REVIEWS AND ADVICE FROM 500+ STUDENTS UCLA ANDERSON HOUSING GUIDE 2016-2017 Housing data neighborhoods explained apartment ratings top properties Landlord grades renter resources Intelligent Apartment Search
Where UCLA Anderson MBA students Live 41% Sawtelle/Brentwood 25% Westwood 14% Mar Vista/Palms 9% Santa Monica 11% Elsewhere in LA area Who UCLA Anderson MBA students Live With 15% Alone 50% Roommate (excluding spouse/partner) 35% Spouse/partner *10% of students live with pets **10% of students have children What Types of Properties UCLA Anderson MBA students Live In What Size Residences UCLA Anderson MBA students Live In 69% Mid- or High-rise Apartment Buildings 16% Standalone Apartment Units, Lowrises, and Houses 15% Mid- or High-rise Condo Buildings 9% Studios or Efficiencies 25% One Bedrooms 44% Two Bedrooms 22% Three or more Bedrooms Distribution of Overall s Average Rent by Apartment Size STUDIO 1,800 1BR 1,950 2BR 2,100 0-6.9 7.0-7.9 8.0-8.9 9.0-10 14% 25% 30% 32% 3BR 3,500 Student Housing versus Other Most Frequent Transit Method STUDENT HOUSING 23% OTHER 77% Driving/Cab 66% Public Transit 20% Walking 8% Bike/Other 6% 2
Contents 2 Housing facts Our data on UCLA Anderson housing If you enjoy the guide, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! 3 4 6 10 17 Table of Contents What s in the 2016-2017 UCLA Anderson housing guide Very.com and LA Overview Using the Very website alongside this guide with Scott Bierbryer, Co-Founder of Very Neighborhood Guides Sawtelle/Brentwood, Westwood, Mar Vista/Palms, Santa Monica Apartment s Compiled from 500+ student reviews 11 12 13 14 15 16 Most popular apartments Highest rated apartments Best for families Best for pet owners Best amenities Best value Renter resources Landlord grades, renting process explained Questions or comments on the housing guide? Contact Scott Bierbryer, Co-Founder of Very at: scott@veryapt.com (561) 271-3202 Disclaimer facebook.com/veryaptco @veryapt The reviews and ratings presented throughout this guide and the Very website do not reflect the opinions, position or endorsement of Very or UCLA. The responses and reviews presented are solely those of the survey respondents. Very and UCLA assume no responsibility for readers or users interpretation of the data. The results do not in any way constitute a warranty or representation by Very or UCLA as to the quality, safety, or other features of a property. Students are encouraged to check all available sources of information about properties prior to leasing. The data in this guide is compiled from UCLA Anderson students, though this guide is not an official publication of UCLA. Finally, we do not alter results or edit reviews based on any outside partnerships. However, Featured content (unlike Top content) is often supplied by partners who helped support this guide, or are from new properties that lack reviews but are likely relevant to students. 3
Use our intelligent search algorithm to receive a list of top properties Explore property details and reviews Book viewings directly with property managers and leasing agents Intelligent Apartment Search Why we started Very, and how we can help you find your perfect apartment My housing search began around this time a few years ago. After the initial excitement of getting accepted into grad school and I ran out of Game of Thrones episodes to watch on my company computer, I figured I needed to find a place to live. I really didn t know anything about the city, so I approached every person I knew who went to school or worked in the area to learn more. Countless Google searches, Craigslist refreshes, and spreadsheet tables later, I figured out where I wanted to live. That process helped me find an apartment I love - I managed to balance my desire for space, proximity to students, and high-quality amenities. That said, it didn t make sense that the process should be so time consuming. My Co-Founder (and neighbor), Ashrit Kamireddi, who worked at TripAdvisor prior to business school, went through the same process as I did and thought that the review and data model he knew so well would be a great one to apply to apartments where grad students and working professionals live. One year and thousands of reviews later, we re proud to offer this guide along with our companion site Very.com. We want this guide to be a starting point for your search: an idea of where you should be looking given your unique situation. The site allows you to go through all of our data in detail and sort buildings by ratings and features. In addition, we ve partnered with the most popular buildings to offer you accurate and up-to-date information, so you don t have to sit in front of your computer refreshing Craigslist. We re still in beta, so please reach out to us if you experience any issues. Try out our Intelligent Apartment Search that will provide you with personalized apartment recommendations based on