Where to live in LA - Advise please (Pasadena, Burbank: apartments, to rent)

[Kris-]

Hi,

I'll be moving to LA in 6 months and I have no idea where to get an apt. I'll be working at USC Med Center. I would like to rent a studio, preferably not to expensive. Could anyone please suggest areas I should look at? It would be nice to live near the beach but the commute might be too long? Thank you for any suggestions!!

[greggd]

Kris,
If you want to live close to work, Los Feliz would be a place to check. The areas between Hillhurst to the west and Los Feliz blvd to the north, east to Hyperion.

There are some interesting older places near silverlake blvd. I was looking at a property on the 900 block of vendom, and the apartments were clean, interesting streets in through there.

Larchmont has a trendy area that is a bit more west.

If you want to be really close to work, you may consider one of the lofts in downtown los angeles. But if you like beach style living, that may not suit you.

Given your situation, you will really need to check the specific areas out during daylight and nighttime hours. All these areas are located in the city so I would make sure to take your time and find the place that you feel comfortable in.

[Ex_LA_Landord]

It alll depend on how much you want to spend on rent, CA is quite high. Studios in the city or beach 400 square ft nice area maybe if you can find one low $1600.00

[Sorcerer68]

Commuting from the beach would be horrendous. I echo Los Feliz. Check out Silverlake as well. I like Mt. Washington for a nice close-in suburb as well. Honorable mentions are Pasadena and South Pasadena. The former is gorgeous and has plenty of night life, the latter also nice but quieter and an easy commute to downtown.

[abstrak_tokatl]

There are a few places in lincoln heights and city terrace that aren't that great. If you have a ride i would say silverlake or los feliz, but if you know the area then it hasn't changed much.

[Kris-]

Hi all,

Thank you for all your suggestions. I will definitely take a look at the places mentioned. I've never been to LA, so I have no idea how the city is like. Sounds like Pasadena is the choice for me as I lived in Manhattan for 7 years and miss side walks cafe.

Thanks!
Kris

p/s: I have a car, so reasonable commute is OK with me.

[xxgrzesx]

I moved from NY to LA last year, I rented Penske Truck and towed my car. I thought about getting rid of everything but I would have to pay a lot to replace it. If you want to get a truck make reservation early and get AAA card. Penske gives 10-15% discount to AAA members, and rates get higher as you get closer. You can change moving date once and rate will stay the same and you can always cancel it.
As to moving I would call up apartments that offer month to month and rent it. Than you can give 30 day notice and move out after you get familiar with areas. I spent $1,500 for a trip to LA to find apartment and it was bad idea. It is better to get month to month and look for something permanent with rent control while you are here. On craigslist you can find moving companies that provide 2 people and a truck for $60. So if you keep most of stuff packed it will cost you maybe $300 to move while you are in LA. I know one apartment that does month to month 323-850-1710, it is not great but for short time is OK. I would recommend you Burbank or West Hollywood. I do not know location of your work, so check out other posts. I know that West Hollywood has rent control, I do not know about Burbank. LA has rent control but for buildings that were build before certain date. Search for it on internet or call city of LA. On the other hand, I prefer NYC but my wife wants to be an actress. The nice thing about LA is weather and proximity to mountains if you like it.