matthijs1990

Thanks for your replies, guys! It sounds like the SF Valley then! I won't exclude other areas, but the amount and quality of affordable one BR apartments are just so much better up there.... Ah yes, I've been warned about the heat. I can live with that easily, no worries. I'll probably be spending most of the day in Westwood anyways:). Thanks for the warnings on LA traffic. I am considering taking the mountain passes, which I hope will significantly reduce the chance of an accident (or in the least reduces chances of serious injury). Because it is not too far to UCLA, it seems fairly reasonable to take that route....

Hi guys! I am in the same boat as some of you as well! Moving to Los Angeles (from Europe) for a funded PhD program at UCLA. I've been looking at 1 bedroom apartments in the LA area and it struck me how there pretty affordable 1000-1100 dollar apartments in the southern part of the San Fernando Valley (Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys etc.). I am aware of the traffic difficulties, which is why I opted to buy a motorcycle (this will significantly reduce the costs of transport in more than one way). Would you guys think this is a feasible option? I won't stop looking in the other areas south and east of UCLA, but the SF Valley seems pretty attractive.... Thanks!