your unique needs and budget. Please contact us with questions or feedback on the site or this guide, and good luck with your housing search! Scott Bierbryer scott@veryapt.com Scott Bierbryer is a recent Penn MBA graduate student. Prior to Penn, he worked at Glenview Capital Management in NYC. He is a Co- Founder of Very and lives in Center City Philadelphia. About the data in this guide This guide was compiled from survey data of 500+ students We asked students to rate their residences on a 1-10 scale Building ratings are determined by averaging these scores from students Visit Very.com to search quickly for more detailed amenity and rating information At Very.com, you can read reviews on buildings in the guide as well as other great properties in LA 4
LA Neighborhoods Explained The most popular neighborhoods for UCLA Anderson students Bel Air Topanga State Park Mid City West Brentwood UCLA Anderson Westood Sawtelle West LA Mar Vista Santa Monica Palms Pacific Ocean The Top FOUR UCLA Anderson Students Neighborhoods 1 Sawtelle/Brentwood 2 Westwood Other Neighborhoods <4% of student s each 41% of students 25% of students 5 West LA Popular options for students looking to be both close to campus and the beach. The neighborhoods offer great restaurants and shops, though has a bit of an older feel than some would like. Living in Westwood guarantees a short walk to campus and an atmosphere that is friendly to students, families, and pets. However, dining and nightlife is not as great as in some premier downtown spots. 6 Bel Air 7 Mid City West 3 Mar Vista/Palms 4 Santa Monica 14% of students 9% of students Mar Vista and Palms are favorites for students with cars looking for a central location. The neighborhoods are close to great supermarkets but a bit farther from premier restaurants. Santa Monica offers a great beach front option for students who want a great walkable experience with solid nightlife. However, the commute to campus can be tough. 5 11 Percentage of surveyed UCLA Anderson students who live outside of the top 4 neighborhoods.
South Brentwood/ Sawtelle Close to campus and the beach but a bit older feeling Location and Features Brentwood and Sawtelle are located north and east of Santa Monica, beginning around 26th street and extending to about the San Diego Freeway. Sawtelle s southern boundary is set by the Santa Monica Freeway; while Brentwood stretches north through Topanga State Park, most students live on the southern end near Sawtelle. South Brentwood and Sawtelle are popular options for students looking for both close proximity to campus and a short trip to the beach. There are a number of great restaurants and shops in the area, though many of them can be on the pricey side, catering to a slightly older clientele. The neighborhood was repeatedly highlighted for its safety, though traffic and street noise can still be a problem in some parts. Getting to UCLA Anderson What s great Close to campus and the beach Lots of classmates nearby Great restaurant options Very safe feel What could be better Limited public transit Few parks nearby Traffic and street noise in parts 50-60 15-25 30-40 10-15 Not particularly young feeling Signature Spots Parks Will Rogers State Historic Park, LA National Veterans Park Fitness David Barton Gym, Rockreation Pets Doggie Manners, Petco Animal Supplies Beauty Drybar, Floyd s 99 Barbershop Grocery Vicente Foods, Whole Foods, Ralphs, Nijiya Market Dining Shantouka Ramen, Plan Check, The Counter 6
Westwood Walking distance to campus and family/pet friendly Location and Features What s great Westwood is located just east of the San Diego Freeway and extends west to Sunset Boulevard. North to south Westwood runs from Sunset Boulevard/ Whittier Drive to Santa Monica Boulevard. Westwood offers very close proximity to campus and a walkable environment that many students enjoy relative to some other neighborhoods. Students said that the nearby green spaces and the overall safe feel of the neighborhood make it friendly not only for students but also for pets and families. That said, dining options are not as attractive as in some other areas, and street parking can be very difficult. Getting to UCLA Anderson Walkable to campus Very safe and family friendly Lots of green space Generally quiet What could be better Somewhat removed from best restaurants Nightlife options could be better Limited street parking Under 15 Under 10 Under 15 Under 10 Signature Spots Parks Pets Grocery Westwood Village Memorial Park, Botanical Garden Judy s Pet Depot, Petco Animal Supplies Whole Foods, Trader Joe s, Ralphs Fitness Beauty Dining LA Fitness, Equinox Oakley s Barber Shop, Taka Hair Salon Craft, Westside Tavern, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar 7
