Where to move in Southern California???

Question

I am seriously considering a move from Chicago to the Los Angeles or Orange County area. I am a single 34 yo accountant and see that there is a lot in the way of work out there in industry that I specialize (Commercial real estate).

That said, chances are I will be working downtown. I've only been there once and I stayed in Pasadena. I liked it there but want to keep my options open as far as where I would live.

Does anyone have any suggestions on towns for me to look at to live. I plan on renting a 1 bedroom apartment and have a budget of $1,500ish but, of course, would be happy paying less.

I know commutes are long and traffic is terrible. I really don't care to sit in traffic for an hour and a half so I don't want to be toooo far away from downtown (an hour is okay)

Suggestions?

Not interested in San Diego at this time. Need to keep an arms length from Pasadena for personal reasons.

One more thing, sorry...
I'm hoping to be in a town with a good "vibe". Lots of singles in their 30's and things to do. I have two small dogs, so a dog friendly area is a must.

Answer 1

You want exclusive because you are an exclusive realtor:

1. Chapman Woods: Very affluent neighborhood not many people know of.

2. San Marino.
3. Toluca Lake.
4. Studio City.

Answer 2

Too bad you don't want to return to Pasadena as the new Gold Line would take you downtown. That said, here's a couple of alternatives.

I use to live in an apartment at (as I recall) 225 S. Grand...it's a high rise apartment right down town, has rents in the approximate range you are looking at. Some fantastic views from the balconies, nice pool area. It's a block south of the new Disney Concert Hall and a couple blocks south of Dorothy Chandler Pavillion/Music Center, so it'd be a great idea if you like the performing arts. Walking distance to a lot of great restaurants too. And the units are well insulated from each other so you won't hear footsteps or annoying noises from your neighbors.

Another idea would be Silver Lake, a community that's very active and interesting with lots of people in your age range. Lots of people in the entertainment business, lots of clubs and cute restaurants. And it's very close to downtown Los Angeles and Griffith Park area and the Hollywood area...AND it's got a great dog park. Not lots of apartments but you can find them if you devote some time to it...I almost rented in that area, loved it, but ended up in Altadena instead. But if you're in Altadena, the good part is close to the mountains and hiking, but of course the area to hang out in is Pasadena and if it has bad memories then that doesn't work for you.

Hope you find this helpful.

Answer 3

Well, I live in Orange County and it is glorious. If you decide to move here check out Newport Beach. There are lots of singles there, it is beautiful, and you are an educated professional, as many other Newport residents are. However, Newport is not close to downtown Los Angeles or Pasedena. If you must be near those locations I would suggest moving downtown into one of the new trendy lofts they've been building to eliminate your commute time, which will otherwise be horrid. If you like Pasedena, then it would also be a good choice. Good luck!

Answer 4

Get a real estate agent to look for you. But you'll need to narrow it down for him/her.

Close to the beach? The mountains? (Pasadena is the latter).
Near the freeway? Off the beaten path?

If you're trying to stick close to downtown and don't want to use MetroLink, I'd skip Orange County. That's where I live. But since you're from Chicago, I'd say L.A. is probably more your style, anyway. They walk there. Orange County? Everyone drives down the block, or so it seems.

I'd try to stay somewhat close to the coast so you enjoy the coastal weather. So much cooler in the summer believe you me. I'm from Wisconsin originally, and always thought I'd move back, but then I fell in love with my now-husband, and California.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I think the places that ppl have been telling you are great specifically pasadena beacause of the yellow line. Traffic everywhere in southern cali is bad. I live in hollywood and commute to Santa Monica and my commute is a total of ten miles and it takes me an hour! But as far as making your move easier my friends who are constantly moving use UsedCardboardBoxes.com and it saves a bunch of money that you can use on buying other needed things for your new place.

Answer 6

You say you don't mind the traffic..... LOL It can take you 3-4 hours to go 65 miles!!!!!! I swear!!!!!! Lived in southern CA for 30yrs!!!!!! My brother does the same thing & those jobs are dying now. the real estae in dropping sooooooooo much now. Just food for thought!!! Try to get a job befor you move out!!! Pasadena is OK there are better & worse. No Pomona,it isn't that nice. But Alhambra, La Vern, Altadena, Glendale & Burbank those are nice places that are close. Just look in the news papers, LA Times is a good one. & San Deigo isn't all that nice, well the closer to the border the more crime!!!! Lots of crime!!! Well good luck!!!!! & I hope this helps!!!! Just a thought have you look at Vegas?? I live here now & there a boat loads of work!! I think it is much nicer!!! WAYYYYY LESSS smog!!!! & Traffic!!!!! Housing is WAY cheaper!!!! Just some where for you to look also.

Answer 7

Pasadena, Glendale, Montrose, La Crescenta, Burbank. All are nice, safe areas where you could find a place in your price range if you look hard enough. Also, all are a farely quick drive to downtown LA.

Answer 8

orange county is over rated. Its like a baby city. Try Los Angeles or San Diego. San Diego is known for being expensive, yet still is les expensive than OC or LA.
Less traffic, less smog.

Answer 9

Aliso Viejo is a clean city and faily decrease priced and acceptable in the back of Laguna coastline. area, area. you could take the highway into Costa Mesa or in case you're working via the 5 limited-get right of entry to highway, you do no longer even desire the tollroad. hire for the 1st year to get a sense for the area, neighborhoods and costs. each thing south of Costa Mesa is spectacular, however the fees will variety. you would be taken aback on the fees of properties whilst in comparison with Dallas, however the climate and issues to do indexed under are properly worth thousands and thousands>

Answer 10

without even finish to read ,I was thinking of Pasadena ,untill I 'd see You've write it.
Pasadena is the logical.
the totally new Yellow line metro will take You down town ,in a blink of an eye.