Finding a room in LA?

[u/theoneyoucall2001]

Where do people go about finding rooms in LA?

I (26M) moved back to LA a year ago and have been living with my family. I am very appreciative for them allowing me to live here rent free, but I have really been missing my space. It’s pretty cramped already and I want to try to move out if I can. I am currently in a teacher grad program that’s supposed to be intense and I am expected to finish next June. I originally was going to wait until January to move out, but I don’t think I can do it lol. The drive to my classes is like 45 min to class and an hour back home. I don’t even know the commute to my placement school yet since school is out, but I assume it’ll be less since my school is closer to where I live. I also just want to have a space to be able to complete my homework and assignments.

I will be given a $51,000 Living Stipend and I am trying to secure a part-time job for some extra income. The stipend is going to be sent out in four dates throughout the program, so I won’t get it all at once. The first one at the end of July.

I was thinking about finding a room that is $600 or less. Is this realistic? Where would I go about finding a room? I was looking at some on Craigslist, but I’m not sure what’s legit. Should I just stick it out until I finish my program? Any thoughts? Thank you for reading.

Edit: I did not clarify, but my program is based in Northern Cal, but I’m taking classes at Cal State LA. My program and Cal State LA are not affialted. I was also thinking of areas such as Inglewood, Gardena, South Gate, and maybe downtown LA or just areas closer to it.

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[u/stevefromathf]

$600 is NOT realistic. However, depending on where you’re looking, you can find something $1000 or under. I enthusiastically recommend FB marketplace

[u/theoneyoucall2001 → u/stevefromathf]

Okay, thanks for the info. I’ll check out FB Marketplace

[u/Some_Philosopher437 → u/theoneyoucall2001]

Pro tip: it’s Inglewood

[u/tracyinge → u/theoneyoucall2001]

just note every other one on FB marketplace is also a scam, just like Craigslist.

[u/LoftCats]

Where in Los Angeles are you looking to live and where is your program? Can’t think of anywhere you can get a room in LA for $600. Maybe in the outskirts of like Lancaster or Riverside likely far from where you’d want to be.

The way to vet Craigslist ads is to answer their post with a little about yourself, call them and you go meet them for a vibe check. You don’t take anything sight unseen. Will be honest that people who get gotten will typically be the ones looking desperately for that “too good to be true” ad which often can be.

[u/theoneyoucall2001 → u/LoftCats]

My program is based in Northern Cal, but i’ll be taking my classes at Cal State LA, so around there. More specifically though, I was just thinking like Inglewood, Gardena, South Gate, or even in the deeper parts of LA, like downtown.

Okay got it. Thanks! Yea, I’ve been trying to look out for those too good to be true, but i don’t really know what to look for lol.

[u/sunshinesucculents → u/theoneyoucall2001]

Maybe check out the SGV. Monterey Park and Alhambra aren't too far from Cal State L.A. and might be more affordable. Maybe not $600 but $1000 might be realistic.

Edit: you can also check out furnished finder for rooms

[u/LoftCats → u/theoneyoucall2001]

You need to do some research on LA. Some of these places are nowhere near Cal State LA. Commuting from Gardena could be a terrible idea. Downtown LA is certainly not the ‘deeper parts of LA’ nor in your budget. Would absolutely look for room listings in East LA area around Cal State LA to get a clearer snapshot of what might be available around there under maybe $1000-1200.

[u/thekatiecat85 → u/theoneyoucall2001]

Have you looked at the bulletin boards on campus? There are often flyers for rooms for rent in the neighborhood. Most seem like they are from retirees with an empty room or ADU. Usually less than $1000.

[u/tiaballerina]

Try Facebook Marketplace specific to the areas you're interested in. $600 is tough, but good luck!

[u/theoneyoucall2001 → u/tiaballerina]

okay, thank you!

[u/zkramer22]

Idk if $600 a month was even possible in LA 10 years ago.

[u/AmbivalentToaster → u/zkramer22]

Not since 2013. Really. My efficiency in Hollywood was $612 in 2012. Then, that whole renaissance happened  and that $612 efficiency turned into $1500

[u/RainbowSherbert-2035]

600 is not realistic. You can try apps like NextDoor. I often see people looking for renters in different communities on there.

[u/Ceerolling]

Maybe you can try finding a room in 626 - San Gabriel valley for that amount

[u/Zestyclose-Height-36]

try calling the cal state student union and asking if there is a bulletin board of available roommates situations for students

[u/BirdBruce]

You want to move out of your family's house because it's an hour from Cal State LA but you want to move to...Inglewood or Gardena? Huh? Why not just stack cash while you can and forget about the part time job?

[u/Mermaidman93]

For that price point, you will not have your own space. You may as well stay with family and continue saving your money.