Relocating to LA area from Philly (Los Angeles, Torrance: apartments, rentals, find a job)

[kml]

My husband is considering a job in El Segundo, we're expecting his income to start around $60k. I'm taking some saved cash with me to buy me some time to find a job. I've been in Human Resources field for 10+ years. I've been told that I should have much trouble finding work. In the meatime, I'd like to find somewhere that is safe and "easily" commutable to El Segundo. I guess I'd like to keep the rent in the $1200 to $1500 range or nearly. I have no intention of even pretending that I can buy, even if I were working immediately. It's only my husband and I, so not as concerned with schools, but still want a nice area where I can walk my dog without worrying. So, I guess my question is two fold...(1) Any suggestions for decent areas that are commutable to El Segundo (and by commutable I mean within 45 minutes to an hour) and (2) Any suggestions for either a source or even any specific apartment communities/complexes that will take dogs. I have a one year old 52 lb boxer, which is just sweet as can be!

While, I realize that LA is like in the top 5 of expensive areas of the country, it would be helpful if only constructive responses are given. I actually have the cons of the move covered. : )

Thanks!

[jdavid93225]

I would suggest that you look in the "South Bay" area, since this is close to El Segundo. The communities of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lawndale, and Hawthorne are the ones that come to mind that are generally pretty nice, or at least they were when I last was there. You might also find some nice areas in Gardena, but I don't know much about that part of town. The communities mentioned are all within 30 minutes or so of El Segundo.

Once you get east of this area, the neighborhoods are not as nice, especially around the Compton area (known for its gang activity). There was a thread on this board recently about Compton, and no one seemed to have anything good to say about it.

To the north of El Segundo, you have Marina Del Rey and Santa Monica which are both fairly nice areas, but are also more expensive. You may be able to find something within your price range, but it would be more difficult.

As for finding a job in your selected field, I don't think it would be too difficult to find something on the "West Side" which is the area west of downtown Los Angeles, near the 405 freeway. This would be pretty close to the south bay communities mentioned above. I don't know how bad the commute would be, though, since I've never made that drive during rush hour.

The information I've provided is from my experience in the area, which is actually pretty limited. Hopefully there are others on this board that live in that area that can give you more info than what I've been able to provide.

[Sage of Sagle]

Craigslist for apartments in South Bay:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/

[kml]

Thank you so much! This will definitely be helpful. We are really not familiar at all with the area.

[kml]

I had heard that West Side Rentals was a good way to go, especially if you had pets because alot of places don't allow dogs over 50lbs.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by kml

I had heard that West Side Rentals was a good way to go, especially if you had pets because alot of places don't allow dogs over 50lbs.

Just look on Craigslist and check the "dogs" box and keep going through them until you find something. Westside Rentals is a rip off. Seriously. I'm a dog owner too.

[dusesean1986]

I commented on your post in the Los Angeles forum, let me add you can afford a 1200 1500 dollar location in a nice area of Redondo Beach, because I've paid the same rent for a nice spot. You could probably afford the same great location in El Segundo, Manhattan and Hermosa may be a little expensive though. Torrance is an extremely family oriented area!!!!!