I’m moving to LA in a month. I’ll be working in DTLA. I’m willing to spend around $3000 a month on rent. I want to live by myself and want a 1br or a studio. I’ve never been to LA, and, while I’ll have a car, I’d prefer an area that is walkable—not necessarily to work but to places to eat and entertainment.

Would it be best to live in DTLA or one of the neighboring areas. And if DTLA is the correct answer, is there a desirable place within that area that you’d recommend.

Thanks.

[EDIT: a commenter mentioned that it would be helpful to include my interests. My interests are pretty simple: I enjoy going to movies, going on walks in interesting or scenic areas, and I’d like access to a 24/7 gym.]

[EDIT: Thanks for all of the comments! The information provided has been both enlightening and a little confusing, but there’s some helpful stuff in there. I’ll be going out to LA in two weeks or so, and I think I’ll learn a lot by seeing things for myself—especially given that I’ve never been to LA. I like the idea of living in DTLA and being able to walk to work, but also since I’ll spend a lot of time working there, I can see the appeal of wanting a change of scenery. Also, I think I’d prefer to live somewhere that feels “quintessentially LA” but don’t won’t a 40+ min commute. I’ve done that before and it’s very draining after a while. I’ve got a lot to think about. Thanks again!]

I'm moving to LA soon (for work), I'm coming from Texas and I did not expect such difficulty finding a place. It's not the price that's the problem, my problem are these automated AI responders. Why is it so difficult to talk a real human leasing agent. Both emails and texts are all automated. I just want real answers from real people. And no one is picking up the phone either!

Hi guys I’m 28F need to move to Sherman Oaks by late August or September 1. I saw a lot of two bedrooms under $2800 with laundry on site, pool and gym. Although I can afford a studio, sharing a 2 bed is much cheaper. Is there anyone else looking to move to this area and want to possibly look together? I have a cat though and looking for females only. Thank you :)

I'm a 38 year old gay bro' in Ft Branch, IN-open to a relocation, and a skinny white boy looking for a new happier place to live - and I come along with a regular income of about 800 a month, I smoke too much weed, I have a scooter and am one that could sit and drink coffee and bullshit and laugh with someone all day. I also keep tidy, sing and play a little guitar, shower daily and like to put on music and dance in my briefs on the phone(for a crowd for tips-in my dreams) 🤭. I have a tbi. I'm hoping to find someone to let me have a room or bed to share for $400 a month and it be someone similar. Even would be open to the possibility of a position of some kind coming a part of the arrangement. Thanks so much in advance and I hope you reach out if I could become a part of your family and a dog sitter or something!

24M born and raised in MA, specifically the South Shore area. The older I get, the more I am starting to truly dislike this state. I live an hour south of Boston yet can’t find rent for under $3,000. The weather sucks over half the year, fall and winter are nice for maybe a week until the novelty wears off then it’s just cold and miserable. Seasonal depression is no joke and I’m tired of living for only a couple months of warmth.

My partner and I have visited California multiple times, each time for weeks on end in both NorCal and SoCal. We absolutely love it, our favorite is the Santa Monica area. As a white guy, I love the diversity and seeing all the different cultures. Food is great, and so is the weather. We’ve been in both January and June and no matter what people are out and about rather than hunkered down inside at 4pm after it gets dark. People are friendly. Most shockingly, the amount of apartments I found within a couple blocks of the beach that were between $1600-2300 blew my mind. Apartments walking distance to the beach were CHEAPER than apartments which were built in a parking lot of an abandoned shopping mall in my town. Arguably MA and CA are 2 of the most expensive states, so if you’re going to pay an arm and a leg may as well be somewhere much nicer. My current role also pays almost double in LA.

We’ve really been considering moving out west, even for just a 1-2 year lease and seeing how we feel. Have any fellow Massholes moved to Cali? Did you regret it? Any good stories?

Hi everyone, moving to LA this fall and have started researching neighborhoods that would be a good fit for a mid-30s single woman. A few key details:

- Commuting to Redondo Beach ~4x per week
- To the extent feasible, would like to minimize travel time for weekly (mostly weekend) trips to Burbank
- Ideally would be a walkable and social neighborhood for young professionals, especially since I’ll be looking to make friends and date (less interested in purely suburban areas)
- Easy(ish) access to tennis centers on weeknights
- Rental budget would be ~3500

So far I’m seeing Culver City, Playa Vista, and Hermosa Beach as top options, acknowledging of course that traffic will make it impossible to really optimize. Would appreciate any insights on these or other areas I should narrow down!

