HOUSING GUIDE 2021 UCLA LAW - HOUSING DATA NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED APARTMENT RATINGS - VeryApt
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REVIEWS AND ADVICE FROM CURRENT STUDENTS UCLA LAW HOUSING GUIDE 2021 HOUSING DATA TOP PROPERTIES NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED LANDLORD INFO APARTMENT RATINGS RENTER RESOURCES Intelligent Apartment Search
Where UCLA Law students live Who UCLA Law students live with 45% Westwood 30% Alone 25% Mar Vista 35% Spouse/partner 15% Sawtelle 35% Roommate 10% Santa Monica (excluding spouse/ 5% Other partner) 18% of UCLA Law students live with pets What type of properties UCLA What size residences UCLA Law Law students live in students live in 45% Large property (50+ 15% Studios units) 35% One bedrooms 30% Mid-size property (20-49 units) 40% Two bedrooms 25% Small property (2-9 10% Three or more units) bedrooms Distribution of property ratings Average rent by apartment size $1,600 STUDIO $2,000 1BR $2,450 2BR 20% 20% 30% 30% $4,000 3BR 0 - 6.9 7 - 7.9 8 - 8.9 9+ Rent versus own Commute methods 95% Rent 5% Own 44% 33% 13% 5% 2% Driving Public Walking Biking Rideshare Transit 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE GUIDE Start with the Housing Facts section. This section should help you determine the type of apartment you'd 2 HOUSING FACTS like to live in and how much you should expect to pay Our data on housing in rent. Read about different neighborhoods and narrow down your search to parts of the city that you like most. 5 ABOUT VERYAPT Using the VeryApt site alongside this Use the Apartment Ratings section to identify the guide best apartment buildings across the categories (e.g. best amenities, highest rated) that matter most to you. 7 NEIGHBORHOODS OVERVIEW Most popular neighborhoods for UCLA Visit VeryApt.com to read reviews, get pricing, and set Law Students up appointments for the apartments you like most. 9 Westwood 11 Mar Vista 12 Sawtelle ABOUT THE DATA IN THIS GUIDE 13 Santa Monica All of the data in this guide are based on feedback from real renters in Los Angeles. We asked students to rate their apartments on a scale of 1-10 across six categories: 14 DATA TABLE Compiled from UCLA Law student reviews 16 APARTMENT RATINGS Top apartments, based on the feedback of UCLA Law students Overall Value Management 16 Most Popular 17 Highest Rated 18 Best for Amenities 19 Best for Value 21 LANDLORDS Amenities Location Safety Ratings for landlords and management companies Based on their feedback, we compiled a list of the best apartment buildings for UCLA Law students. If you are interested in additional data that is not in the guide or have a housing question, you can reach us at contact@veryapt.com. DISCLAIMER: The reviews and ratings presented throughout the guide and the VeryApt website do not reflect the opinions, position, or endorsement of VeryApt. The responses and reviews presented are solely those of the survey respondents. VeryApt assumes no responsibility for readers' or users' interpretation of the data. The results do not in any way constitute a warranty or representation by VeryApt as to the quality, safety, or other features of a property. We encourage you to check all available sources of information about properties prior to renting.
