Need to find a good place to live in North OC (Fullerton: apartment, rental)

[matthewhicks12]

I am moving from Missouri to attend Southern California University of Health Sciences. The school is located in East La Mirada and I would like to live within a short drive, preferably a 2 bed rental house, townhome, or duplex for less than or not far over $900-1000. I don't know what towns are nice and which are slummy. I'm interested in Brea, La Habra, La Mirada, Norwalk, Buena Park, etc. What do you suggest? I've got a wife and <1 year old to think of as well.

[EscapeCalifornia]

House or townhouse for that budget isn't going to happen. 1 bedroom apartment maybe but you'll have to look hard. Brea and La Mirada are the two nicest on the list. Fullerton has some nice areas too. The rest have lots of shady areas and change block by block. I'd put Norwalk on the bottom of the list.

[mrsltd]

Don't forget about Whittier. There is quite a bit of housing there too. Better if you stay within city limits (there is a large unincorporated area that is known as South Whittier that is semi-barrio). The unincorporated area is better east of Colima.

Since Whittier is next door to La Mirada it's more than worth a look (it's an LA County city as are La Mirada and Norwalk).

If you want a zip code, Whittier 90603 would be best for your situation, followed by parts of 90604 and 90605.

[BRinSM]

if you must have 2 bedrooms, you'll need to raise your budget. you could probably find a decent apartment for $1500, maybe even a bit less. houses are going to be considerably more expensive, probably closer to $2000/month.

[bhcompy]

Look around CSU Fullerton and Fullerton College. Plenty of housing and the possibility of a 2bd slightly above that range(like in the 1100s) is probably pretty decent.