Moving to Los Angeles - advice would be much appreciated! (San Fernando: apartments, for rent)

[Tasksgirl]

Originally Posted by Island_OnThe_Land

I'd consider North Hollywood (area called "NoHo" is next to metro/subway stop) and not too far from Northridge. Other areas I'd consider include Sherman Oaks (more desirable than NoHo) but not next to the subway yet still close to some major bus lines including the Orange Line which connects to the subway in NoHo. Sherman Oaks is a little closer to Northridge than North Hollywood.

I was going to suggest these 2 as well.

There is almost 2 North Hollywoods. There is the trendy slightly more urban area then the more suburban with tons of apartments and houses and a little bit less safe than the other area. Look around Universal City and look around Weddington Park.

Sherman Oaks/Encino is a little more trendy as well. Not sure what appeals to you though coming from Canada. Downtown type areas or more of the trendy L.A. areas like these.

[CandiceRachel]

Originally Posted by Tasksgirl

Speaking of North Hills I live by Nordhoff & Sepulveda - just purchased a townhome and moved in 1 month ago - and it has been great so far. The "bad" part I have seen is going down Van Nuys blvd between Sepulveda & Parthenia especially. And also the smaller streets such as Columbus near Chase. etc. Most other areas are pretty good. Nordhoff is good.

The area around CSUN is very nice with lots of shopping, etc. There is a Metrolink station.

Definitely look around North Hills/Van Nuys/Northridge as far as rent goes. That definitely can be done.

It's not as "suburbs" as it might sound. Although I know what you mean. Are you are used to living downtown or just somewhere busy and bustling with main streets..? When I think suburbs I think where I grew up in Houston, Texas with huge chunks of houses with nothing else. I don't quite see the valley as being that since most areas are mixed use commercial/residential.

Thanks for this!!! Yes, I'm used to living downtown and where I can get everywhere by either walking or transit. I can drive and have had a license for 10+ years but I don't really like driving and the thought of driving in LA scares me a little. I do think of just rows of houses as the suburbs - where you have to drive everywhere. Would I have to drive to get anywhere in the valley?

[CandiceRachel]

Originally Posted by Tasksgirl

Near CSUN- Great Location! (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/apa/1595316453.html - broken link)
GATED COMMUNITY - Fitness Center - MOMENTS TO CSUN - Amazing Value (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/apa/1594779124.html - broken link)
IMMACULATE 1BD APT*LOW SECURITY*RENT CONTROL (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/apa/1593744164.html - broken link)
Huge 1 bdrm luxury apt across the street from CSUN (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/apa/1589722371.html - broken link)

What are your wishes in an apartment..? Any pets..?
Small complex with a cute garden..? Large with a gym and a pool..? Carpeted..? Wood or laminate..?

Not that picky in terms of an apartment. I'd prefer hardwood floors and I like a nice kitchen and having laundry at least in the building would be great. Pets would be nice but not a deciding factor.

[Ennea4]

You're just lucky you have a boyfriend who's moving there with you. And a car. I'll have neither.

[CandiceRachel]

This may be a stupid question but is Studio City different from Universal City?

[Tasksgirl]

I think it's approximately the same area..
Well it's definitely better than Texas where I would have to walk 15 minutes to get to a Walgreens. lol

I can walk out my front door and within 5 minutes be at a grocery store, or a bank, or a Subway, or any number of local Mexican restaurants, a Del Taco, a Pollo Campero, a dollar store, an indoor swap meet, a hair salon, a dentist, a Gamestop, a Panda Express, a Walgreens, a video rental store, clothing stores, etc. etc. etc.

Especially around CSUN it's definitely walkable.
(Speaking of the valley here) It's not necessarily designed to be walkable like some urban neighborhoods are but it's mixed commercial/residential meaning there is plenty to walk to.

[Tasksgirl]

I don't know how much these are but I see them every day when I go to my workout class in the park.
Welcome to City View Lofts
Super nice. There's also a metrolink station in that area by Universal City.

[Tasksgirl]

Just in case you decide on the area around CSUN -

These 2 apartments are next to eachother and are within walking distance of 2 shopping centers (and much more), a park, and a metrolink station.

Canyon Creek apartments for rent in Northridge in Los Angeles – BRE Properties
Prices - Canyon Creek floor plans, pricing and plan a space – BRE Properties

Wow now personally I love these..! Almost makes me wish I was still renting..! lol!
Luxury Apartments in San Fernando Valley at The Villagio
Prices - Villagio - Community Features

Whoops I just remembered your budget..! lol..

[Tasksgirl]

Originally Posted by CandiceRachel

This may be a stupid question but is Studio City different from Universal City?

Whoops actually I think I was wrong and they ARE 2 different places.

[BRinSM]

universal city is a small area that is almost completely taken up by universal studios. i don't believe there is any residential building in universal city. studio city is the neighborhood directly west of universal city. studio city is a fairly urban area, especially along ventura blvd.