So confused...and a little nervous

[Mimi_C, BSN, RN]

Ok...so I am planning to relocate to the Los Angeles area from Atlanta by the end of the year. The problem is I'm not sure what area to live in. I've only been to Cali as a tourist and the times that I was there I never ventured into any of the "real" neighborhoods to get a feel for different areas. Is it possible to find a 2br apt that is remotely near my potential employer (Mattel Children's hospital at UCLA) for under $2000/month or at least accessible by public transportation in an area where I don't have to be worried about nightly gunshots or robberies and also have a decent elementary school nearby for my daughter. All of the areas that I have visited have been really nice but I have also heard some not so good things about some areas. Also does anyone work at the Mattel Children's Hosp or have heard/know anything about it pos or neg?

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated!!! Thank you so much you guys are all so helpful

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Try the Southern and Western San Fernando Valley (Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Reseda, Van Nuys, Studio City, North Hollywood). The rents range from $950 in places like Van Nuys and North Hollywood, to $1,500 for posher places such as Sherman Oaks and Encino. It is a 12 mile southerly drive from Sherman Oaks to UCLA on the 405 freeway. Good luck!

Out of all of these places I have mentioned, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, West Hills, and Studio City would probably have the best schools due to the numerous educated professionals and celebrities in these communities.

[cjulian214]

Although it SOUNDS like a short commute, is the traffic bad?

[cjulian214]

Although it SOUNDS like a short commute, is the traffic bad?

[kneRN]

Although it SOUNDS like a short commute, is the traffic bad?

the commute from the valley is actually quite horrendous.

I would try to stick to Santa Monica/West LA/Westwood if you don't want a bad commute. you might have to do a lot of looking, but its possible to find something under $2000 a month for a two bedroom. we had a two bedroom in SaMo, 13 blocks from the ocean, for $1856 a month. it was a pretty good place, newly renovated, and we had an underground parking spot (definitely something you want). sign up for www.westsiderentals.com. its $60 for two months, but you get access to a BUNCH of rentals. that's how we found our apartment.

[jjjoy, LPN]

Try the Southern and Western San Fernando Valley (Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Reseda, Van Nuys, Studio City, North Hollywood). The rents range from $950 in places like Van Nuys and North Hollywood, to $1,500 for posher places such as Sherman Oaks and Encino. It is a 12 mile southerly drive from Sherman Oaks to UCLA on the 405 freeway. Good luck!

Those prices seem more like the price for a one BR apartment than a 2 BR in those areas. A decent 1BR starts at least $800 throughout much of the valley. Two BR tend to start at $1200. That's for a decent place, well-maintained place, not upscale at all. Though one can always find exceptions if they have the time to look.

Westside rentals is a good resource for finding apartments.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Those prices seem more like the price for a one BR apartment than a 2 BR in those areas. A decent 1BR starts at least $800 throughout much of the valley. Two BR tend to start at $1200. That's for a decent place, well-maintained place, not upscale at all. Though one can always find exceptions if they have the time to look.

Westside rentals is a good resource for finding apartments.

My ex-boyfriend and his brother rent an older 2-bedroom apartment in North Hills, which is east of Northridge, north of Van Nuys, west of Panorama City, and south of Granada Hills. They pay approximately $950 monthly. There are still older, aesthetically-unappealing 2-bedroom apartments in the Valley that rent for less than $1,000 per month.