I am looking at Sunland and work downtown...doable? (Glendale: for rent, buying a house) - Los Angeles - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

katestar · 09-21-2011, 01:24 PM

I will be working downtown LA and my gf will be working in Burbank. I am looking at Sunland/Tujunga because we want to rent a house since her mom will also be living with us. I'm looking at $1600 for the rent for a 2/3 bedroom. It will be about 20 miles for me to work. I plan to take public transport if possible or drive in early...my job has an early start time (6:30-7am). Reasonably, can I make it home in an hour if I leave around 5?

I am looking at this because in a few months, I would have a work from home option and then I will only be coming in 2-3 days a week.

Any suggestions are welcome. I am looking for a 2/3 bed, 1.5-2 bath and for around $1600 - really don't want to pay more than that.

Social Democrat · 09-21-2011, 01:47 PM

If you can drive in as early as you describe you should be able to make it to downtown well within an hour - any later though, bring lunch and dinner! I'm not familar with public transit options out there; try looking up LA Metro on line, you should be able to get some ideas there.
It will be a squeeze to find a 2 or 3 bedroom house out there for $1600.00 a month but may be doable.

katestar · 09-21-2011, 01:49 PM

I've looked on CL, $1600 seems like an average, maybe not a 3 bed, but at least a 2.

katestar · 09-21-2011, 08:12 PM

No one knows? I commute 18 miles here in Orlando and it takes me give or take 20 mins...obviously in LA its different, thats why I'm wanting to know how long it takes to drive 20 miles in LA.....pls help!

BRinSM · 09-21-2011, 08:29 PM

public transit from sunland to downtown will be difficult. you'd probably still have to drive to the valley to hop on the metrolink. however, the 2 freeway is probably one of the least congested in the region, making most of your commute fairly easy.

JohnG72 · 09-21-2011, 11:22 PM

Yes you can make it home in an hour. 110 to the 2 to the 210.

You know, Highland Park isn't as skeevy as it used to be...you may want to take a look. Closer for both you and the gf. The places will be tiny, but they do exist:

2 Bedroom House For Rent (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/apa/2600280348.html - broken link)

katestar · 09-22-2011, 06:52 AM

Thanks John. Yes, I have to learn which areas to stay away from. Part of me just wants to be as far away as is doable from the city. I was looking at Sunland/Tujunga because it seems like that area is right on edge of the Angeles Forest, so it would be quiet with some mountain views

richie894 · 09-25-2011, 04:36 PM

I used to live in Sun Valley. Depending on when you go to work, it will take about 45 mins each way. I presume you will take 210 to 2. It is pretty free flowing until you get close to the city.

Moving to Sun Valley and buying a house in that area of L.A. was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I really hated that part of the city. It is surrounded by car junk yards and I had to drive 20-30 mins to find anything to do. I left about 4 months ago. I much prefer living closer to the City and being able to walk to cafes and decent restaurants. Plus the heat there is really hot - like 10-15 degrees hotter in the summer than other parts of the City.

greggd1 · 09-25-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richie894

I used to live in Sun Valley. Depending on when you go to work, it will take about 45 mins each way. I presume you will take 210 to 2. It is pretty free flowing until you get close to the city.

Moving to Sun Valley and buying a house in that area of L.A. was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I really hated that part of the city. It is surrounded by car junk yards and I had to drive 20-30 mins to find anything to do. I left about 4 months ago. I much prefer living closer to the City and being able to walk to cafes and decent restaurants. Plus the heat there is really hot - like 10-15 degrees hotter in the summer than other parts of the City.

That was my recollection of the area as well. I dont think he will have much trouble getting to downtown, but leaving might be a bit tight.

Op; have you looked in Glendale....up in the hills? I dont know if that is in your budget, but it might be easier for both of you for commuting and everyday travel.

JohnG72 · 09-26-2011, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richie894

I used to live in Sun Valley. Depending on when you go to work, it will take about 45 mins each way. I presume you will take 210 to 2. It is pretty free flowing until you get close to the city.

Moving to Sun Valley and buying a house in that area of L.A. was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I really hated that part of the city. It is surrounded by car junk yards and I had to drive 20-30 mins to find anything to do. I left about 4 months ago. I much prefer living closer to the City and being able to walk to cafes and decent restaurants. Plus the heat there is really hot - like 10-15 degrees hotter in the summer than other parts of the City.

Uhhhh....he said Sunland which is quite different and more diverse than Sun Valley.