Moving to Huntington Beach area - need help (Orange, Vista: appointed, apartment)

[ctysrc]

My wife and I will be moving to Southern California late this Fall to pursue a career in Huntington Beach.

Can anyone recommend a safe and affordable, two bedroom, animal friendly place to stay that is near the beach, yet as close as possible to HB?

We are looking to keep our costs low for the first 3 to 6 months as we get established, and will most likely upgrade within the first year when our lifestyle is structured.

Thanks for the help!

[missionhome]

What is your budget?

It is always sad we give responses for an area and someone gets excited and then they are disappointed to find out they can't afford that place. The beach costs more money in California so it is helpful to know a budget for rent/purchase so we can make good recommendations on places that fit what you can afford.

When you say affordable is it:

$2000 a month
$800 a month
$10000 a month
$1100 a month
$1800 a month?????? etc.....

[EscapeCalifornia]

What's your budget and what kind (and size) pets do you have? How close is "near the beach"? Walking distance? 20 minute drive?

[ctysrc]

We want to keep rent around $1,500.00 p/m. Our dog is a mid-sized collie. We'd like to be a within a 15-minute "bike ride" from the beach.

[EscapeCalifornia]

That might be a little tough. That price is low-end for a 2 bedroom place close to the beach and the dog is really going to limit your choices. Have a look around on Craig's List and see what comes up. Your best bet is probably a private owner renting out a duplex or 4plex instead of a big professionally managed complex. There's tons of places like that close to downtown HB and along Florida street. There seem to be a lot of seedy characters in those areas though.

[Nick Anico]

Definetly check out apartmentratings.com it was a huge help. I just moved here myself and found a one-bedroom for $1200 a month and it's one mile from the beach, but they aren't pet friendly. Expect to pay an additional $50-$75 extra per month for a pet.

[Sunshineish]

I have a great little place in downtown HB for $1575 a month, 2bd 2ba, with a small dog.

This place does only allows smaller breeds but they have another property, even closer to the beach than mine that allows all sizes of dogs.

The management is great. I love Huntington Beach very much but my husband and I are considering moving because it's so expensive in Orange County. We're thinking about moving up the central coast.

Anyway, here is a link to the place.

Pacific Vistas MPM Properties (http://apartmentrentalocca.com/PV-HOME.html - broken link)