Job in Westlake Village -estimated commute from different areas? (Santa Monica: apartments, renting)

[jglim0109]

I have a potential job in Westlake Village. I'm 26, single, so I would like to live in an area with some cool bars, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.

What would the commute be from (I'm sure it would be awful, but just curious):

(1) Santa Monica
(2) Venice Beach
(3) Silver Lake
(4) Sherman Oaks
(5) Studio City


Just based on old topics on this forum, #4 and #5 would probably be the smart thing to do. I do have a couple friends that might be renting a house in Venice, which would save some money if I lived with them. I just think the commute would be a nightmare after a few months.

Also, what would a studio / 1BR apartment cost in those areas (just roughly trying to get an idea of which areas are more expensive).

Thanks. Any other suggestions would be great as well.

[nowincal11]

Santa Monica and Venice will be in the 75- 90 minute range. Santa Monica is very expensive because it is an affluent beach town with a lot of young professionals and is very walkable. 1 bedrooms can be had for $1500 10 or so blocks from the beach. Venice is significantly cheaper, but it attracts a more eclectic (and often scummy) crowd.

Silverlake 1 beds run about $1200 but also 90 minutes or so, maybe even longer at night if there is an event in Hollywood or downtown.

Sherman Oaks and Studio City are good options and about 45 minutes or so from Westlake Village. Studio City 1 beds average in the $1400s and Sherman Oaks around the mid $1200s. Both have nightlife although Studio City has a bit more. The neighborhoods are intertwined though.

[Miss Pip]

Originally Posted by nowincal11

...Sherman Oaks and Studio City are good options and about 45 minutes or so from Westlake Village. Studio City 1 beds average in the $1400s and Sherman Oaks around the mid $1200s. Both have nightlife although Studio City has a bit more. The neighborhoods are intertwined though.

You can get 1 bedrooms in Sherman Oaks and Studio City for $1000, studios around the same price/ a little less like $950. There are deals everywhere. $1400 is getting more closer to the luxury type if that's what you're going for. Look on craigslist etc.

[jglim0109]

Thanks for the info. I figured that Sherman Oaks or Studio City would be the better options. A 90 minute commute would be awful. Also, apartments in the $1000-1200 range would be alright with me.

[BRinSM]

Nowincal11's estimates are definitely conservative. I used to commute from the westside to the valley in 30-40 minutes. Westlake would have added an additional 30 minutes, which would also be the time needed from Sherman Oaks to Westlake. Studio City would be an additional 5-10 minutes or so. Silver lake would be rough, but I have no estimate for you. These are all AM rush hour estimates, FYI. The PM commutes are usually a bit longer.