Accommodation and Living Expenses
Finding rentals in the Los Angeles area is predominately accomplished through Internet sites and hitting the streets rather than through agents & brokers. This page gives links and information about various areas in and around Hollywood. SAE recommends visiting the buildings and neighborhoods whenever possible, some building management companies do not list online, but post availabilities on the property, which will allow you to find additional listings.
Depending on how far you are from Hollywood proper, the range of rentals is significant; you can find something for $700.00 a month to $1500.00 for the same sized studio just a mile apart. For this reason, we also highly recommend visiting in person if at all possible.
The Los Angeles area is a driving town, so prepare for gas and car insurance. You can price insurance online using the school's address to get an idea of costs to insure your car. There is a subway and a very good bus system that drop off either in front of the school or a few blocks east.
Parking is prime in Hollywood. There are four parking garages very close to the school. The current going rate is between $75.00-$125.00 a for a monthly parking permit. For students who want to park in the garage connected to the school, SAE can help order your permits, the current monthly rate is $95.00 (all-day) or $125.00 (day in and out) for day and $45 for after-hours/weekends (after 6pm weekdays, Saturday & Sunday all day). Students must notify the administration office by the 15th of each month to arrange for a permit for the following month. If you would like a permit for your first month at SAE, you must notify SAE Administration Office before the 15th of the month prior to your start date.
Areas to Begin Your Search
If you want stay within walking distance of the school, begin your searches in zip code 90028. 90046 is slightly further West on Sunset Blvd, but also very near the school. When looking in this area, you will find numerous properties between Franklin Ave. and Fountain Ave. (please see map below, shaded area indicates the area recommended for living in Hollywood proper – for reference, walking from the school to La Brea Ave. along Sunset Blvd. takes approx. 8-9 minutes).
North Hollywood/Studio City (91601-91612) and Culver City (90230-90233) are approx. a 15-25 minute driving commute to/from the school. Rental prices in those areas are slightly less than Hollywood.
The 101 is the closest freeway to get to SAE-LA. Try to avoid living too close to downtown on the 101; traffic congestion can be very significant in and around the AM and PM rush hours.
If you venture further West (Venice, Santa Monica, etc.) you can also find apartments for rent, and experience more of the "beach" lifestyle of Los Angeles. If in this area you would most likely take the 10 freeway. La Brea is exit to get to the school from the 10. Once you exit it takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes to get to Hollywood, depending on traffic conditions. You can also get between these areas and Hollywood by taking various city streets; the best route depends on the time of day.