Another Moving to Los Angeles Thread (with a job)! (Torrance: apartment, rental market)

[BOSORD93]

Hello Los Angeles! I have an offer with a company in the North Redondo Beach / Manhattan Beach area (pretty close to the 405) and I'm completely stuck on deciding where to potentially live in this awesome city. I've done a lot of research but I'm hoping you all could lend some input.

Rental Budget: $1200-$1500 / month (with roommate so $2400-$3000 total) - this looks feasible with a roommate based on searches
Bio: Young 20-something guy that loves to hike, drive, explore new places, and go out (mostly into chill, laid-back type bars rather than clubs; but clubs can be fun with the right group). I would like to live in an area that is walkable or at least has a vibrant walkable district that you can park at then spend hours on foot. I'd also really like to get involved in the community in some way eventually.

My dilemma is that I can't decide between the South Bay area (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo?) vs. "LA proper" areas like Mar Vista or Culver City. I've done some traffic simulations and it seems the commute from Culver City to work would be about 30-35 minutes worst case scenario, which isn't terrible. The South Bay areas would be fun (apparently Hermosa has lots of 20-somethings) and a short drive to work. They also are nicer and have better air but may not be as "cosmopolitan" from what I've heard. I am strongly considering Culver City too because of the Expo Line and access to DTLA (I love skyscrapers and urbanness) and SM. Traffic and cost would be the concern there I guess. It would just be really nice to be more central and not be in the South Bay "bubble" (unless the South Bay is that awesome ).

What insight would you all have for someone like me? I appreciate your input in advance!

[Another Place]

Outside of work, what do want to be doing, or experiencing?

[West of Encino]

If you're seeking within the city of LA and want a shorter commute to work, Westchester might do.

[BOSORD93]

Originally Posted by West of Encino

If you're seeking within the city of LA and want a shorter commute to work, Westchester might do.

Is that close to any nightlife hotspots? Ideally I'd like to live within walking distance or quick 5-10 minute Uber to a nightlife district. Would Playa Vista be feasible?

[PDF]

At least you have your wits about you. Many people move to LA totally unprepared. Best of luck!

[mnnysocalmn]

Look at Torrance.

Stay in or near South Bay.

[DabOnEm]

If you want rail access to LA while still being relatively close to work and more urbanity then I'd go with Culver City. You're going to feel like you're in the middle of everything and will be a short train ride to the beach too. If you want a nuch shorter ride to work then stay in Hermosa or Redondo. You can still take the green line from Redondo into LA and soon a straight shot when the Crenshaw Line opens.

[Guerita]

I used to work in the area where your work is. I also lived in both Hermosa Beach and Downtown Culver City. My commute to and from the office was faster from Culver City than from Hermosa Beach. I normally took the 405 S (getting on at Culver Blvd). Than it was a straight shot. From HB (I lived by PCH and Pier Avenue) I had to take the streets and lots of lights/traffic. Especially after work. The problem with the South Bay is the expressway isn't really close unless you are living further East.

But really, neither commute was bad, especially by LA standards. Also because on the return trip after work, I got off at Culver. I did not want to be anywhere North of Culver due to the "back-up" that starts building up around there.

Unless you have a lot of friends in the South Bay already, NOBODY ever wanted to go all that way down as it's just a hassle and far from other areas. Or lots just don't like the "South Beach Bay Bubble" that you references. Also, other than the weekends, I found HB too quiet for my liking as things tended to close down pretty early. In fact, several restaurants weren't even open past 3 or 4 PM on weekdays (along Pier Avenue). I would meet another friend that lived nearby and we would be the only ones out in the restaurant on a Tuesday evening. It was just strange to me.

I personally preferred living in downtown Culver City because it was pretty central to DTLA/Beaches/Santa Monica. Expo line. Expo line is not nearly as sketchy as the green line.

I think HB is good though if you are into the whole laid back beach vibe.

OH! I also hated the May Gray/June Gloom at the beach and rarely experienced that in the summers I lived in Culver City.

Not sure your age (you did reference 20-something's in HB) so if you are in your 20's I would stay out of Torrance.

Good luck! You can't really go wrong with either of the locations you mentioned!

[adr3naline]

Prior to signing a lease it's absolutely crucial you take a trip to apartment hunt and spend time in the area/s of interest. Not only would it be foolish to pick an area based on what you read, but finding a legitimate apartment/roommate without being in the area exposes you to the many scams that plague LA's online rental market.

The great news is with a budget of $1200/mo and openness to roommates, you'll be well positioned to live pretty much wherever.

[BOSORD93]

Thanks everyone! I'm planning to stay in a short term housing option like Airbnb for the first month or two to figure out what areas I like best. I'm leaning heavily towards Culver City or the Playa Vista area as I don't really want to be in the South Bay bubble. I'm fine with a 30 minute commute if necessary, it'll give me time to unwind! Again, thanks for the responses!