Need advice re: apartments/NoHo

[huskerlaw]

Ok, here's my situation. I'm moving to Los Angeles next month from Nebraska. Obviously, this is a MAJOR change. Unfortunately, I've had to find an apartment in less than a month and I'm moving in sight unseen.

I found the place on the internet, saw quite a few pictures, etc. It looks like a really nice place, great floorplan, and the management has been very helpful so far.

But here's my problem. After I put money down to hold the apartment, I stumbled upon an apartment review website. The reviews aren't so fabulous for this complex. Lots of complaints about noise, a not-so-great neighborhood, some rather unsavory people in the complex, etc. For those of you familiar with LA, it's in North Hollywood, close to the NoHo Metro stop. However, virtually none of the apartments on this site get decent ratings...so I don't know how seriously to take the reviews.

My options at this point are fairly limited. I pretty much have to take this apartment, since I'm moving in 3 weeks. I'm currently looking at a 6 month lease, but there is an option for a 3 month lease. Problem there is it's an additional $200/month. I'm thinking I'll bite the bullet and pay the extra money so I can get the hell out of there if necessary.

So...thoughts? ideas? Anyone familiar with that part of NoHo? HELP!

[Kikosexy2]

1. I've had..

friends live close to the area you're talking about...those complexes around there are pretty overpopulated...one sure sign is how many cars are parked in the streets. If there's too many, i.e. hardly any parking to be found, then you really don't want to live in such a hood. I'm currently looking to move elsewhere myself as my hood has become too overpopulated and this is East L.A.

[huskerlaw]

2. hmmm

That doesn't sound so good. How is the neighborhood in general? Crime/drugs/theft, etc.?

[Autumn Colors]

3. I don't know NoHo, but

I used to live in this apt complex and liked it. The neighborhood was ok and the apt complex itself, along with the parking, is gated.

http://www.rancholosfeliz.com/

[Kikosexy2]

9. If the complex has...

gated or its own parking facility then that's fine. But if you're stuck with just street parking--yikes! That's one of the first things I look at is the neighborhood--too many street parked cars--then it's a no go--it's what I'm trying to get away from now.

[Autumn Colors]

10. The Rancho Los Feliz street parking ok too

One of my friends was living there before me and whenever I went to visit, I never had any problem finding a parking space on the surrounding side streets. It's the only apt complex in that neighborhood - surrounded mostly by one-family homes. It's (literally) only a few blocks from the Glendale city line.

[Kikosexy2]

13. NoHo..

is cool...love going to the gay bars/clubs Lodge and Oil Can Harry's. And there's other shops and cafes abound. As well as having Universal Studios right there too.

[huskerlaw]

14. Thanks

I'll definitely keep that complex in mind!

[LSparkle]

4. I just drove through there about two weeks ago

and found myself considering moving there. Convenient to Metro (and with the high gas prices, I wish I could use it more -- I live in Burbank and there's no Metro stops there), close to interesting coffee houses, restaurants, a live theater, and several commercial developments under construction. NoHo gets a bad rap because in the past it has attracted "unsavory characters" but it also attracts creative people (lots of studios in the area) and it's definitely changing. I think you need to get there and take the temperature for yourself; don't necessarily believe the reviews.

[kahleefornia]

6. yes, I've heard it called the "Arts District". nt

[huskerlaw]

8. Really?

Well that's comforting. And yes, the metro station is one of the reasons I found that particular area attractive. I'll be working downtown, so the idea of not paying for gas or dealing with the traffic was very attractive.

Thanks for the info.

[LSparkle]

11. "NoHo Arts District" banners are all over the place

There are a few galleries springing up and the coffee houses also display art -- it's one area of the valley that seems a bit more funky (not white bread, pickup truck, all the cliches you may have encountered). If you're working downtown, this sounds like a good situation at least to begin with -- relatively cheap rent, convenient commute -- and you can always move after 3/6 months. Best of luck!

[kahleefornia]

5. I don't know specifically,

but I would go for the 3 month lease if you can afford it. Every suburb has pockets of good & bad, especially in the valley. If you have time to look, you can find really good apartments just about anywhere. If you get to this place, and it's good, I'm sure you could convert to a longer lease term.

What about a place like Extended Stay America, kind of a hotel with weekly rates & small kitchens? You could stay there temporarily while you look.

Good luck - it will take a while to get settled and figure everything out, but you'll like it. Use craigslist a lot, and feel free to email me if you have other questions. I live in Reseda.

[huskerlaw]

7. Thank you

I'm pretty sure I'm going with the 3 month. I think the cost is well worth the peace of mind. That way if I hate it, I can leave. And as you said, I'll have time to find something else or be able to get a longer lease. :)

[Beaverhausen]

12. PM me the address

I can have a better idea exactly where you are talking about. some of that area is nice, some is iffy.

Lots to do close by.

[yurbud]

15. The Valley is always ten degrees hotter than LA