LCAD Student Moving from Nowhere, IA (Los Angeles, Santa Ana: to rent, school, college)

[Ladyethyme]

I'm hoping that someone out there can give me some advice.. I just found out I was accepted to Laguna College of Art and Design; which is phenomenal. However, that also means a move from Nowhere, Iowa to Laguna Beach, California. Unfortunately I come from the 'have talent, work hard, don't have much money' category. Obviously in city Laguna is stupendously expensive...but are there surrounding areas (that are not too shady) or places where perhaps rent is not astronomical?

[Charles]

HousingMaps

what is your budget?

More likely to be cheapest west of the 55 and inland from the coast.

You would be heading against traffic in the morning heading towards your school.

Sigalert.com Los Angeles Traffic Map

Out of the box: Maybe rent a room from someone in south OC, closer than Santa Ana and nicer too; a lot of people are hurting right now due to the economy and they may have an extra bedroom to rent.

[Mach50]

Renting a room in Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo or Lake Forest would probably be the cheapest/closest choice.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/s...min&maxAsk=600
(Be careful using Craigslist, lots of scams)

[Ladyethyme]

Thanks I appreciate the advice Luckily I have some time to do a thorough search online; however, its just weird renting a place in a city you've never visited :P Unfortunately visiting for a few days then renting just isn't an option, so Thanks Again!!

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Ladyethyme

Thanks I appreciate the advice Luckily I have some time to do a thorough search online; however, its just weird renting a place in a city you've never visited :P Unfortunately visiting for a few days then renting just isn't an option, so Thanks Again!!

Are you saying you're going to rent a place here from Iowa without visiting?

You might want to see this thread if that's the case:

//www.city-data.com/forum/calif...ing-lease.html

[Ladyethyme]

Thanks for all the posts! I have used all the information and continue to web-surf complexes, etc. Definately looking into more of the surrounding areas.

[gypsees]

Originally Posted by Ladyethyme

Thanks I appreciate the advice Luckily I have some time to do a thorough search online; however, its just weird renting a place in a city you've never visited :P Unfortunately visiting for a few days then renting just isn't an option, so Thanks Again!!

Hi
Noticed your posting from awhile ago.
Are you now at LCAD and would you be able to recommend a way to find a room or some kind of accommodation close to the school for taking June/July .... M - Th / 2 Full time classes? Hoping to get into Freshman housing when school starts but need to take these classes in the summer.
Thanks for any help.
Coming from Baltimore.

[DinsdalePirahna]

The big question is what kind of transportation will you have? LCAD is fairly isolated.

If you don't have a car, I would check out a cheaper community along the coast (Costa Mesa comes to mind) and take the number one bus along PCH.

You maybe able to rent a room for under $500 month in Laguna Beach.

If you have a car, Laguna Hills and Lake Forest are very good bets. Costa Mesa will provide more activities and amenities for a college student.

[Ladyethyme]

Originally Posted by gypsees

Hi
Noticed your posting from awhile ago.
Are you now at LCAD and would you be able to recommend a way to find a room or some kind of accommodation close to the school for taking June/July .... M - Th / 2 Full time classes? Hoping to get into Freshman housing when school starts but need to take these classes in the summer.
Thanks for any help.
Coming from Baltimore.

Hey-
I ended up getting a place in Irvine, which is about 15-20 min drive away. I do see some signs up for 'room to rent' and stuff around school; but those are like 950$. Pretty much because you're renting in Laguna Beach, which is super expensive (even for around here). I think maybe the registrar has a list of students looking for roomies? Or if you have a car look for a place a little further out, like Irvine (its really nice and clean and safe).
cheers