Guide for Renting an Apartment in Los Angeles

 

Are you seriously considering moving to the West Coast? We no longer wonder why you’d prefer to move to Los Angeles. Aside from Hollywood itself, L.A. has a lot to offer than other cities and towns. It has a more relaxing vibe and it’s near the ocean so it also has awesome weather which anyone can easily adjust to no matter where they came from. You can start anew here—from finding a new job to searching for a new partner aside from hunting for an apartment—Los Angeles has got you covered!

Before you begin your search in looking for the best place to stay in Los Angeles, you’ve got to find the right neighborhood first that fits your personality to a T. It takes a bit of adjustment before you get used to L.A.  You also have to consider if you do have the budget and you can afford all the rent or mortgages.

How much is the average rent in downtown Los Angeles? Just like living in a fast-paced city like the Big Apple, the rent rate actually depends on the neighborhood. A decent apartment with 1 bedroom might cost you from $2,500 to $3,000. However, if you’d like to live a more luxurious life, say you’d want to live in another community with an oceanfront, prices are a bit on the upscale. You have to be ready to spend a little more than $4,000. But don’t be afraid to explore other communities in central and wider areas in order to find more affordable rents. 

Of course, there are some areas of Los Angeles that are considered as the place where the elitists and socialites live like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. If you have the means to splurge, then go ahead and reside in such high-end communities. But we strongly suggest to maximize your apartment hunting by looking at the residential areas near the beach where you might just hit the jackpot and be able to acquire rents as low as a little more than $1,000. The neighborhood in Northeast L.A. is your next best area as well as in the South Central. The possibilities are endless when you’re in Los Angeles.

But then again, it all depends on your budget and the kind of personality that you have. Like, what are your priorities are? You have to consider all these factors in order for you to find the right home and neighborhood community where you think you will feel that you belong. Check out our tips below:

You have to define what is your idea of a home. Are you a beach lover? Do you like to commune with nature? Do you like being outdoors? Do you enjoy partying all night? You have to consider the kind of personality that you have as it will determine if you’d be able to get along with the people in your neighborhood. Ask yourself, what is really important to you in a neighborhood or in a place you’d call home.

What are your priorities? Write down a list of must-haves, deal-breakers, and less important for you.

Most people from L.A. would ride the public transit system. But if you own a car, you’d be happy to know  that Los Angeles is a driving city so you can take a road trip anywhere you want to. If you’d rather commute, you have to check out residential areas near you workplace so that commuting will never be a problem for you.

You also have to know your area’s cost of living, In L.A. some areas cost more than others. Find a place that’s not only within your means but also a comfortable place for you to stay.

Another tip: Los Angeles is considered a hot rental market. So the good apartments get easily taken. Apartment hunting in Los Angeles might seem daunting so be sure you’ll be getting what you’re paying for. Never rent blind.

Have your documents ready. Los Angeles has a low vacancy rate so lower-cost rentals are very competitive. Just with any business, you have to know your rights as well. If you live in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills or even West Hollywood, your home may be subject to rent stabilization so you’re assured it won’t be having unexpected high-ceiling rent rates.