Which areas of LA would you recommend to new faculty or staff for affordable housing?

When new faculty or staff join the UCLA community from another city, state or even country, it can be difficult to learn about the many different neighborhoods that make up our city. If you like your neighborhood and would recommend it to newcomers, please share some of the details about it here:

• What types of housing are most prevalent (apartments, single-family homes, condos, etc.)?
• What is typical for rent on the average property in your neighborhood?
• Are there notable amenities (good schools nearby, ample grocery stores, nice parks, etc.)?
• What is your commute to UCLA like from your home?

UCLA Housing has many resources within the university and outlying areas online and in-person: http://ucla.in/bA1ZoO

Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (BBB) is an excellent system for getting to UCLA, with extensive service to the UCLA Hilgard Terminal as well as more limited service to Ackerman. http://www.bigbluebus.com