Rent with Confidence Time Savers Intelligent Search All the information you need in a Personalized apartment single place. Photos, prices, floor recommendations based on the plans, maps, and amenities - amenities you want, your VeryApt has you covered. proximity to school or work, and your desired price range. Concierge Service Trusted Reviews On demand rental experts that Hundreds of verified apartment can provide apartment reviews from current and past recommendations, set up tenants that help you make an apartment tours, and help you informed decision about where with your rental application - all at you want to live. no extra cost. WHY WE STARTED VERYAPT VeryApt was born from the simple realization that the small things about an apartment are often the most important: a friendly doorman, lots of sunlight in the living room, a running trail nearby, or that amazing hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant across the street. We understand that the frustrations of apartment hunting are universal, but share a belief that it doesn't have to be. We know what makes an apartment truly feel like home is unique for each person and that's why our focus is on bringing you personalized recommendations based on timely, relevant, and real user reviews. We'll be there every step of the way to help you find your perfect apartment. Julia Rizio VP Operations juliar@veryapt.com 5
NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED An overview of the most popular neighborhoods for UCLA Law students 1 Westwood 2 Mar Vista Other Neighborhoods 45% of UCLA Law students 25% of UCLA Law students less than 5% each Because of its proximity to UCLA, its Residents here are usually students or attractive scenery within Westwood other university affiliates. All enjoy the 5 Bel Air Village, and its effortless blend of convenience of living near a lot of action sophistication and authenticity, and are willing to endure the traffic and Westwood is a very popular and active street noise that goes along with all the 6 Palms neighborhood. fun. 7 West LA 3 Sawtelle 4 Santa Monica 8 Mid City West 15% of UCLA Law students 10% of UCLA Law students Residents here are usually students or Santa Monica is great for students who other university affiliates. All enjoy the want to live in a walkable, safe area by convenience of living near a lot of action the beach and still have good nightlife and are willing to endure the traffic and and dining options. The neighborhood street noise that goes along with all the hosts fewer students than other areas fun. due to the timely commute to the UCLA campus and the difficult parking situation. 7
Westwood Scenic LA Neighborhood ABOUT WESTWOOD Westwood offers very close proximity to the UCLA campus and a relatively walkable environment within Westwood Village. The nearby green spaces and the overall safe feel of the neighborhood make it a great option for families with young children and pets. Though Westwood is a relatively affordable area, in true LA fashion, the neighborhood still manages to maintain a measure of high-end charm. Walkable Close to Campus Student Friendly Close to Transit MEDIAN RENTS IN WESTWOOD $1,640 $2,415 $3,175 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT WESTWOOD Review by UCLA Law Student 10401 WILSHIRE Review by UCLA Law student LEVERING ARMS Westwood is a great area for graduate and professional Neighborhood is primarily UCLA students so you'll be students who are not from LA. It is walkable (grocery, around a bunch of your classmates which is good with pharmacy, restaurants, etc.), which is nice. Campus is many things open till late. You can walk to Anderson close by, and a bus service runs from Weyburn directly within 20 mins. if need be which is a plus and there are to campus. plenty of stores and bars to keep people entertained. 9