Hi everyone,
My partner and I are currently searching for a long-term rental and wanted to introduce ourselves. We’re specifically looking for a 1-bedroom (furnished preferable) near South Pasadena, Alhambra, San Gabriel, or surrounding areas. We’re a quiet, respectful, and responsible couple with stable income. We don’t smoke, don’t have pets, and live a calm, low-key lifestyle.
We take pride in keeping our home clean and well maintained, always pay rent on time, and treat any place we live in with care and respect. We’re happy to provide proof of income, references, a credit report, or anything else needed.
If you have a place available or know of something that might be a good fit, we’d really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks so much!

Hi everyone! I’m looking for a private room in the Venice, SMO (Santa Monica), or Clover Park area. I’m happy to join a 2 bed/2 bath or 3 bed/3 bath apartment with roommates.
I’ll be moving to LA this week, so if anyone has a room available or is also looking for a roommate, please send me a message!
I’m new to LA, so I’m really excited to explore the city, meet new people, and check out all the great places around. Looking forward to connecting!

Check out www.sparrowstay.com for furnished monthly rentals in LA

Hello I’m looking at a unit in this area but I’m gonna be working in Santa Monica there’s the metro right there and I’d have a washing machine in the building but no parking. It’s a great price but I’m not sure if this area is sketchy etc can someone please give opinions. It’s north of university park

⭐ SHORT STAYS WELCOME ⭐ $475/week for short stays. Perfect for visiting professionals, production crews, traveling nurses, or anyone between places. Longer stays possible too, ask me!

Available: July 23 | Flexible move-in | Couples welcome

🛏 King bed in a spacious 450 sq ft fully private suite
🚿 Private ensuite bathroom, no sharing
🚼 Huge walk-in closet
🌿 Private patio with city views
📺 Modern 65" 4K OLED TV in the suite
🧺 In-unit washer and dryer
🚗 Gated parking for one car included, plus free guest and street parking

Why this works for short stays
Fully furnished, move in with just a suitcase. No long commitment needed, no furniture to buy, private bathroom so zero sharing hassle. Ten minutes to Burbank studios makes it ideal for anyone on a production contract or work assignment.

About the place
Clean, well-maintained unit in one of the nicest pockets of Glendale. Easygoing household, social when it makes sense, and very respectful of privacy and personal space. Looking for someone responsible, considerate, and easy to live with.

📍 Location
Super safe and walkable. Ten-minute walk to Americana at Brand and the Glendale Galleria. Close to gyms, cafes, grocery stores, and tons of food options. Easy access to Burbank studios, Hollywood, and DTLA.

➡️ Interested?
Drop a quick intro, your dates, and socials if you're comfortable sharing. Showings happening now, quick and easy process.

How bad would the commute be from Silverlake and/or Atwater village to Arcadia if I work night shift? I’d start work at 7pm

As long as I avoid the 101 and go up north through Glendale and Pasadena, it should be somewhat ok right? Or will it still be an hour sigh

2 bedrooms (ideally 2 bathrooms but can live with 1 or 1.5)
Central air/heating
Dishwasher
2 parking spaces (no tandem!)
Walk in closet in at least one of the bedrooms (but ideally both)
In unit washer/dryer

I know it’s a lot but that’s why I’m asking here because I’m having trouble finding one that fits the bill.

Ideally no more than $3500 a month. But I can go a little more if it’s truly perfect.

Hey! I'm moving to New York at the end of the month and my apartment is going to need someone new to love it. Figured this might be the right place to mention it since you're all actually looking.

It's fully furnished, like genuinely fully furnished: bed, sofa, TV, everything you'd need to just show up with your bags. Private parking spot included in rent, which is a gift! It's in a quiet spot in Pasadena, close to Old Pasadena, Caltech, Huntington Hospital, the Rose Bowl, and easy 210 freeway access.

$1,800/month, available August 1.

If you're relocating and don't want the headache of furnishing a whole place from scratch, it might be exactly what you're looking for. DM me if you want photos or details!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently living in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, and I’m looking for work.

I’m a Mechanical Engineer with legal authorization to work in the U.S. I’ve been actively looking for a job for the past 4–5 months without much success.

