What's Franklin Village like? It it a good place to live? (Los Angeles: apartment, rent)

[mmm535]

I have a potential roommate who wants to live in this Hollywood area because of its proximity to UCB. It looks alright on Google Maps (I have yet to go in person). We are about to look at a few buildings, including "Tamarind Terrace".

However, when I asked around my office full of entertainment industry people, there was almost a panic in telling me NOT to live there-- that it was not a good area, and that there were numerous problems including crime, specifically theft from cars and grand theft auto, filth, traffic, absurd amounts of noise, everything is expensive (luxury grocery stores like Gelson's apparently are nearest to the area), construction, and closeness to a packed entrance to the 101 (this one could be a positive at certain times of the day, I suppose).

Besides UCB and the single block that it's on, where there are some little cafes that look fine, what else is there to do around Franklin Village? It is a nice place to live? What's a fair rent for a 2BR apartment?

Because it's such a small area, I figured I had to ask here before I made any decision. I had been looking at places closer to my work in Burbank (off the 134 at Pass Ave), like Toluca Lake, Glendale, and Burbank itself-- so if anyone cares to compare, I'd appreciate it.

If it matters-- and I know often it does-- we are both in our early 20s, American, white, film/tv writing/research employees. College graduates, certainly not hipsters...

Any advice?

[munchitup]

I live nearby on Yucca Street west of 101.

I go to UCB often and am fairly familiar with the area. I would move there in an instant if the right price was there. Sounds like w the people you asked, Hollywood's reputation preceded it.... The area has some property crime but nothing crazy. It is sort of a 'hipster'enclave. Ralphs isn't too far away for groceries.Franklin has terrible traffic but the area is highly walkable.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by mmm535

I have a potential roommate who wants to live in this Hollywood area because of its proximity to UCB. It looks alright on Google Maps (I have yet to go in person). We are about to look at a few buildings, including "Tamarind Terrace".

However, when I asked around my office full of entertainment industry people, there was almost a panic in telling me NOT to live there-- that it was not a good area, and that there were numerous problems including crime, specifically theft from cars and grand theft auto, filth, traffic, absurd amounts of noise, everything is expensive (luxury grocery stores like Gelson's apparently are nearest to the area), construction, and closeness to a packed entrance to the 101 (this one could be a positive at certain times of the day, I suppose).

Besides UCB and the single block that it's on, where there are some little cafes that look fine, what else is there to do around Franklin Village? It is a nice place to live? What's a fair rent for a 2BR apartment?

Because it's such a small area, I figured I had to ask here before I made any decision. I had been looking at places closer to my work in Burbank (off the 134 at Pass Ave), like Toluca Lake, Glendale, and Burbank itself-- so if anyone cares to compare, I'd appreciate it.

If it matters-- and I know often it does-- we are both in our early 20s, American, white, film/tv writing/research employees. College graduates, certainly not hipsters...

Any advice?

Even when Hollywood was really bad Franklin Village was always a good area. It seemed - and seems - more like Los Feliz than it does like Hollywood or East Hollywood. While it is near some bad neighborhoods I'd consider it a great place to live. I'd move there in a heartbeat. There are some great restaurants and used bookstores over there.

While auto break-ins are a problem, there is virtually no part of Los Angeles which does not have a problem with auto break-ins (and not that many places in the country which don't).

I'd go for it.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by majoun

Even when Hollywood was really bad Franklin Village was always a good area. It seemed - and seems - more like Los Feliz than it does like Hollywood or East Hollywood. While it is near some bad neighborhoods I'd consider it a great place to live. I'd move there in a heartbeat. There are some great restaurants and used bookstores over there.

While auto break-ins are a problem, there is virtually no part of Los Angeles which does not have a problem with auto break-ins (and not that many places in the country which don't).

I'd go for it.

This ^^^ Is what I was trying to say (I was on my phone so it came out a little garbled).

But like Majoun says, it's a great area, convenient to PT and to the freeway, it does seem more like Los Feliz than the rest of Hollywood.

[mmm535]

Alright, thanks guys, appreciate the advice. Looking at an apartment tomorrow... hope it'll be as you described...

[MissMaggieC]

I love it there, I have a good friend who lives on Franklin and Beachwood and the vibe is awesome...artsy, trendy but down to earth. Always crowds at the restaurants/bars, a great used record/book store, and a nice (albeit pricey) Gelson's supermarket. Only problem is: PARKING!! Make sure you rent a place that includes a spot, and expect your guests to have issues when coming to visit you.

[MissMaggieC]

I just saw you are also considering Burbank, my bf lives there on Victory and Buena Vista. I love Burbank as far as safety goes, the Burbank PD do a great job of keeping crime to a minimum. There just definitely isn't anything close to the nightlife that Hollywood has. But keep in mind that traffic will make even the short commute from the valley to Hollywood a nightmare. You could take the Franklin/Cahuenga/Barham surface street route, though...sometimes that's better.

[mckenna1]

Sorry, you are a hipster and there's no better place to be. Good job. Go for it!

[StreetLegal]

What is UCB?

That is a great area long Franklin at Beachwood, I agree with the other posters on that score.

[pbergen]

Originally Posted by StreetLegal

What is UCB?

i'm guessing it refers to the upright citizens brigade theatre?

i had to reread the first sentence of the original post several times before i figured that one out, as the only UCB i know of is uc berkeley up in the bay area.