Mar Vista Laid-Back Haven Near The Coast ABOUT MAR VISTA Mar Vista is a low-key, residential neighborhood with convenient access to roads stretching all over West LA. A short drive to stores and a straight shot down Venice Blvd to the beach are huge pulls for the residents. The area is popular with students and young families who enjoy the laidback feel of the area. Safe Limited Bars and Restaurants Nearby Stores Residential Beautiful Houses MEDIAN RENTS IN MAR VISTA $1,200 $1,375 $2,500 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT MAR VISTA Review by UCLA Law Student Review by UCLA Law Student WESTWOOD APTS Very family oriented, with lots of single family This is one of the safer areas in LA, it’s about a 15 to 20 residences. Great farmers market on Sunday and very minute drive to UCLA, and the same distance to the chill vibe. Some good restaurant choices on Venice, but beach. It’s also conveniently right at the intersection of also not far from Sawtelle’s Japanese food area. the 405 and 10 highways. There is a very nice neighborhood across the street where we can walk, and there is a park. It is right next to a highway and Sawtelle is a busy street, so it can be quite loud. 11
Sawtelle Close To UCLA And The Beach ABOUT SAWTELLE Sawtelle is a popular option for UCLA students looking for proximity to campus and a short trip to the beach. While there are many great restaurants and shops in the area, some of them cater to a slightly older clientele and can be a bit pricey. Lively Great for Students Close to Campus Safe Bad Traffic MEDIAN RENTS IN SAWTELLE $1,800 $2,200 $2,900 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT SAWTELLE Review by UCLA Law Student AMHERST RO. Review by UCLA Law Student BARRY HILL Many Anderson and UCLA students around so never a This neighborhood has a lot of UCLA Anderson dull moment. The area feels comfortable even at night. students, it's close to campus, as well as some good All of the worthy restaurants are on Sawtelle blvd which ramen and bar options. I like living in this area because is great if you appreciate ramen. You will most likely even though I don't have a car, I can always find a ride branch out for more to do but it provides great proximity with a fellow student in the area or take the bus which is to UCLA and everywhere else very close. Also, I like being within walking distance of restaurants. 12
Santa Monica Coastal City With A Lot To Offer ABOUT SANTA MONICA Santa Monica is an iconic West LA neighborhood nestled right into the coast. You can enjoy upscale retail and restaurants on the Third Street Promenade, stroll down the Santa Monica Pier and visit the Pacific Park amusement park, and enjoy relaxing waves on the beach all in this beautiful city. Close to the Beach Beautiful Views Relaxing Third Street Promenade MEDIAN RENTS IN SANTA MONICA $2,100 $2,500 $4,100 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT SANTA MONICA Review by UCLA Law Student NMS 1548 Review by UCLA Law SANTA MONICA SANDPIPER Tons to do, close to the beach, easy commute to school Great neighborhood, great location. Wouldn't trade and great proximity to most school events. living this close to the beach for anything. 13
APARTMENT KEY Excellent for a category RATINGS •••• $$$$ $2400+ per renter ••• Great $$$ $2280- $2399 •• Average $$ $2190- $2279 • Below average $ < $2190 * Prices subject to change and may vary significantly by room type s ilie e lar nt yp ts Fam ge me pu Pe yT s an itie Po ge for for er t R g y en l na lue cia st tin fet ce p st st Am Mo Ma Pro Pri Va Ra Be Be So Sa 10401 Wilshire Apartments Apt 9.4 $$$$ •••• •••• ••• •• •••• 1816 Fairburn Ave Apt 8.0 $$ ••• •• •••• •• •• 607 Marine St Apt 8.0 $$ •••• ••• ••• •••• •• Avalon Playa Vista Apt 7.5 $$$ ••• ••• ••• ••• •• AVEN Apt 8.5 $$$ •••• •••• ••• ••• •••• Barry Hill Apt 8.1 $$ •••• •• ••• •• •••• Brent Manor Apt 7.0 $$ •••• •• •• ••• •••• C on Pico Apt 9.5 $$$ •••• •• •• •• •• Casa Granada Apt 8.6 $ ••• ••• • •• •••• CentrePointe Apartments Apt 8.5 $$ •••• •••• •••• •• •••• El Greco Lofts Apt 8.0 $$$ •••• •• •• •••• ••• Lincoln Place Apartment Homes Apt 7.0 $$$ ••• •• •• •• •• Lindbrook Manor Apt 8.1 $$$ ••• •••• ••• •••• •••• Madison at Town Center Apt 8.8 $$ •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• Midvale Court Apt 9.2 $ •• ••• •• ••• •••• Mysuite at Cara West Apt 8.6 $$$ •••• •••• ••• ••• •••• Olive Court Apt 8.5 $$ •• ••• •• •••• ••• Park La Brea Apt 8.0 $ •••• •••• •• ••• •••• Parkview Apartments Apt 8.0 $$ ••• •• • •• ••• Picasso Brentwood Apt 8.6 $$ •••• ••• •••• ••• •••• ** Buildings with fewer than 3 reviews or ratings below 7.0 are not listed in this guide but reviews can be found online at VeryApt.com. *** Some buildings with fewer than 3 reviews are included above because of high ratings but do not appear in the top 10 lists. 14
