Karoline Steavenson

Affordable. Well, that all depends on what you can afford doesn't it?

2-bedroom apartments in the nicer areas in the San Fernando Valley start at between $1200.00 and $1400.00 a month and can go up from there. A 1-bedroom can start at $1,000.00. If you begin looking in the Valley the rule of thumb is, the closer you are to Ventura Blvd. the nicer the neighborhoods tend to be.

However, there are many nice pockets of neighborhoods further north of Ventura Blvd. You can literally drive three blocks over from a congested, car-filled area with graffiti on the walls and feel as if you have entered a different town.

If you plan to be working in downtown L.A. or West L.A. you can find apartments in both places and there are many loft condos for sale downtown. The apartments in the nicer areas downtown can be much more expensive than in other areas, but in older buildings you can still find some good values. The lofts start priced in the high $300,000 range but you also have to pay rather high Homeowner Association Fees in you live in a condo downtown.

Here's some websites to help you:

http://www.at-la.com/
www.latimes.com
www.dailynews.com
www.rent.com
http://www.laweekly.com/ (a very trendy magazine but has a good overview of the younger lifestyle in L.A.)
http://www.lapdonline.org/ (the LAPD has a great crime map online)

My suggestion: stay in an extended stay style hotel or motel for you first two weeks here while you get acclimated and apartment hunt.





http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ - Sat Jul 5 2008, 09:27

Shop for the best price on coverage for your needs. Home insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use. It's very important to understand your policy, especially when it comes to what they will pay for in the event you have to rebuild the entire house.

When I bought mine I made my decision based on price and the ease of contacting my agent. My plan is to never need to make a claim. I'll never know how good or bad the company I chose is if I never make a claim, but that would be fine with me. - Wed Jun 25 2008, 17:50

Don't forget to check out school info here: - Wed Jun 25 2008, 17:39

Hi Ronnie, You say this is a 3-unit. I'm guessing you bought it because you thought it would be a good investment as well as a home that could give you tax benefits?

If it is no longer a good investment because the rents do not cover the new mortgage, then let it go. Sell it. I don't know how old you are but if you are young (under 30) or even older, you have your life ahead of you in which you can make new choices. Don't hold on to something that makes little financial sense just because it seemed like a good idea at the time.

The times have changed. Change with them my friend. That is life. It's not easy but comfort yourself by knowing that since a market this negative has not happened since the 1920s and 30s, chances are it will not happen again any time too soon. Stability lies ahead, or so they keep saying. Sell it and wait for a better time. Peace to you. - Tue Jun 24 2008, 21:14

You mention two lovely neighborhoods but affording them is always the issue. Another area you might want to consider that is commute close to L.A. is Pasadena. Lots of trees and older homes there with a lot of charm. Also pricey, but not quite as high as Hancock Park.

Also consider Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village, and Encino. Of course, all this depends on how far you have to drive to work. - Thu Jun 19 2008, 06:17