Possible Move from AL to Pasadena, CA - Cost? Concerns? (South Pasadena: apartments, rental)

[michelle2233]

Hello,

I am looking at a couple of positions that are located in Pasadena, CA. They start around $65,000. Is that sufficient to live in a nice (doesn't need to be luxurious) part of town without having to struggle financially? Also, any other advice/concerns that I would need to consider are welcomed.

Thank you!

Have a great day!

Michelle

[ccm123]

As a single person, you would be likely able to get by on that salary, in Pasadena (which has some very expensive neighborhoods and some not so expensive). If you had a family, it would be tough, you would need two incomes.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by michelle2233

Hello,

I am looking at a couple of positions that are located in Pasadena, CA. They start around $65,000. Is that sufficient to live in a nice (doesn't need to be luxurious) part of town without having to struggle financially? Also, any other advice/concerns that I would need to consider are welcomed.

Thank you!

Have a great day!

Michelle

Yes, assuming you are single and can be happy with at relatively small apartment. You will not have a lot of money left, but depending on where you live it is very doable and Pasadena/Sierra Madre are great and fun areas for singles particularly. If you are working in East Pasadena I would suggest you look at Sierra Madre, but there are several small towns, as well as Pasadena itself that would probably work for you.

[michelle2233]

Originally Posted by nmnita

Yes, assuming you are single and can be happy with at relatively small apartment. You will not have a lot of money left, but depending on where you live it is very doable and Pasadena/Sierra Madre are great and fun areas for singles particularly. If you are working in East Pasadena I would suggest you look at Sierra Madre, but there are several small towns, as well as Pasadena itself that would probably work for you.

Yes, I can handle living in a small apartment, but does that mean that it will be a living paycheck to paycheck sort of scenario on that pay? I don't go out much at all. So the only differences that I am looking to account for are the differences in rent, utilities and possibly food (cost of groceries).

Thanks to you both for the info.!

[ccm123]

Likely, yes. Browsing the rental advertisements for zip code 91101 (a pretty central, nice area of Pasadena), I see rents from $1,100 to $3,400 for apartments and condos. I would say that $1,600 and up should get you a decent apartment/condo.

Originally Posted by michelle2233

Yes, I can handle living in a small apartment, but does that mean that it will be a living paycheck to paycheck sort of scenario on that pay? I don't go out much at all. So the only differences that I am looking to account for are the differences in rent, utilities and possibly food (cost of groceries).

Thanks to you both for the info.!

[ccm123]

Pasadena is a great town. I lived there and South Pasadena (a separate city in itself) for years, when I lived in Southern California. Lots to do, vibrant culture, history, lots of amenities (great restaurants, museums, golf courses, shopping, nice Downtown area called "Old Town" with nightlife) and it's relatively safe also.

The only drawback, is that it can get hot in the summer (90 to 100 degrees for a few weeks), but the advantages outweigh the drawbacks, in my opinion.

[kasuga888]

Your main concern will be housing cost if you plan to live near work and GAS if you plan to drive alot/to/from work/play. You need to search the aparment listings and craglist/padmapper to determine what you can afford or willing to pay. Expect to pay 1000 for a crummy place, 1200-400 for less crummy, 1600 non crummy, 2000 for new

[michelle2233]

Originally Posted by kasuga888

Your main concern will be housing cost if you plan to live near work and GAS if you plan to drive alot/to/from work/play. You need to search the aparment listings and craglist/padmapper to determine what you can afford or willing to pay. Expect to pay 1000 for a crummy place, 1200-400 for less crummy, 1600 non crummy, 2000 for new

Is there public transportation in that area?

[kasuga888]

Yup, i dont live in pasadena but the specifics are at the metro site. The cost of housing/gas is the general issue you will run into here in SoCal. Also, state income tax goes up to 9%.

If you can get your housing cost to be around 1000, you should be fine unless you already have a stash of money in reserve.

LA Metro Home | Maps & Timetables

[michelle2233]

Originally Posted by kasuga888

Yup, i dont live in pasadena but the specifics are at the metro site. The cost of housing/gas is the general issue you will run into here in SoCal. Also, state income tax goes up to 9%.

If you can get your housing cost to be around 1000, you should be fine unless you already have a stash of money in reserve.

LA Metro Home | Maps & Timetables

Thank you!