Mar Vista/Palms Safe feel with central location for drivers Location and Features Palms and Mar Vista are just east of Santa Monica, beginning around Walgrove Avenue on the east and extending to roughly South Fairfax Avenue. The neighborhoods are bound by the Santa Monica Freeway on the north and Venice Boulevard to the south. Palms and Mar Vista stand out for frequent drivers who want great access to roads that get you to campus, the beach, or nearby stores quickly. The neighborhoods are called out as family friendly and safe, though limited public transit and nearby restaurants make these neighborhoods less attractive for students without cars. Getting to UCLA Anderson What s great Lots of supermarkets Family friendly Great road access Safe What could be better Not very walkable Limited public transit Far from campus Over 60 30-40 40-50 10-20 Restaurant options limited Signature Spots Parks Venice Reservoir Site, Clover Park Fitness 24 Hour Fitness Pets PetSmart, Bark Williams Beauty Salon Plush Grocery Whole Foods, Vons, Alberston, Ralphs, Trader Joe s Dining Tender Greens, Versailles, Native Foods 8
Santa Monica Walkable and on the beach but far from campus Location and Features Santa Monica is right on the beach, extending east to roughly 26th Street where Brentwood and Sawtelle Begin. North to south, Santa Monica occupies the area from roughly Topanga State Park to Rose Avenue. Santa Monica is a clear favorite option for students who want to live right on the beach in a walkable and safe area. Nightlife and restaurant options are generally solid according to students. That said, fewer students live in the area than in some nearby neighborhoods, and the commute to campus can be a key downside, especially given that parking is hard to come by. Getting to UCLA Anderson What s great Very close to the beach Solid nightlife nearby Walkable Safe What could be better Limited parking Fewer students than other spots Housing search can be tough Over 60 30-40 35-45 10-20 Far from campus Signature Spots Parks Palisades Park, Santa Monica Pier Fitness Equinox, 24 Hour Fitness Pets Petco, Got Pet Food Beauty Hair Designer s Studio, Next Salon Grocery Vons, Ralphs, Trader Joe s, Albertson, Pavilions, Whole Foods Dining Urth Caffe, Umami Burger, The Counter 9
Apartment s KEY Top 25% for a category Top 50% Bottom 50% (or N/A) Bottom 25% 1,700+ average per renter* 1,400-1,699* 1,100-1,399* 1,099 and under* *Pricing may vary based on unit type and availability 10401 Wilshire 11640 Kiowa Avenue 11730 Sunset Boulevard 12333 Texas Avenue 1771 Beloit 1810 Malcolm Ave Alon Roma Armacost Colony Barrington Kiowa Barry Hill Casa Granada Hilgard HillCreste M Lofts Markdale on Kiowa Ocean Palms & Palisades Olympic Boulevard Palazzo Westwood Village Purdue Ohio Rochester Santa Monica at Federal Sunset Barrington Gardens The Rose University Village ** West Park Village Weyburn Terrace Weyburn Terrace Paseo Condo Property Type 8.4 7.0 7.7 7.0 8.3 7.0 7.0 8.3 7.8 7.8 7.5 8.0 8.2 8.0 7.0 8.2 7.0 8.3 8.2 7.5 7.5 7.8 8.5 8.3 8.2 7.6 8.2 Price Range Overall Top 5 for Families Top 5 for Pet Owners Amenities Value **Table does not include properties rated below 5 or those with fewer than two reviews ***University Village is only available for families About our Categories Property Type Apartment () Condo Key Building Factor s Overall Properties with one building manager. Often have consistent pricing/features Properties with multiple owners. Lease terms and features can vary significantly by unit Overall feedback on building quality Living Situation s Pet owners Families Building Quality s Amenities Value How people with pets rated the building How people with partners and/or children rated the building In-room and building features beyond the basics Building quality given cost of rent 10
Most Popular University Village * Mar Vista, 3200 Sawtelle Blvd 90+ students Buildings with the most UCLA Anderson MBA students Read more reviews at veryapt.com What the most popular UCLA Anderson MBA student properties typically offer: Close to other students Convenient common spaces Easy access to campus Good value-to-amenity ratio Average rents for the most popular properties: Review by UCLA Anderson MBA Student Living in this complex has been great in general. Although there are definitely lots of children around, noise hasn t been much of a problem, and the amenities are fantastic given the low price point. It s also really conveniently located, just south of Sawtelle Japantown. *University Village is only available for families Weyburn Terrace Westwood, 740 Weyburn Terrace 50+ students STUDIO 1BR 2BR 3BR 1,600 2,100 2,800 3,700 Most popular neighborhoods: Sawtelle/Brentwood Westwood Top Five 3rd Review by UCLA Anderson MBA 16 Located within a 20-min walk from campus and close to everything from grocery stores to cafes and bars. Peaceful and safe. Building management is great. You live surrounded by other grad students so socializing is easy. Facilities include study rooms, laundry, a business center and basically everything you ll possibly need, except a gym. Santa Monica at Federal Sawtelle, 1518 Federal Ave 30+ students University Village 90+ students Weyburn Terrace 50+ students 3rd 4th 5th Santa Monica at Federal Weyburn Terrace Paseo 10401 Wilshire 50+ students 20+ students 15+ students Review by William, UCLA Anderson MBA 16 Cons: Walls are thin, difficult to host parties, not a lot of restaurants nearby, only 2 parking spots included Pros: pretty close to the beach and school, relatively new building, lots of Anderson students live here 11
