Moving to the area-Monterey Park (Pasadena, Alhambra: apartment, renting, condo)

[rnlola035]

Hello, I was wondering what cities are by Monterey Park, just got a job out there. Which places are safer? Thanks!

[subPrimeTime]

Well, if you have the budget, I would suggest Pasadena or South Pasadena to live in. They're pretty close by and in the mornings you'd be going against traffic I believe.

These areas are definitely safe, but come with a higher price tag obviously.

[uptown_urbanist]

Alhambra is nice and close, too. Parts of Alhambra are nicer than others. I think it's nicer than Monterey Park, though, but that's partly just personal preference. South Pasadena is on the other side of Alhambra but is very, very nice. What exactly are you looking for in a neighborhood? That might help, as you'll have a variety of options within relatively easy commuting distance from Monterey Park.

[nmnita]

I second So Pasadena and parts of Pasadena as well at parts of Alhambra. I agree with uptown, i prefer Alhambra. A lot has to do with your budget, your life style and your age. Do you have a family, are you looking for an apartment, how far are you willing to commute? The further east and north you go the nicer the areas. Of course this is a generalization.

Nita

[timelesschild]

Do you need excellent schools? Some of Alhambra's schools are better than others.

If you don't need schools, just find a place in Alhambra that you like. It's a great place to live.

[rnlola035]

Yes, I have a 16 month old, so thinking about day care and schools. I personally like to be able to walk to a store at night if need be. As far as budget, I would want a 2 bedroom apartment or condo for less than 1800/month

[Charles]

Originally Posted by rnlola035

Yes, I have a 16 month old, so thinking about day care and schools. I personally like to be able to walk to a store at night if need be. As far as budget, I would want a 2 bedroom apartment or condo for less than 1800/month

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[timelesschild]

You can walk to the store at night in Alhambra. And you can get a 2-bedroom apartment in your price range.

[nmnita]

I would also still check So Pasadena and Pasadena, but am not sure what you will find in your price range. It sound reasonable.

Nita

[drshang]

South Pas will be more expensive than Pasadena which will be more expensive than Alhambra. But honestly, you can probably find a 2br for 1800/mo in all three. It will take more digging in South Pas but you certainly can find that in Alhambra or Pasadena. You probably won't get a prime location in Pasadena but you can probably get a pretty prime location in Alhambra. You can still find a decent location in Pasadena for 1800 though. As others have said, they are all great places, a little different from each other, but my guess is you will really like at least one of them if not all three.

It sounds like you have 2-3 years before you really need to worry about schools though. If you are renting it sounds like it isn't a huge deal as you can just move before your child starts kindergarten.