Venice vs Santa Monica (Vista, Culver City: rental, neighborhood, live in)

[disgruntled la native]

Just a few blocks. Count them. It's walking distance.

Del Rey just doesn't have much going on. There's a few things on Washington Blvd in Culver West but that's it.

Unless you count Dear John's as happening.

[Dunbar42]

There's not much difference between Venice and south Santa Monica. I'd stay away from Washington Blvd in Venice if you're concerned about safety. I wouldn't call it unsafe but there are a lot of homeless drug addicts that hang out in the area around Costco. I can tell you that $1600 mo. will get a studio or tiny 1BR apartment in either area. As others have mentioned I'd look at West LA, Mar Vista or Palms on that budget.

[yby1]

Originally Posted by disgruntled la native

Just a few blocks. Count them. It's walking distance.

Del Rey just doesn't have much going on. There's a few things on Washington Blvd in Culver West but that's it.

Unless you count Dear John's as happening.

Not going to argue about this because you're wrong.

Disagree about Del Rey. There is more going on than you give it credit for. You just chose to dislike the area.

[SpaceMonkyPunks]

Hmm...I'm a bit surprised by the responses. I mean, we have already seen a few places in those areas in or close to the price range I stated (Not including utilities, of course.) I mean, they weren't huge or brand new, but they definitely weren't half bad either. It didn't seem entirely unreasonable...? I mean, I wasn't expecting to find beach views either - just maybe a mile or two out would be nice.

I suppose that I should have better specified - I was asking about the pros and cons of those two areas specifically, not really looking for recommendations elsewhere. (We already live in Palms, and really dislike it!) Further down the coast is lovely, but not a good option for us because it will make my commute longer.

And IMHO I really don't care for Marina/Playa because I find those areas to be less walkable...at least in my experience.

[yby1]

Whatever affordable place you find in Venice will be old and you will see your share of ghetto by the general transient nature of the area. However, the neighborhood is much safer than it was in the past and the area is very walkable.

What part of SM? The walkable parts of SM are fairly pricey IMO. The more affordable parts are near various amenities but not as exciting and walkable as Venice.

[disgruntled la native]

Originally Posted by yby1

Not going to argue about this because you're wrong.

Disagree about Del Rey. There is more going on than you give it credit for. You just chose to dislike the area.

I'm not wrong.

What's going on in Del Rey? It's near some happening areas, but Del Rey itself is very residential, small family homes.

[thelopez2]

How close to the water do you want to be, the value starts east of Lincoln. Then gets cheaper as you cross into Mar Vista even though there is no difference. Unless you plan to walk everywhere which practically no one does in LA, you could rent in culver city , mar vista , and palms as mentioned earlier. Where do you work. Also you get much more value moving south. Although it would be too far for your work, an ocean view apartment in Redondo beach is $1700, what does that cost in Venice and Santa Monica? You might want to buy your own appliance , nice used ones are cheap and you can always have your nice appliances when you move. I think the parking in Venice has gotten out of control. Too many people trying to squeeze in there.

[yby1]

Originally Posted by disgruntled la native

I'm not wrong.

What's going on in Del Rey? It's near some happening areas, but Del Rey itself is very residential, small family homes.

You are wrong, it doesn't border DTCC.

Plenty. There is lots more going on along Centinela. Depending on the part of Del Rey you live in you are a block or two walk to very walkable Culver West or Marina Del Rey. They Del Rey "dull zone" is near the projects, but even then you are near the bike path and can get to most places quickly without a car.

Keep hating on the area if you wish.

[The Illusive Man]

Originally Posted by yby1

You are wrong, it doesn't border DTCC.

Plenty. There is lots more going on along Centinela. Depending on the part of Del Rey you live in you are a block or two walk to very walkable Culver West or Marina Del Rey. They Del Rey "dull zone" is near the projects, but even then you are near the bike path and can get to most places quickly without a car.

Keep hating on the area if you wish.

Is Del Rey where Tacomiendo is? and the police department?

[disgruntled la native]

Originally Posted by yby1

You are wrong, it doesn't border DTCC.

Plenty. There is lots more going on along Centinela. Depending on the part of Del Rey you live in you are a block or two walk to very walkable Culver West or Marina Del Rey. They Del Rey "dull zone" is near the projects, but even then you are near the bike path and can get to most places quickly without a car.

Keep hating on the area if you wish.

There's some sleepy businesses on Centinela.

I don't hate on Del Rey but there are better options, like West LA.

Del Rey is good if you want quiet and a bit of isolation.