ELM - The Elmwood Apartamentos

away or a 5 - 20 min drive. The convenience is key with this apartment. We have our own laundry units (yet no change machine to get change). Everywhere in LA, the rent has risen, so it's a common phenomenon that seems to have no end. When I first moved in the rent was 950 a month and for a one bedroom apartment (before this I had 7 roommates, that was a nightmare). However, in just 2 years I've seen the rent increase at least 3 times, 2 times within this year alone. It went from 950 to 1000 to 1050 to 1095 to 1200. I hate to say, there hasn't been enough improvement to warrant such increases. For a while the elevator wasn't working for 2 months of which we at least had slightly cheaper rent and recently they replaced the front door which was a great move, the new door doesn't jam like the last one and provides better security. I must say though, this is an old pre-war building central A/C is non-existent, the windows aren't best for installing your own because the windows open vertically, most a/cs don't fit properly. Expect smoldering hot summers. If you drive a car, parking is a nightmare, it's also a nightmare for any friends you invite to your humble abode....who also have cars. Normandie is a busy street with tow away times and there's a cat-and-mouse element to parking enforcement, but these are the usual things to deal with when you have to deal with street parking anyways. If you're a student, ride bikes and bus it, this apartment would still be perfect. The neighbors are all friendly, if you're outgoing, you'll find the best friends just next door. If you're an introvert, people will be kind and respect your space. Some of the best restaurants are within walking distance especially Korean BBQ which I crave, there's 3 or 4 supermarkets nearby, chinese food, mexican restaurant, there's even a taco stand right across the street after 7pm that has the best pork tacos in all of L.A. Delicious boba shops.