You've decided to go rogue. Live on your own. Get your slice of the LA real estate pie. A one-bedroom is too expensive (and who needs that much space anyway?). Or you're going to live with that special someone, save some cash and get really cozy in the process. Either way, it's time to find the studio of your dreams... or at least one that will allow you to comfortably store your wall of shoes or that surfboard that you never really use (but one day!).
Here are three studio apartments that stand out for their size, amenities, location and of course, price.
1. Van Nuys. Fresh carpet, laundry on-site, a full kitchen and a balcony... oh, and nice landscaping and a pool. You can have air conditioning to combat the Valley heat and a cat to combat general boredom. As studios go, for $925 per month this is the total package. (Sepulveda Blvd and Valerio St)
They keep it clean around there.Photograph: Courtesy of Zumper
2. Mar Vista. Under $1K, west of the 405 and not a boat... yep, we found it. Having lived in this area for a while, I can tell you it's a pretty cool location with awesome restaurants like Alibi Room and The Corner Door within walking distance (plus, there's a Little Caesar's nearby, because you'll never know when a $5 Hot-N-Ready will be calling your name). This unit within the lushly landscaped complex has been completely renovated and includes a stove, refrigerator, microwave and laundry on-site. It's also just over three miles to the beach, so for $965 per month, you can proudly (or annoyingly) tell all your friends you're officially a "Westsider." (3936 Inglewood Blvd)
3. Westlake. At 550-square-feet and $900 per month, this studio puts you close to the action of MacArthur Park and Downtown. It was just renovated two years ago with granite counters, new kitchen cabinets and laminate hardwood floors that will allow you to dance around in your underwear and socks just like Tom Cruise in Risky Business. (463 Hartford Ave, #310)
If you're looking for a bit more space, try these 1-bedroom apartments under $1300 or 2-bedrooms under $2000.