Need help for a foreigner from overseas about safe rentals (Riverside: apartments, house)

[Brown Bottle Flu]

Hello everyone,

I have been in this forum for months as a guest and learnt too many things about the city.

I lived in Riverside for 1 year at 2009, i have seen LA just in my trips. But nowadays i will move to LA for my MBA prep. I have been searching apartments like 600-700usd/month.

My question is about safety, i would like to ask if 90012 and 90005 zip code areas are safe or? the apartments are Commodore Regency and The Piccadilly. These two look fine from streetview and etc but i think its better to ask in here.

Thanks in advance.

[saybanana]

K-town vs the New Jersey of DTLA. I would pick Koreatown, because it is generally full of people most of the day and many food places nearby. The subway is across the street from the Picadilly. The 720 rapid bus stop is at the corner. There is probably a bus going along Normandie.

[saybanana]

City West lacks food options and is a few blocks and a freeway crossing away from Downtown LA's metro station and all the shopping/restaurants/sites there. I generally don't see as many people walking in the area when I drive by Wilshire or take the bus.

[jw2]

Is your MBA at USC? If so, congratulations, great MBA program, and I would look at the South Park area of downtown LA, depending on your budget. Lots to do day or night and an easy (soon to be) subway commute to USC.

[Brown Bottle Flu]

@saybanana, Actually i will not use the house that much, i will stay at burbank with my gf but i need a house for like shelter... if something happens i will go there. shortly lets say 2-3 times in a week.
The charleston apts looks fine for the price but i am not sure about the safety. i will have a car also. How can be that unsafe to just go home from the car or closest store etc. I just wanted to ask because every1 says that downtown is dangerous and many drug dealers or gangs etc. is 90017 and 90005 zip codes are like that too? they seem like central of the downtown. I really want to have a bachelor in The Charleston(90017) coz its cheap.

@jw2, yes i will go to USC. thanks alot.

thanks in advance again.

[saybanana]

I think the area around The Charleston is sketchy. Crimemapping shows more robberies/assaults than other nearby areas. I wouldn't recommend being in that area because it seems that safety is a big concern to you. I would rather get something in Koreatown for similar money, but more safety.

[Brown Bottle Flu]

@saybanana, thanks alot. It seems charleston is not a good choice for me. I will look Koreatown.
I hope i can find something for that amount coz i dont want to pay high rent to house which i wont stay that much...

[Brown Bottle Flu]

Also i have one more question.
what is income restricted. can i rent those kind of places? am i eligible? i will be in usa with F-1 visa(student)
"affordable renting" is also somethink like tihs? like senior community or income restricted?

thanks...