Cattle ranch turned suburbs - Willowbrook is your "rural" oasis in the metropolis of Los Angeles.
Willowbrook, California began to develop its first "burbs" in 1894, and the mix of suburban and rural continued until the early 1980s, when a redevelopment plan changed the landscape
Cattle ranch turned suburbs - Willowbrook is your "rural" oasis in the metropolis of Los Angeles.
Willowbrook, California began to develop its first "burbs" in 1894, and the mix of suburban and rural continued until the early 1980s, when a redevelopment plan changed the landscape. Willowbrook is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County with a population of slightly more than 35,000. A suburb of Los Angeles, it's about 13 miles south of the center of the city. It's so close that residents might as well be in LA. The area has typical California weather--hot summers and warm winters, and rainfall is low year-round. Be prepared for a lighter wallet; the cost of living is 30 percent higher than the United States average. Carpe diem and jaunt over to Willowbrook where you may just find your new home.
Vacancy rates vary from medium to high, so a finding a rental won't be an exercise in frustration. Be prepared to make a good impression, however. Who wants to rent to Lazy Lizzie, Disheveled Dan or Really Rude Rick? Be friendly and professional, and you'll have a better chance of getting approved. Although our mothers always told us that first impressions don't really matter, we all know that landlords don't listen to their moms. So, in addition to a good attitude, make sure that shirt is tucked, hair is combed and teeth brushed before stepping out.
With the decent availability of apartments in Willowbrook, you might find your new digs on the very first day! Don't head out empty handed. Take all the necessities, such as your credit report, employment and salary history, bank records, and reference list along on your hunt. Ask the realtor or rental manager exactly which paperwork he or she requires. Most importantly, bring your checkbook; money talks, and, well, you know the rest. If you find a place you love, throw down some cash to hold it. Otherwise, some slick character could snatch it right out from under you. These are mostly older homes, so make sure you are diligent in checking out the plumbing, electric, and appliances. Once you sign the lease, you're stuck with any issues. So, unless you ready for a DIY course in home repair it would be best to inspect everything prior to signing.
Willowbrook is essentially one neighborhood. It's been separated into zip code areas (below), so you can be a wise guy (or gal) consumer and comparison shop.
Willowbrook: Willowbrook offers lots of variety. There are smaller options for single folks and couples and bigger places for families and single types who just have a whole lot of stuff. The vacancy rate is about 10 percent, and it is a good place to look whether you need aone-bedroom apartment, an all-bills-paid rental, or larger housing.
South Willowbrook Ave/East 124th Street (90022 area code): Want an easy in? This part of Willowbrook is known for high vacancy rates. A 14-percent vacancy rate means lower demand for housing. Houses are older, and most were built before 1969, so this is a prime market for those who love homes with a little je ne sais quoi. Infuriated by high gas prices? Forget about it! Almost 4 percent of residents ride bicycles to work.
South Willowbrook Ave/East 124th Street (90059 area code): Houses here are mostly small-to-medium-sized homes and complexes with 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. The area's digs are mostly renter occupied, so you'll have plenty of like-minded company.
Willowbrook has the feel of the burbs--quiet and safe with a fairly high cost of living. A lot of people who work in Los Angeles seek refuge here and commute back and forth. The slower pace and more affordable housing options make it appealing as an alternative to the City of Angels. Life is not always heaven in the City of Angels and Willowbrook provides a great alternative to the big city living, where you can spread your wings and stake a claim to your own personal ranch (backyard).
Driving is a popular way of getting around, but you won't be stuck in the boonies with no public transportation. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) provides bus service, and two shuttle services are available for Willowbrook: Hahn’s Trolley and Shuttle Service and Rosewood Smart Shuttle. If you don't have a long commute, go ahead and build those leg muscles by bicycling to your workplace.
