Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, where we explore what you can rent or buy for a certain dollar amount in various LA ’hoods. We’ve found five homes and condos within about $10,000 of today’s price: $559,000.
Gardena
One of the more affordable South Bay cities, Gardena is full of single-family homes, including this three-bedroom that could really shine in the hands of restoration-minded buyer. The residence was built in 1962 and has some of the trappings that midcentury modern enthusiasts adore, including overhanging eaves, a front entry that’s nearly hidden from the street, an open floor plan, a large hearth, and plank and beam ceilings. Clocking in at 1,613 square feet, the house sits on a fairly generous 6,002-square-foot lot with front and back yards. The asking price is $569,000.
Pomona
This winsome Craftsman cottage is located in the Wilton Heights Historic District, about one mile north of downtown Pomona and the Metrolink. Built in 1910, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is partially clad in river rock and boasts an idyllic front porch. Inside, original period details include wood-paneled walls, wood floors, and built-ins. The kitchen and bathrooms have been updated but still look vintage. A large, covered wood deck is affixed to the rear of the home and opens to a large concrete patio. The 7,055-square-foot property is listed at $549,888.
West Hollywood
Budgets don’t stretch as far in the city center—but you can still get close to all of the action. This 895-square-foot condo is located right off Santa Monica Boulevard, steps from Barney’s Beanery, Connie and Ted’s, and the Sunset Strip. It holds one bedroom and one and a half bathrooms, plus a long, narrow balcony. Features include hardwood floors, plantation shutters, and laundry hook-ups. The 43-unit building, which was constructed in 1959, has garage parking and a pool. The listing price is $549,990, with monthly HOA dues of $336.
Sun Valley
On the market for the first time since it was built in 1956, this San Fernando Valley home could shine after some elbow grease. Clocking in at 1,160 square feet, it holds three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and looks to have some original elements, including parquet floors, light fixtures, and wood paneling. A spacious living room opens to a roomy backyard with lots of space for gardening, or as the listing notes, outdoor entertaining. Walking distance to the Old Time Drive In, the Sun Valley Metro Link Station, and a Metro station for the 222 and 152 buses, the 6,372-square-foot property is asking $549,999.
Torrance
Here’s another South Bay option. This sun-splashed home has 1950s charm—including the original front door and kitchen appliances—but needs some TLC. The residence holds three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,352 square feet and is situated on a 5,227-square-foot lot, currently set up in the back with a succulent garden and covered concrete patio, behind Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Last sold in 1968 for $25,000, the property, which also holds a detached two-car garage, is on the market now for $560,000.
Comments
Ok, whoever was screaming for suburban houses here they are in all their cheap rundown glory, EXCEPT Pomona which is a wonderful Craftsman out where Christ lost his sandals Some of the others were down right frightening
I went with West Hollywood, because to be honest I like everything about it, location, price, reasonable HOA fees, W/D hookup, garage and pool. If I was condo shopping I’d certainly check this out
By mrjim1 on 02.04.20 10:29am
I want Torrance. I’m mad for that pink stove top and the kitchen chairs.
By Hugo_JC on 02.04.20 10:55am
Too bad it’s not the "real" Torrance, but near the 110 Fwy.
By CodyAmore on 02.04.20 5:26pm
Probably best to keep renting at that price point. Or keep saving; options at $700k are far more appealing.
By Greyvagabond on 02.04.20 11:30am
If you’re new to LA, and these are your options, then you’re not successful enough to make it here. You’re better off trying to make a start in a smaller pond.
If you’re from LA, and these are your options, then I hope you work near the home you purchase.
By BingoWest on 02.04.20 12:20pm
If you are new here, these are fine options.
By sicksm on 02.04.20 4:58pm
Gardena needs major reno
By SupaZT on 02.04.20 1:03pm
That Torrance home is actually in unincorporated Harbor City and uses a Torrance address. If you bought there your kids will be going to LAUSD schools.
By sicksm on 02.04.20 4:56pm
The one in Pomona is the best one IMO. I also like the one in Gardena.
By Topaz113 on 02.04.20 5:46pm
"Around LA" is a generous description for most of these. Like moving to NYC but really living in Paterson NJ. WEHO all the way.
By MorrisTitanicHighlights on 02.04.20 6:46pm
You earn a Gold Star.
LA in headline should be substituted with So Cal.
By BingoWest on 02.04.20 7:08pm
The other day someone was complaining about all the fine houses in the burbs that Curbed was neglecting, the same person who wouldn’t recognize Glendale as being in the Valley. So, I think this may be an appeasement to that complaint
By mrjim1 on 02.04.20 7:55pm
Most of Glendale isn’t in the Valley. It’s east of the Hollywood Hills, not north.
By Greyvagabond on 02.04.20 10:10pm
Not this again
Here, we hashed this all out https://la.curbed.com/2020/1/31/21116992/open-houses-los-angeles-for-sale-glendale#comments
By mrjim1 on 02.04.20 11:23pm
Beware Sun Valley! We lived there in the 80’s! Close to Burbank airport and the noise level was horrible before it became an international airport. Fuel dumps over Glenwood Elementary
caused us to have a PTA meeting, Since our school was already diverse we were excepted from busing.
By Ipushedhumpty on 02.05.20 9:26am
That’s good to know, does Burbank service many private helicopters as well?
By mrjim1 on 02.05.20 10:26am
Not sure about private, but they really love their police and fire choppers. Any excuse whatsoever to fly.
By MorrisTitanicHighlights on 02.06.20 8:31am