Ria Ray at Spin Gallery

Hey Bret,

I’ve just stumbled across this awesome blog as I look into moving to Venice. I was curious if you had any tips for an east coaster looking to move to Venice.

Thanks! I hope these questions aren’t too silly, I haven’t been able to find any resources for someone intending to move to Venice as opposed to visit, so I feel a little blind at the moment.

1. I’d like to rent a place from locals (my dream is a courtyard apartment like the Dude occupied in “the Big Lebowski” but I’ll take whatever I can get) so would the best way to find a place be to visit and explore neighborhoods and ask around? Or is a broker the best way to go? Any advice you can offer on apartment searching is well appreciated.
(If it helps, I’m hoping to spend up to $1,500 a month.)

2. Are birds a problem with landlords? I have a parrot and I’m wondering how he’ll fit into the equation.

3. Are there many single female 20somethings living in Venice? I’ll be 22 when I move (hopefully spring of 09) and my friend who attends UCLA has warned me against moving to Venice because of my sex and age but I think she’s just being paranoid. Venice appeals to me because of the diversity, its way of life, the atmosphere, and of course, the beach, and until she bothered me about my age/sex I never really thought it would put me in danger or make me some sort of outcast. I’d love to read your opinion on the subject.

Those are the only questions I have, I really appreciate your help 🙂