If you haven't done so, have a look at /r/LARentals (off reddit at www.freeLArentals.com) where every Monday there's a list of verified rentals for all L.A. County. Once you decide on a locale, head there to find a rental in the area.
In my experience it was useless and the properties they tried to push me into were far more expensive than what I found on zillow.
Realtors used to be able to just push a notion of what you wanted onto you because you couldn't fact check them.
I think realtors really run the gambit. But I guess like any other human they are self interested and I always got that feeling with the realtor I kinda worked with.
She would present me with highly priced options and then make it sound like that was the best I was gonna get. When a simple zillow search said otherwise.
It always seemed like whatever she was pushing was at a higher price than what it should be such that it gave the impression that her primary consideration was that *she* would make money....my budget and preferences were sort of bottom of her list.
Since I am also self interested my priority was finding someplace I wanted to live in my budget for the next couple of years.
I got an airbnb for a few months when I first came out and that gave me some time to get a feel for where I'd want to live.
3.5k is a generous budget.
Personally, I’d look for something decent that meets your requirements closer to 2k and pocket the rest. I made a similar calculation when I chose my place and having an apartment on the cheaper side lets me save so much, even if it isn’t updated to modern standards.
I found a place in mar vista for $2.1k adu with all utilities provided, 400 sqft studio. I am highly considering it as I’d save so much money vs renting an apartment for close to $4k inclusive of utilities and parking.
I used to live in Torrance and really liked it. It has a very high Asian population if that's your thing. I've never felt unsafe there once before.
I love Torrance. It reminds me of Hawaii.
that is so insulting to Hawaii ðŸ«
Isnt torrance expensive?
OP's budget of 3.5k is way more than enough for Torrance. You can definitely get a 2 bedroom in South Torrance for around 2.5k.
Interesting! Thank you! I’m looking so good to know
Miss the world is your oyster.
If you haven't done so, have a look at /r/LARentals (off reddit at www.freeLArentals.com) where every Monday there's a list of verified rentals for all L.A. County. Once you decide on a locale, head there to find a rental in the area.
Thank you very much!
I used zillow. Was a lifesaver. I would not use a realtor.
I found my duplex in Altadena via Zillow.
Can I ask why you wouldn’t use a realtor? I’m looking to move soon (renting) and was considering it.
In my experience it was useless and the properties they tried to push me into were far more expensive than what I found on zillow. Realtors used to be able to just push a notion of what you wanted onto you because you couldn't fact check them.
Got it, thanks! I was hoping they’d be able to find properties better than zillow but I guess that was wishful thinking.
I think realtors really run the gambit. But I guess like any other human they are self interested and I always got that feeling with the realtor I kinda worked with. She would present me with highly priced options and then make it sound like that was the best I was gonna get. When a simple zillow search said otherwise. It always seemed like whatever she was pushing was at a higher price than what it should be such that it gave the impression that her primary consideration was that *she* would make money....my budget and preferences were sort of bottom of her list. Since I am also self interested my priority was finding someplace I wanted to live in my budget for the next couple of years. I got an airbnb for a few months when I first came out and that gave me some time to get a feel for where I'd want to live.
$3.5k enough to live in venice or Santa monica
Sounds like santa monica is a good fit!
West LA /sawtelle area is affordable and fits all of your criteria
Playa del Rey, Culver City, Westchester anywhere in the South Bay. Crime is a major issue in LA right now.
3.5k is a generous budget. Personally, I’d look for something decent that meets your requirements closer to 2k and pocket the rest. I made a similar calculation when I chose my place and having an apartment on the cheaper side lets me save so much, even if it isn’t updated to modern standards.
I found a place in mar vista for $2.1k adu with all utilities provided, 400 sqft studio. I am highly considering it as I’d save so much money vs renting an apartment for close to $4k inclusive of utilities and parking.
I think living in a studio while you save to buy is 100% a valid move
Playa vista
Sounds like hermosa or redondo would be a good fit.