A little birdie told us you were in the market for a primo apartamento in Norwalk, California, nestled cozily in Los Angeles’s southeastern suburbs. Wise choice, ladies and gentlemen! Norwalk is an increasingly fashionable stomping ground for all types of Southern Californians and just might be the perfect hometown for you. So without further adieu, let’s get right down to it and work on finding you the dwellings of your dreams in the City… er, County…of Angels.
First, though, let’s take a few moments to answer the questions that we suspect you’re just dying to ask about life in Norwalk…
What’s the appeal of Norwalk, anyway? Why would I want to live there?
Three reasons: location, location, and location. Residents of Norwalk enjoy the serenity of the suburbs while also residing within stone’s throw (as long as you can throw a stone 10-20 miles, that is) of L.A., Orange County, Garden Grove, Long Beach, and Riverside. If you want to live on the doorstep of the hustle and bustle of SoCal without having to deal with the utter insanity of the actual big city, Norwalk might be your best bet.
Aren’t the suburbs kind of boring, though?
Generally, yes. However, Los Angeles County isn’t your typical über-sleepy slice of American suburbia. A modest but adequate number of clubs, bars, karaoke joints, and restaurants dot the streets of Norwalk, and the city’s proximity to L.A. makes it an ideal living locale.
I bet traffic’s a nightmare, though, isn’t it?
Well, sort of. If you live in Norwalk and work elsewhere in the L.A. metro area, you’re likely to spend a good chunk of your morning and evening stuck in your car. We’d make a joke about the traffic, but you’ve probably heard it before. The good news is that the MTA and/or Metrolink bus and rail services connect Norwalk to downtown L.A., Orange County, Long Beach, Riverside County, and, most importantly, Disneyland, allowing commuters to bypass the gridlock that plagues the rest of Southern California. Because Norwalk has begun to sprawl, however, you’ll need your own set of wheels to navigate the city itself and shop, bank, dine, and play conveniently, unless you really like walking.
How expensive is apartment life – and life in general – in Norwalk?
For L.A. standards, Norwalk is actually on the cheap side. Apartments average around $1500, but cheaper and much, much, much more expensive rentals are available as well. You’re more likely to come across move-in specials in Norwalk than in Orange County or L.A. proper, but killer deals aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, either.
What can I expect from a Norwalk apartment?
Apartments in Norwalk are as varied as the city’s residents. Rental properties range from basic studio crash pads to pre-furnished luxury apartments offering a slew of top-notch amenities. Most apartments in Norwalk are well-established, though, and less than two percent of the city’s residential buildings were built post-1995. Many have been renovated or remain in good shape, while others have seen better days (to put it kindly), so scope out your new digs carefully before signing a lease.
Any advice for apartment seekers?
There are no special secrets to renting in Norwalk. Just be prepared and arm yourself with the basics, including a list of previous residences, proof of income, and banking statements. Most leases are for a full year, but a few properties offer short-term/corporate leases as well. Peruse your lease carefully before signing it. Also, give your new place a solid inspection before moving anything in; make sure your appliances function, your pipes, sinks, toilets, showers, and drains are up to par, the doors and windows open and lock properly, and the walls, ceilings, and floors are generally blemish-free. And don’t treat your apartment like a 1970s rock star’s hotel room; your move-in deposit is only returnable if you keep your place in tip-top shape.
And now for the fun part: finding you your dream pad. Congrats in advance, and welcome to Norwalk!
