Never visited LA, need help picking where to live (near Pasadena) (West Covina: apartment complexes, renter)

[gethelin]

Neither my husband nor I have ever really been to southern California, but he will be attending Fuller Theological Seminary. Therefore, we'd like to move near Pasadena, in a decent, but affordable community. We've done a lot of apartment research and most of the affordable units are in Covina, West Covina, Van Nuys (which I've already been warned against), and North Hollywood (there are a few more possibilities in Pasadena - weighing the commute and gas prices versus higher rent). I will be most likely working in Arcadia for awhile. I'm not huge on a long commute and we will only be bringing one car. No kids yet, but they will probably come while we are out there, so we'd like a nice area, but again, staying on a student's salary. Any information about these areas would really help us narrow it down - we're picking a community/apartment completely online - with all the options we'd like to make the best choice possible without actually seeing everything ourselves! Thank you!

[sausa]

All those places you mentioned are gross. Why not live in Pasadena or South Pasadena? No commute, and nice areas. It's generally not wise to lease a place sight unseen (in fact, most landlord won't allow it).

[nighthouse66]

check into altadena and alhambra. i live in lincoln heights, east LA, and i go into Alhambra alot to shop. it has as suburban feel, traffic isn't crazy, near pasadena, clean, lots of stores- don't move to the valley, and north hollywood is definitely the valley. of all the places i think altadena is the best. lovely place, near the mountains. not far from pasadena yet not far from downtown LA. good luck.

[ashguy77]

I live within walking distance from Fuller. It is a beautiful area, we have been living here for 7-8 months now...there are plenty of apartments in the area and also other units on rent that are available on westside rentals site. It is very safe area and walking distance to most shopping and entertainment. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the area. The school district is not supposed to be very good FYI. By the way the apartment costs are 1500 for a 1BR and 2000-2200 for 2BR. You could find a cheaper rent at smaller individual rentals.

[nmnita]

Not knowing what you consider reasonable makes it harder to assist you. Of course Arcadia would be a good choice, but probably out of your comfort zone price wise. Altadena is a possibiity if you can get something in the right area. I would stick to parts of Pasadena, or maybe Alhambra. Good luck, this will be an interesting adventure for you. Enjoy it.

Nita

[uptown_urbanist]

I agree: starting with Pasadena makes the most sense given your requirements. There's a wide range of prices, so I think you should be able to get something that you like. Alhambra is a fairly affordable and nice option, too, but with one car you'll have an easier time for both of you if you stick with somewhere in Pasadena. I would strongly advise against any of the other places you've mentioned: Covina, West Covina, North Hollywood, etc. Not that they aren't good choices for other people, but there's really no reason (especially since you will have one car and will both be working/going to school in Pasadena) to live that far away. Much of Pasadena is very child-friendly; the school district doesn't have a good reputation, but there are some very good schools, and besides, you have a long time before any future kids hit school age.

South Pasadena is generally more expensive, but there might be some deals there. It also wouldn't be too far from Fuller and Arcadia, and you could probably do it easily through bus or carpooling, too.

Have you talked to the people at Fuller yet? They probably have some leads on apartments that their students like, or could at least help steer you in the right direction. I'd start by trying to find something within walking distance, then radiate out from there. Are you only looking at bigger apartment complexes? I wouldn't pick anything out without seeing it in person first, and of course renter beware, but I'd look on craigslist or pay for westside rentals and also look for other options (that might not advertise on the bigger apartment websites) for smaller buildings, bungalow courts, etc. I'm guessing that perhaps the reason you're not finding the more affordable rentals in Pasadena is perhaps just because only the more upscale larger newer buildings are coming up, and not the many, many smaller (and I think, nicer) buildings in the area.