OC are your best and easiest commute by one Metrolink train, if the times are good for our work schedule.

Good luck.

[forgottenstar]

Oh no, I dont mind driving. I just have heard that traffic in California is just as bad as traffic in Manhattan, so I figured that public transit would be a better way of getting around. (other than the fact of high gas prices)

I will have to check the best options for transportation from the station to the warehouse with my company. (Its on Washington Blvd, don't know if that is helpful.)

If my s/o and I move, it wont be for a while, but thanks for all your helpful suggestions.

[HarryKerry]

If you do prefer the South Bay cities as you beach community, then you could board the Metro (MTA) Green Line LRT in Redondo Beach or other nearby station to the terminus at Norwalk. At Norwalk, board a bus (they run about with 15 minute headway, I think) for a 2 1/2 mile, or, depending on traffic, 10 minute ride to the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolilnk station and board the Metrolink north to Commerce station. The do the same backward to head home. Your monthly Metrolink pass is good for all the connections, so no extra fare to be paid.

You must understand the it isn't only the traffic on the freeways, it is the DISTANCES invlolved. No, it is not really Manhattan style traffic, as many of the street here run pretty well and our the secret to decent car commuting can be the commute route of choice over the freeways, but streets are not always a viable option from one point to another. That leaves you the freeways, and they are choked for MILES and MILES and MILES. It could take you HOURS to get from the South Bay to Commerce or from OC to Commerce or the westside to Commerce. Please consider that. You may hate yourself in you box yourself into a drive only option of a commute. I know some who have quit (in better economies) their jobs and find employment closer to home or better commute rather than deal with the awful drive.
Good luck. Some people won't even consider a job in a place where they can't commute to well (in better economies) it is THAT BAD! LA is not city and country, it is one big massive URBAN BLOB that never ends.