LA / SoCal housing is so expensive. What to do?

**scfr** · 01-02-2013, 06:26 AM

If you don't want a roommate and don't want to spend a large percentage of your income on housing, then expand your search to include "so-so" studios. As long as it is safe & not a health hazard, what more do you really NEED? The less you spend now, the more you will have to spend in the future (on a home of your own, retirement, etc.)

Don't forget to factor in how where you live influences other areas of your budget. For example, if you live within a short walking distance to work, it might be worth paying a bit more on rent because you can eliminate or greatly reduce car expenses and food expenses (you'll spend less time on commuting and have more time to prep meals and will be better able to resist the urge to eat out).

**disneysteve** · 01-02-2013, 06:33 AM

Originally posted by newguy View Post

I only want to spend of maximum of 28% of my take home for housing

PS. I don't want to get a roommate.

Originally posted by scfr View Post

If you don't want a roommate and don't want to spend a large percentage of your income on housing, then expand your search to include "so-so" studios.

I agree that if you want to keep housing under 28%(which I totally agree with) but insist on living alone, then you need to expand your search and be less picky about where you live. That might mean a smaller space, a longer commute, a less desirable neighborhood, etc.

If you do get a raise, that will raise that $812 figure somewhat which will help. Another option is to get a second part-time job to boost your income.

**MonkeyMama** · 01-02-2013, 06:42 AM

Agreed with the others. When I lived in a High Cost area I *never* lived alone. That was just a completely ridiculous luxury, financially. It's not like I preferred having roommates, but I had no other choice.

Other ideas:

House sit (long-term house sitting gigs - while saving up money for the long run)
Get a second job or seek out other sources of income
move to another city

If it is *that* important to you, you will find options.

Another thing some of my friends did was rent apartments attached to residences. They often did not have a full kitchen, but would have a private entry/private room and be priced far more reasonably than an apartment.

I don't recommend this for the short run, or until you have 20% down payment saved up, etc., but for the long run, keep an eye on condos and townhomes. When I moved in with my spouse it was considerably cheaper to buy an apartment than to rent one. I don't think you are in that position yet, and don't want to encourage this for today, but something to think about for the more long-term if you are committed to staying in the area.

**snafu** · 01-03-2013, 07:41 PM

Have you examined the possibility of a 'Mother-in-law' type suite, often a remodeled basement or garage in a house? These are often illegal for zoning but adequate quarters. They aren't listed by agencies but you could check Craigslist or try a free ad asking what you want based on the ads you see.

**AccountantSalary** · 01-07-2013, 08:14 PM

How far are you willing to commute to live with the luxury of NOT having a roommate. Can you live in Riverside or Diamond Bar and endure the multi-hour commute? I know people who do that.

I know when I first started out in L.A., I needed to have a roommate because a short commute was the important thing for me.

**newguy** · 01-09-2013, 08:27 AM

Thank you for the reply.

I don't really want to get a second part-time job cause I'm working M-F 8-5 and I feel like weekends should be my rest day , but I do accept some free lance work sometimes, its my second source of income but its not really consistent but at least I can do it at home.

I don't like room mates or apartments attached to residences like the so called 'mother in law' suite.

Well, the best thing I can do right now is I'll just have to wait til Feb and see what happens. Hopefully I'll get a raise on my 1 year evaluation with my current job and if I do, I might get a decent 1 bedroom ranging from $850 to $950, if I don't I'll probably just get a small studio ranging from $800+. I found a couple of small studios from $800 which is 'okay'.

Thanks guys for the advice.

**MonkeyMama** · 01-09-2013, 09:25 AM

FWIW, I don't think that a $800/month apartment is a "ridiculous luxury" given your income. I think you have the income to swing it. Other things might have to give. But it is what it is.

Just to clarify from my earlier comment.

My experience was basically spending as little as possible until able to save up the down payment on a condo. I really have no idea how one rents and saves to own, otherwise. (Beyond for it taking more a decade or decades to save up). So the short-term sacrifices paid off immensely in the long run. So just some food for thought. But, beyond that, people do it every day and are fine. If living 100% alone is a priority, then other things are what give. We have never spent any large sums on vehicles, just as an example. That is the obvious sacrifice when it comes to high housing costs, as cars are usually the next most expensive living expense. People who do well in high cost areas just re-prioritize.

**scfr** · 01-09-2013, 04:00 PM

[QUOTE=newguy;344513I found a couple of small studios from $800 which is 'okay'.
[/QUOTE]

Good to see you are willing to keep an open mind about this option.

For the short term, "okay" really is OK!

**homein2007** · 01-09-2013, 07:39 PM

Consider challenging your decision about living with roommates. I have lived in San Francisco and now live in San Diego. I suggest sitting down on a trial basis with MANY potential roommates on Craigslist until you feel comfortable with the interview process.

**snafu** · 01-10-2013, 02:18 PM

Suggest you start listing all the items you'll need for independent living from furniture to small bits like hangers, light bulbs & tp. How much will set up cost? Where will you get best bang for the buck? The cheapest isn't necessarily the best value per unit.

**dawnwes** · 01-13-2013, 04:46 PM

If you work in the Valley, you don't need to live in Burbank or N. Hollywood. That may be a desire, but it isn't a necessity.

You can go further West or North and save quite a bit. Things get cheaper further out. That is one option.

Another option is to find a small guest house in the back of someone's house. There are those around.

As a last resort, you could either rent a room from someone (I rented a room from an older single lady for 3 years in Burbank and saved a fortune while I was still single) or find a roommate.

Bottom line, you may not get all you want in the price range in which you are looking. You may need to adjust your expectations.

Dawn

**BrokeMike** · 02-25-2013, 08:10 AM

Originally posted by AccountantSalary View Post

How far are you willing to commute to live with the luxury of NOT having a roommate. Can you live in Riverside or Diamond Bar and endure the multi-hour commute? I know people who do that.

I know when I first started out in L.A., I needed to have a roommate because a short commute was the important thing for me.

Wow with gas prices every 10 extra miles you have to commute to work can turn into another $100 or so a month. So if you're saving $200 living 10 miles further, its not really THAT much more. Just something else to consider in this beautiful economy.

**~bs** · 02-26-2013, 03:46 PM

I also live in a pretty high cost area. You pay for wjat you get... if youre relativey young nothing wrong with roommates or small studios. I think learnimg to live with less is an important life lesson

LA / SoCal housing is so expensive. What to do?