Highest Rated The Rose Sawtelle, 11711 Ohio Ave 8.5 Overall Buildings with the best overall ratings Read more reviews at veryapt.com What UCLA Anderson MBA students typically value in top properties: Great amenities Close to transit or campus Nearby nightlife Good value offering Average rents for the highest rated properties: Review by Logan Really enjoying the building so far. Tons of space with living room and kitchen and 2 master bedrooms (out of 3) with walk in closets. Half of residents are families, but they put all the young people together so it works out really well. Never any noise complaints and people are pretty respectful. Not a ton with amenities, but it s Brentwood, next to the key Anderson bars, and lots of sushi nearby. Would definitely rent here again. 10401 Wilshire Westwood, 10401 Wilshire Blvd 8.4 Overall STUDIO 1BR 2BR 3BR 1,600 2,100 2,800 3,700 Review by Sergey, UCLA Anderson MBA 16 Great building with amenities but you pay for it. Good location to live with a significant other - easy (bike or walk) commute to Anderson campus but farther away from Anderson night life. Neighborhoods with the highest rated properties: Sawtelle Westwood Top Five 3rd Palazzo Westwood Village Westwood, 1060 Glendon Ave 8.3 Overall The Rose 8.5 Overall 10401 Wilshire 8.4 Overall 3rd Palazzo Westwood Village 8.3 Overall 3rd 1771 Beloit 8.3 Overall 3rd Armacost Colony 8.3 Overall Review by Molly, UCLA Anderson MBA 16 I love living in the Palazzo because I can walk to campus everyday, so I did not need to buy a car. I am also within 1 block of a Target, Trader Joe s and Rite Aid...so everything I need is within my fingertips. The rent is very high, but for me it is worth it since it includes the gym membership and saved me from a car purchase. 12
Best for families HillCreste West Los Angeles, 1420 Ambassador St 9.0 Family Highest rated properties by couples and families Read more reviews at veryapt.com What UCLA Anderson MBA students with partners and children typically look for: Review by UCLA Anderson MBA 16 Great property for students with cihldren. Outdoor spaces (grilling area and patio) are both plusses. Safe and secure properties Close to parks/beach Nearby parking Quiet properties Average rents for the highest rated family properties: Ocean Palms & Palisades Santa Monica, 950 4th St 9.0 Family STUDIO 1BR 2BR 3BR 1,600 2,100 2,800 3,700 Review by UCLA Anderson MBA 15 I have really enjoyed living at Ocean Palms in Santa Monica. It is close to the beach, great restaurants, and a 25 minute drive to campus. Most popular neighborhoods for UCLA Anderson MBA student families: Westwood Mar Vista Top Five West Park Village Sawtelle, 11400 Rochester Ave 9.0 Family HillCreste 9.0 Family Ocean Palms & Palisades 9.0 Family 4th 5th West Park Village 10401 Wilshire University Village 9.0 Family 8.4 Family 8.3 Family Review by UCLA Anderson MBA Student Place itself is okay - no air conditioning and a pretty old building, but the grounds are awesome and the management is very friendly and attentive. For a one bedroom in the area with a pool, this was an exceptional value and very happy with it. 13
Best for Pet Owners Rochester Westwood, 10959 Rochester Ave 8.5 Pet Highest rated properties by UCLA Anderson MBA students with pets Read more reviews at veryapt.com What UCLA Anderson MBA students with roommates typically look for: Review by UCLA Anderson Student Good apartment with great amenities. Excellent for pet owners (though they only allow smaller dogs). Spacious floorplans Nearby parks and green space Flexible pet policies Great building management Average rents for highest rated properties by roommates: Alon Roma Santa Monica, 1241 5th St 8.0 Pet STUDIO 1BR 2BR 3BR 1,700 2,200 2,900 3,900 Review by Daniel Good location, a little pricey, new building, not too bad of a commute to UCLA every day. Most popular neighborhoods for UCLA Anderson MBA pet owners: Sawtelle Westwood Top Five Olympic Boulevard Century City, 9850 W Olympic Blvd 8.0 Pet Rochester 8.5 Pet Alon Roma 8.0 Pet Olympic Boulevard 12333 Texas Avenue 11640 Kiowa Avenue 8.0 Pet 8.0 Pet 8.0 Pet Review by Michael, UCLA Anderson MBA 15 Love living in Beverly Hills, feel much more connected to the heart of LA than when in Westwood. The Grove, WEHO, Miracle Mile, all are within an easy Uber. The same rent goes further in Beverly Hills as well, surprisingly. Biggest downside is being further from a lot of the social activities that go on in Brentwood and Santa Monica. 14