APARTMENT RATINGS s ilie e lar nt yp ts Fam ge me pu Pe yT s an itie Po ge for for er t R g y en l na lue cia st tin fet ce p st st Am Mo Ma Pro Pri Va Ra Be Be So Sa Purdue Ohio Apt 8.5 $ •• •• ••• •• •• Sunset + Vine Apt 8.0 $$ •• •••• •••• •••• •• Terrace at the Grove Apt 7.0 $$ ••• •• •• •• ••• The Colony Apt 7.2 $$ ••• •• •• •• ••• The Glendon at Westwood Village Apt 7.5 $$$$ •• •••• •• •• •• Venice-Barry Apartments Apt 9.0 $$$ ••• ••• •••• •• •• Veteran Plaza Apt 7.0 $ •• •• •• ••• •• The SW by CLG Apt 8.8 $$ •••• ••• ••• ••• •••• University Village Apartments Apt 8.2 $ ••• ••• •••• •••• •• Venice-Barry Apartments Apt 9.0 $$$ ••• ••• •••• •• •• Veteran Plaza Apt 7.0 $ •• •• •• ••• •• Westwood Kelton Towers Apt 7.5 $$ ••• •• •• •• •• Westwood Village Apt 9.0 $$ •••• •• ••• •••• •• Weyburn Terrace Apt 7.4 $ ••• •• •• ••• ••• Weyburn Terrace Paseo Apt 7.9 $ •• •• ••• •• ••• Wilshire Summit Apt 9.0 $$ •• ••• •••• •••• ••• Woodcliff Apt 7.0 $$$ ••• ••• •• •• ••• ABOUT OUR CATEGORIES Living Situation Ratings Property Type Families How students with partners and/or children rated the building. Pet Owners How students with pets rated the building. Apartment (Apt) Properties with one building manager. Often have consistent pricing/features. Building Quality Ratings Condo Properties with multiple owners. Lease terms and features can vary significantly by unit. Management Maintenance and service quality. Amenities In-room and building features beyond the basics. Key Building Factor Ratings Value Building quality given cost of rent. Overall Rating Overall feedback on building quality. Social Building community and social scene. Popularity Estimated # of students in the building. Safety Building neighborhood safety. 15
MOST 1 st UNIVERSITY VILLAGE APARTMENTS Mar Vista $ 20+ PEOPLE POPULAR Buildings with the most UCLA Law students READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by UCLA Law Student “My wife and I lived in Palms for a couple months, but this What UCLA Law students typically look for: neighborhood was a huge improvement. Can’t beat these prices either!” Excellent location 2 nd Reasonably-priced WEYBURN TERRACE $ 15+ apartments Westwood PEOPLE Solid amenities Review by UCLA Law Student “Everything is set up -- all you have to do is move in. Couldn't be more convenient!” 3 rd WEYBURN TERRACE PASEO 10+ Westwood $ PEOPLE Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR $1,500 $2,050 $2,895 $4,050 TOP 5 Review by UCLA Law Student “Pre-furnished, owned by the university so they’re good about fixing stuff, flexible move in dates, all in all a super easy way to UNIVERSITY VILLAGE move to LA from places far away” 1st APARTMENTS 20+ PEOPLE 2nd WEYBURN TERRACE 15+ PEOPLE WEYBURN TERRACE 3rd PASEO 10+ PEOPLE WESTWOOD KELTON 4th TOWERS 5+ PEOPLE 10401 WILSHIRE 4th APARTMENTS 5+ PEOPLE 16
HIGHEST 1 st 10401 WILSHIRE APARTMENTS Westwood $$$$ 9.8 OVERALL RATED RATING Buildings with the best overall ratings READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by UCLA Law Student What the highest-rated properties typically offer: “Rent includes all utilities and one reserved parking spot with the ability to valet guest parking. Small but serviceable gym. Older building but units are new and renovated. Property manager is very on top of things and maintenance requests are handled immediately. Friendly doormen. Central location to campus and High-end amenities Westwood Village, Westfield Century City Mall, Beverly Hills, etc.; however, not really walkable.” Close proximity to work/ school Nearby stores/grocery 2 nd WESTSIDE VILLAS $$$ 9.5 OVERALL Excellent management West Los Angeles RATING Review by UCLA Law Student “It's been an excellent experience here so far. The property is clean and secure. Management is very responsive to concerns, and maintenance requests are typically resolved within 1-2 days. There's a roof deck with tables and lounge chairs, a big value add. It's walking distance from Ralphs and Century City mall. No complaints.” Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 3 rd $1,700 $2,250 $3,095 $4,250 WESTWOOD VILLAGE $$ 9.3 OVERALL Westwood RATING TOP 5 10401 WILSHIRE 1st APARTMENTS 9.8 OVERALL RATING 2nd WESTSIDE VILLAS 9.5 OVERALL RATING Review by UCLA Law Student "Really solid spot. Not a bad commute either!" 3rd WESTWOOD VILLAGE 9.3 OVERALL RATING 4th WILSHIRE SUMMIT 9.0 OVERALL RATING 5th WESTSIDE 8.8 OVERALL RATING 17
BEST FOR 1 st WESTSIDE Mar Vista $$$ 9.4 AMENITY AMENITIES RATING Highest-rated properties for amenities READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by UCLA Law Student What top amenity properties typically offer: “It's spacious and the commute to campus can be annoying, but a manageable 15-20 minutes. Central to just about anything you could want in West LA.” Great common spaces 1 st Convenient location THE GLENDON AT WESTWOOD VILLAGE 9.4 Westwood $$$$ AMENITY RATING Excellent management Newer construction Review by UCLA Law Student “State of the art facilities include newly remodeled pool, gym, climbing wall, and locker room. The property is extremely nice. This large development is extremely nice with underground garage and multiple fountains throughout the property. Location is also excellent for those who want to be in Westwood; close to all the local restaurants and walking distance to campus. I hardly ever use my car." 3 rd PARK LA BREA $ 9.2 Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR Mid City West AMENITY RATING $1,750 $2,250 $3,195 $4,250 TOP 5 1st WESTSIDE 9.4 AMENITY RATING Review by UCLA Law Student “The apartment is absolutely fine but definitely too expensive. THE GLENDON AT 1st WESTWOOD VILLAGE 9.4 AMENITY RATING I'm here because my housing plans fell through at the very last minute, so one pro is that there are always units available and they can move you in very quickly after you apply." 3rd PARK LA BREA 9.2 AMENITY RATING 4th SUNSET + VINE 9.0 AMENITY RATING 5th LINDBROOK MANOR 8.7 AMENITY RATING 18
BEST FOR 1 st UNIVERSITY VILLAGE APARTMENTS Mar Vista $ 9.6 VALUE VALUE RATING Highest-rated properties for value READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by UCLA Law Student What top value properties typically offer: “Loved my time here, it is hard to beat the proximity to both the beach and campus for the price. Have to enter a lottery with Uasra to get it though.” Great price-to-space trade off 2 nd WESTSIDE VILLAS $$$ 9.4 Good location West Los Angeles VALUE RATING Solid amenities and basic features Review by UCLA Law Student "Great place to live. Conveniently located to the Century City Mall! It doesn't get any better than this. Close to school and living in a beautiful community. Can't get any better than this." 3 rd WILSHIRE SUMMIT $$ 9.2 VALUE Westwood RATING Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR $1,500 $2,050 $2,895 $4,050 TOP 5 Review by UCLA Law Student “The layout of the 2-bedroom unit is ideal for me and my UNIVERSITY VILLAGE roommate (also a law student). The unit is situated like 2 1st APARTMENTS 9.6 VALUE RATING spacious suites on either side of the common space ( living room and kitchen). This means that my roommate and I have what feels like our own individual studios, but also plenty of space to 2nd WESTSIDE VILLAS 9.4 VALUE RATING host guests and enjoy meals together. There are TONS of storage (my room alone has 3 big closets). Because we have our own bathrooms and bedrooms, we enjoy lots of privacy." 3rd WILSHIRE SUMMIT 9.2 VALUE RATING 4th SUNSET + VINE 9.0 VALUE RATING 10401 WILSHIRE 5th APARTMENTS 8.2 VALUE RATING 19