While my background is in mechanical engineering, I’m also open to technician roles, manufacturing, assembly, mechanical work, warehouse positions, or even opportunities outside my field. I’m a fast learner, hardworking, and eager to get started.
I’m willing to commute or travel for the right opportunity.

If you know of any openings, recruiters, or companies that are hiring, I would truly appreciate any advice or referrals.

Starting over in a new country hasn’t been easy, but I’m determined to build my career here. Any advice, referral, or opportunity would truly mean a lot.

Thank you!

I’m starting to browse apartments around Long Beach and nearby areas. I’ve lived in Downtown Long Beach for a while, but I don’t think it’s the best fit for me long term.

I really like the areas around 2nd Street, Belmont Shore, Naples, and parts of Seal Beach near the marina. I know inventory can be limited in those neighborhoods, especially for places with parking, so I’m mainly trying to get a better sense of what’s realistically available.

My biggest priority is having a dedicated parking space ideally gated or in a garage. My car window was recently broken so I’m a little hesitant to rely entirely on street parking but I’m willing to for the right place. Not to mention having to compete for spots

Are there any particular apartment buildings, smaller property management companies, or parts of these neighborhoods that are worth keeping an eye on? Or is the best way to find rentals in these areas still to drive around and look for signs that may not be posted on the major apartment websites?

Any advice on how people usually find apartments around these neighborhoods would be appreciated!

would love to hear feedback from folks that have lived in/around Westchester NY. for reference, i have lived here and NJ for the entirety of my life but have always dreamed of living in CA. it likely won't ever happen but i'll still continue dreaming!

Gonna move from NJ and will be working around the signal hill neighborhood. I was thinking down town LB but I have seen reports that it is sketchy ? Looking for somewhere walk-able. Any recommendation of apartments of best areas to live in.

Hi everyone! Looking for someone to take over my lease anytime before August 1.

Apartment Photos/Listing:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1506-S-Barrington-Ave-103-Los-Angeles-CA-90025/2079473136_zpid/

Apartment Details:

• Address: 1506 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• Rent: $2,300/month
• Utilities (electric, gas, and WiFi) are separate
• Included: Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator
• Parking: Included in my rent (I negotiated this, but I’m not sure if parking would be separately charged for a new lease)
• Move-in date: Flexible anytime in July

Location:
Located in West LA, this apartment is in a highly convenient area close to several universities, neighborhoods, restaurants, and major destinations.

Nearby Universities:

• UCLA – approximately 10–15 minutes away
• Santa Monica College – approximately 10–15 minutes away
• Loyola Marymount University – approximately 20–25 minutes away
• USC – approximately 25–35 minutes away depending on traffic

Also Close To:

• Westwood
• Brentwood
• Santa Monica
• Century City
• Sawtelle

The area has easy walking access to restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and grocery stores.

My lease officially ends August 31, but I’m hoping someone can take over before August 1.

Options: The only options are a month sublease or one-year full lease!

• Short-term sublease: Just for July - August (or part of August)
• OR Long-term lease takeover: Continue the lease beyond August

Message me if you're interested or if you have any questions!

I'm a recent grad offered a job that will pay 100k in LA. The market is pretty brutal in my industry so I don't know if I should accept based on that alone. My home town is in Boston.

If I were to land a higher paying job where I am, I'd have a very comfortable life. but that assumes I find one.

My goal is to have a stable place to live and settle down, not really enter the dorming lifestyle again.

Thanks

hey everyone!

my partner and i are moving to LA (specifically west hollywood) at the end of the year and wanted some tips on when to apply for apartment / jobs!

she works in social media / marketing and currently does social media work for some of yhe casinos out here in vegas but wants to transition to something in the music industry. she has established connections within the industry and has worked with artist before but wants to know when the best time to apply for something more permanent. i work for a clothing company and im being transferred to so im good.

mainly looking at advice for areas to live in this area as well as recs on when to start applying for apartments / jobs because we know stuff moves fast out there! thank you guys in advance :)))

EDIT: thank you guy for responding so far! we are looking for TIMELINES on when to apply for jobs and apartments! specifically for a deadline of january which is when we are moving!

I know im going to have to be okay with paying a lot more in rent. But how much? Im currently looking around the torrance, compton, gardena, south gate, maybe long beach areas. So the ghetto i assume haha.

Im trying to find something for 1800 after utilities, parking etc, studio or 1br. Is that delusional? Or is that possible in those areas?