We all want to be free. But, when the cost of living in a top floor penthouse is too expensive and pitching a tent on Kelly Field is not how you plan to spend your nights, then you should begin to explore your options.
Here’s a list of affordable living arrangements near Pierce College. Being an adult and having freedom comes at a price, but it doesn’t always have to be out of your price range.
1. Working for Room and Board – Free
Some families and individuals in the San Fernando Valley are willing to provide a free room or space in lieu of having an in-home housekeeper.
Now, before you write this option off, just hear it out.
Considering you most likely will be cleaning anyway, this doesn’t seem like such a bad trade. Some people ask that you perform some housekeeping like cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking meals. This would be perfect for students interested in free rooms and who don’t mind picking up after others.
2. Living with Family – Ranges
If you want to make your own rules, but you really enjoy your mother’s home cooking, there is an option.
By offering to pay for small bills around the house or taking on a few extra chores, you can bargain with your family for your freedom.
In an average home in the surrounding areas, gas-electric and water bills can range anywhere from $20 to $200 per month, and cable and internet bills average $75 to $150 per month.
Small prices to pay for a little freedom. This living arrangement is perfect for students who are not quite ready to leave the nest but need some independence.
3. Sharing a Studio Apartment – $450/month
If you and your roommate are both on a budget, but still need your freedom, a studio apartment is a great option. These small apartments have everything a person would need. And with two full-size beds and a fold-up wall, it would be almost like you both had your own place.
The average studio apartment around Pierce is $900 per month, so roommates might pay an affordable $450 each on average. This living arrangement would be perfect for students who don’t need much space and work different schedules than their roommates. Apartments aren’t just perfect for students though, there a number of adults who prefer an apartment to a house. Of course, the price of an apartment will depend on the location. If you’re closer to the cities, you will most probably be paying a slightly higher price. However, being in the city doesn’t mean that you lose space. Looking on websites similar to thespacestation.co.uk will give you a better idea of the sort of space you might be able to get in an apartment in the city!
4. Renting a Bedroom – $600/month
Around the SFV, there are many families who have open space in their homes. Sometimes, their children have left for college, or they decided to trade in their extra closet space for a little cash on the side. But whatever the case, some rent out the extra space. A large number of people decide to rent out any spare rooms they have or any properties they have invested in to make some extra money. It would be beneficial to them to have a real estate cash flow so they know exactly how much profit they are making after gathering up different expenses.
On average, in the areas surrounding Pierce, including Woodland Hills, Winnetka, Canoga Park, and Reseda, bedrooms range from $400 to $800 per month, depending on the location and included amenities. This is a perfect option for someone who is not interested in leasing contracts or open to living in a family environment.
5. Living with Roommates – $750/month
Luckily, in the SFV, there are many people in the same position as you seeking to live affordably. Sometimes around campus, students post flyers advertising their search for a roommate. And there are also sites like craigslist.org, hotpads.com, and roommates.com that make your search for a roommate as easier. These sites display pictures, amenities, and, sometimes, the person in search of a roommate posts a description of themselves and their expectations.
In the surrounding areas, average roommates who split rent spend $600-$900 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Living with a roommate is ideal for a working student who can commit to at least a year lease term.
