Burn1911

How did this get onto a golf thread... but as it is this quote seems somewhat appropriate:

Sir Winston Churchill
"A diabotical way to ruin what would otherwise be a walk in pleasant surroundings"

traceym

I've just got myself 60 marlboro's and 3 bottles of Vodka, normally it would be 1 of each but if that is truly retirement, I'm hoping to get out of here in a wooden box long before I'm due for that!

California Dreamin'

Sally; Sounds to me like you were 'Out of your depth with the Posh Country Club clique'. If you are British you surely know where you belong.

Sally Redux

I thought they didn't have class barriers here.

California Dreamin'

Think again babe.

snih

Hi,

was looking at Park La Brea apartments and they look real good from their web site.

However, is it a nice place to live with young children? And does the rental cost that is shown on their website include for utility bills etc (as they make a big fuss about having cable and wifi included etc).

Cheers all.
s

Sally Redux

We found it nice, there are lots of kids there and they had things like a fun parade at Halloween. The elementary school is right next door.

I don't think utilities are included in the price, but it's probably best to get in touch with them directly. When we were there, they were all rent-controlled, but they were building some units which were not and were a lot more expensive, so look out for that.

S Folinsky

I would be extremely surprised if the cost of cable [including wi-fi] is included. What they mean is that the place is wired for cable -- you will get the necessary boxes from your local cable company [Probably Time-Warner.] There is a smorgasbord of services available on that cable -- including several flavors of TV -- telephone and internet. I would presume that the wireless does not extend into the units. There is probably DSL available through the old copper phone system [even if "slow" by today's standards, DSL is faster than home wireless net works].

It is customary in LA for the landlord to pick up the water tab. Inasmuch as LADWP water also includes the fees for sewage and garbage, this is no small thing. Your electricity will also be supplied by LADWP. I can't speak for Park La Brea, but electricity is generally on the tenant.

Which brings me to the gas supplied by Southern California Gas. You need to know what type of appliances you have in the kitchen and how your water is heated. I note that they describe gas ranges. It is quite likely you will use gas for heating.

Also, find out the policy on air conditioning -- given the age of the complex and the notation regarding ceiling fans, it is more likely than not that there is no A/C. Do they allow window boxes? I will say that the "micro-climate" of the Fairfax area is pretty mild in summer and there will be relatively few days where you "NEED" A/C.

Also, take a look at the yelp.com article. Also, you might want to look at the Park La Brea Sucks website.