I’d second Westside Rentals too – got both of my last places through them.
It sucks that they charge, but there really isn’t anything else that compares to it for rental properties.
BTW – if you know of any other people in the same boat (ie just moved to L.A, need a rental), then pool your money together and share the password.
Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone looking at the moment, or I’d pass on an already paid for password.
I’d also second that L.A is big, dirty and expensive – I’d so be outta here if my husband didn’t have a good job in Santa Monica.
If you’re working in SM, and are horrifed by the prices (you’re not the only one), you might consider renting in West L.A – west of Centinela (90025, 90024). Its a tad less expensive than SM proper, and has a lot of apartments/condos/townhouses.
Venice is a double-edged sword: there’s some very nice parts, and some really awful parts, and often these two are on the other side of the road from each other!
Venice is also insanely crowded in summer – but if you don’t mind looky loos walking past your house checking it out every 30 seconds, then its possible to find some nice SFRs further inland. But, like a lot of Westside, its very crowded and cramped – SFRs rarely come with more than a 5000 sq ft lot. Plus the traffic all over Westside has increased exponentially in the last 6 or so years.
Personally, I’d be tempted to live over the hill in the south San Fernando Valley – Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Studio City, etc…houses are bigger, as are lots, tend to be cheaper and a lot quieter traffic-wise.
To its detriment, its about 12 miles from Santa Monica, over small north-south canyon roads (or the 405) that can get very congested in the rush hour.
Plus, of course, you would have to live with the stigma of being a ‘Valley Dweller”.