Townhomes Smaller properties and how to find them ABOUT TOWNHOMES Townhomes are apartments in older buildings, typically a few stories tall. They Finding a townhome usually do not have a doorman, an elevator, Townhomes can be challenging to find because they tend to be or many amenities, but can be cheaper and individually owned and do not have full time leasing managers. more spacious than the apartment and Townhome listings are typically available ~60 days in advance. You condo units in high-rises. can find a townhome by searching online listings, contacting a WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A TOWNHOME landlord directly, or by working with VeryApt's Concierge Team who can help identify some options. CHEAPER LARGER FLOOR PLANS 3+ BEDROOMS AVAILABLE MORE PRIVACY Preparing for a townhome search Most UCLA Law students opt for larger properties in order to live WHY YOU MAY WANT TO AVOID A TOWNHOME closer to other students and simplify the housing search. That said, there are plenty of wonderful townhomes - be prepared to visit NO DOORMAN LESS CONVENIENT LOCATIONS more properties to find that perfect home, carefully examine the OLDER CONSTRUCTION LIMITED AMENITIES pros/cons, and move quickly if you find a unit you love. MORE MAINTENANCE ISSUES TIPS AND ADVICE Reliable Landlords Noise and Neighbors Lease Terms Check online reviews and talk to Sounds often travel well through Leases with independent landlords previous tenants to find out about townhomes and you can easily be are negotiable. Check your lease for your landlord. Look for one that disturbed by barking dogs, music, or restrictions on sub-letters and visitor responds quickly to maintenance construction. Check out the policies. You may be able to avoid a requests and has a history of surrounding area to get a sense for rent increase by locking in a longer returning deposits. what it may be like. lease.
LANDLORD GRADES and the Renting Process GRADE LANDLORD Understanding THE RENTING PROCESS A- AvalonBay If this is your first time renting, here is a heads up on what the process is like: Application process A+ E&S Ring Management Corporation You will be asked to fill out an application for an apartment. Likely this will include an application fee ($30-50) and potentially a deposit (up to one month’s rent). If you’re an international student, you A+ Equity Residential may have to provide alternate information - in the absence of a social security number, bank accounts, etc., often landlords will accept your visa documents and acceptance letter. Landlords will use your A+ Greystar information to approve you based only on your credit history and income. In the event where there are issues, a landlord may grant the application on the condition that a guarantor cosigns the lease. A+ Kenneth Management Group After you're approved A landlord will often ask for a security deposit and prepaid rent. A landlord typically charges up to two months' rent as a security deposit and will ask for up A+ Moss & Company to two months in prepaid rent. Anything beyond this is more than normal. At the end of your lease and after you give proper notification that you are moving out (typically 60-90 days), the landlord has A NMS Properties 30 days to return the security deposit at the end of the lease. The landlord may not return the deposit in full if there are claimed damages to the property or other charges outstanding. A+ Prime Group What to look out for Check for additional charges or obligations that could cost you more than the listed price of a property. This A- Windsor Communities could include move-in/move-out fees, renters insurance requirements, condo fees, common electrical fees, etc. Definitely ask about what previous electrical/utility bills have been to get a feel for any additional monthly costs there may be. Be sure to research the landlord and management company Landlord Grades before placing any sort of deposit. If you have any Grades were assigned to landlords by using a specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at combination of management ratings and overall contact@veryapt.com. ratings for the properties they manage. 21
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