May be moving to Long Beach after COVID. How long are these commutes? (Downey: rent)

[TheTimidBlueBars]

I'm a contract worker who's just been assigned a project in downtown Long Beach. I make in the low $60s and I don't think getting rid of my car is going to be an option, and I'd rather not have roommates if I can avoid it. So this limits my options.

Assuming we have a widely distributed vaccine before the project ends and I have to move down there, how bad would the following commutes be during rush hour in non-COVID times? (These are suburbs where some of the only units under $1200 are located, idk how fast these listings tend to disappear)

- Wilmington, LA to downtown Long Beach
- Central Hawaiian Gardens to downtown Long Beach
- Central Norwalk to downtown Long Beach

Also, a couple more questions:
- I've heard people in the Bay Area find units at below market rates by "knowing a guy" or "knowing who to ask". Is there any feasible way to do this for someone just moving to the area?
- Where in the general south LA County area would be the best for meeting hipster types, especially of the more intellectual/political-activist variety than the type of people who are just into music? (though the latter is fine too)

Thanks all.

[vincenze]

Will you have a parking spot in Downtown? Parking can be costly there.

Will you consider living near the subway?

[TheTimidBlueBars]

Originally Posted by vincenze

Will you have a parking spot in Downtown? Parking can be costly there.

Will you consider living near the subway?

I'd be fine with taking the subway to the office --- looks like the Blue Line goes there. Are there any neighborhoods that have some of the demographics I describe, are relatively affordable (by LA area standards), and are like a 45-minute train ride or less from DT Long Beach?

[vincenze]

Originally Posted by TheTimidBlueBars

I'd be fine with taking the subway to the office --- looks like the Blue Line goes there. Are there any neighborhoods that have some of the demographics I describe, are relatively affordable (by LA area standards), and are like a 45-minute train ride or less from DT Long Beach?

You must understand that affordable areas near Long Beach are full of poorer people.

There are $1,000 studios in Long Beach https://hotpads.com/studio-320-sqft-...-118.1607&z=16
"Contacted 72 times in the past week" - it's crazy.

You should be able to find something for $1,250-1,300 https://hotpads.com/3734-cerritos-av...ce=0-1300&z=14

If you need clubs with hipster people, drive there when you're in the mood. You should be able to find them in Downtown Long Beach.

It's more important to find a quiet place in an area without criminals.
If you go along the Blue Line, the coastal area is pretty good, Compton is full of gangs, then it's getting better closer to Downtown LA.

[00lucky00]

Originally Posted by TheTimidBlueBars

I'm a contract worker who's just been assigned a project in downtown Long Beach. I make in the low $60s and I don't think getting rid of my car is going to be an option, and I'd rather not have roommates if I can avoid it. So this limits my options.

Assuming we have a widely distributed vaccine before the project ends and I have to move down there, how bad would the following commutes be during rush hour in non-COVID times? (These are suburbs where some of the only units under $1200 are located, idk how fast these listings tend to disappear)

- Wilmington, LA to downtown Long Beach
- Central Hawaiian Gardens to downtown Long Beach
- Central Norwalk to downtown Long Beach

Also, a couple more questions:
- I've heard people in the Bay Area find units at below market rates by "knowing a guy" or "knowing who to ask". Is there any feasible way to do this for someone just moving to the area?
- Where in the general south LA County area would be the best for meeting hipster types, especially of the more intellectual/political-activist variety than the type of people who are just into music? (though the latter is fine too)

Thanks all.

Those areas you can travel to on roads as they are all close to each other. maybe a quick freeway ride to wilmington. Long beach has all kinds of neighborhoods. You can find something by the beach in DT LB, my friend lived there and I wasnt afraid to visit
course near the beach in upscale hoods not so cheap.

Sounds like a good deal! enjoy your stay!


ps grab that mex food in longbeach! yum

[Vic Romano]

Originally Posted by TheTimidBlueBars

I'm a contract worker who's just been assigned a project in downtown Long Beach. I make in the low $60s and I don't think getting rid of my car is going to be an option, and I'd rather not have roommates if I can avoid it. So this limits my options.

Assuming we have a widely distributed vaccine before the project ends and I have to move down there, how bad would the following commutes be during rush hour in non-COVID times? (These are suburbs where some of the only units under $1200 are located, idk how fast these listings tend to disappear)

- Wilmington, LA to downtown Long Beach
- Central Hawaiian Gardens to downtown Long Beach
- Central Norwalk to downtown Long Beach

Also, a couple more questions:
- I've heard people in the Bay Area find units at below market rates by "knowing a guy" or "knowing who to ask". Is there any feasible way to do this for someone just moving to the area?
- Where in the general south LA County area would be the best for meeting hipster types, especially of the more intellectual/political-activist variety than the type of people who are just into music? (though the latter is fine too)

Thanks all.

I would avoid Wilmington and North Long Beach. I think Hawaiian Gardens isn't that great either, but maybe others can chime in on that. I'd try Norwalk, Downey, Lakewood, Cypress and areas around Cal State Long Beach. Long ago, my friend owned a cheap condo on PCH and 7th street. Maybe rents are reasonable in that area. I know prices for housing has risen in those areas for small bungalows, but maybe rents aren't quite so bad.

Freeway traffic is tough down there during rush hour. Streets flow OK, but it is rather crowded. Best to find a place close to work.

[teeej]

Well, Hawaiian Gardens had a stigma 25 years ago, haven't heard the name in a long time.

I'm also moving to Long Beach and will be working near Ocean Blvd and Queens. (Is that convenient to the Metro?)


There are $2k/mo studios at 442 W Ocean Ave, and 1brs are even more than that, which is very close to the work location. Is that a good area or just an expensive area?


With the comparative cost of rent vs buying, it makes me think about buying, because the mortgage + prop taxes is cheaper than the rent, but without knowing how long I'll actually be there, it seems a bit risky, since prices could crater.