Best Amenities Palazzo Westwood Village Westwood, 1060 Glendon Ave 10.0 Amenities Highest rated properties for amenities Read more reviews at veryapt.com What top amenity properties typically offer: Review by UCLA Anderson MBA 15 Just above Trader Joe s and next to Target. Amenities include swimming pool, free gym classes, community events, etc. Great common spaces Convenient location Excellent building management Newer construction Average rents for highest rated amenity properties: M Lofts Palms, 3245 Motor Ave 9.5 Amenities STUDIO 1BR 2BR 3BR 1,600 2,100 2,800 3,700 Neighborhoods with highest rated properties for amenities: Westwood Sawtelle Top Five Palazzo Westwood Village 10.0 Amenities 3rd Review by Ryan, UCLA Anderson MBA 16 MLofts apartments are brand new (opened September 2014), with all new amenities, including stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The apartment is located in The Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles, right by the intersection of the 405 and the 10. We chose this location as my fiancee works downtown so its convenient for her to get to work and me to get to school. Rochester Westwood, 10959 Rochester Ave 9.0 Amenities M Lofts 9.5 Amenities 3rd 4th Rochester 10401 Wilshire 9.0 Amenities 8.6 Amenities Review by UCLA Anderson MBA 16 Excellent amenities though on the pricier side. Finishes are very nice and sundeck and outdoor space has been great to have available. 5th Armacost Colony 8.3 Amenities 15
Best Value The Rose Sawtelle, 11711 Ohio Ave 9.8 Value Highest rated properties for amenities Read more reviews at veryapt.com What top value properties typically offer: Good price-to-space trade off Decent property maintenance Good location Solid amenities and basic features Average rents for highest rated value properties: Review by UCLA Anderson MBA 16 Our building is conveniently located in terms of where Anderson students go out and where they live. Our apartment is HUGE, our rent is extremely reasonable, and the management company is always very responsive when we need them. University Village * Mar Vista, 3200 Sawtelle Blvd 9.5 Value STUDIO 1BR 2BR 3BR 1,600 2,100 2,800 3,700 Neighborhoods with highest rated properties for value Sawtelle Westwood Top Five 3rd Review by UCLA Anderson MBA Student I love University Village apartments because it is a great value for money. University Village has high quality amenities and a very nice inside territory with playgrounds for children. I wish maintenance be a bit more responsive. But overall I am very satisifed with housing offered by UCLA. **University Village is only available for families 1771 Beloit Sawtelle, 1771 Beloit Ave 9.0 Value The Rose 9.8 Value University Village 9.5 Value 3rd 1771 Beloit 9.0 Value 4th Hilgard 8.5 Value Review by Ike Great value. Each room has their own bathroom. Good neighborhood with a lot of restaurants. Plenty of street parking. 4th 1810 Malcolm Ave 8.5 Value 16
LANDLORD GRADES and the renting process Grade B+ B A B A A A B+ A A+ B+ B+ C+ A A A Landlord Alon Investment Beverly Hills Properties CIM Group Decron Properties Douglass Emmett E&S Ring Management Corporation Greystar Moss & Company R.W. Selby & Company, Inc. RBM of California Silton Management Group The Roberts Companies Triumph Properties Group UCLA Student Housing Westside Habitats Wiseman Management LANDLORD GRADES Grades were assigned to landlords that received two or more reviews by using a combination of management ratings and overall ratings for the properties they manage. Letter grades correspond to the following: Understanding the renting process If this is your first time renting, here is a heads up on what the process is like: Application process 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 coming from abroad, you 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 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. 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 to two months in prepaid rent. At the end of your lease and after you give proper notification that you are moving out (typically 60-90 days), the landlord has 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+ A B+ B C+ C D+ D F Over 9.5 9.0-9.4 8.0-8.9 7.0-7.9 6.0-6.9 5.0-5.9 4.0-4.9 2.0-3.9 Below 2.0 What to look out for Check for additional charges or obligations that could cost you more than the listed price of a property. This could include move-in/move-out fees, renters insurance requirements, condo fees, common electrical fees, etc. Definitely ask about previous electrical/utility bills have been to get a feel for what additional monthly costs there may be. Be sure to research the landlord and management company before placing any sort of deposit. If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at contact@veryapt.com. 17
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