West Coast Roommates Tips
Read these 25 West Coast Roommates Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Room Mates tips and hundreds of other topics.
Money Matters in Seattle
Seattle is home to the famous Space Needle, the original Starbuck's Coffee house, and nine months of rain. But Seattle is also home to high rents. In Seattle, rents for a two-bedroom apartment average at about $1,025 and the median household income is about $45,736.
Live Safely
Los Angeles, California, has its charms, but it also has higher crime rates than many other West Coast cities, and a higher cost of living to boot.
According to the 2000 census in the area, the median income for a household was $36,687 and the per capita income was $20,671. Twenty-two percent of the population, however, were below the poverty line. According to popular roommate finder websites including Realtor.com, roommates.com, and Craigslist.org, rentals range from $750/per person to over $2,500/per person, depending on the location of the apartment or house.
However, in Los Angeles location does matter. While the crime rate has declined over the past decade, Los Angeles is still one of the most dangerous cities.
The COMPSTAT unit of the LAPD reports that Los Angeles hit a record low in 2005, with 43,231 acts of violence, of which 487 were homicides. In contrast, Los Angeles peaked in 1992 with 72,667 recorded crimes, of which 1,096 were homicides; and 245,129 recorded property crimes.
Snowy California
If you're interviewing potential roommates from other parts of the country, they may have grand expectations about California weather. Often, people envision nothing but blue skies, palm trees, and beaches. But on the contrary; even in California it rains, and in some places it snows.
The Sierra's and Northern California get the most of the state's snow. While the amounts are typically less than one might expect on the East Coast, snowfalls can be significant. Prepare potential roommates for the realities of California weather.
Earthquake Plan
Sitting on one of the major fault lines in the United States, Californians are all too familiar with the effects of an earthquake. Before moving in with a roommate in California, talk about earthquake facts and set a recovery plan in the event there is an earthquake. Here are some basic planning guides to get you going:
- Develop an emergency plan for your home with your roommate. Where will you meet in the event of an earthquake and how will you get in touch with one another?
- Designate an out-of-state contact to call. After an earthquake, long distance lines may be operable earlier than local lines.
- If you're in your home during an earthquake, plan an escape route and an alternate route. Discuss and practice this with your roommate. Keep a flashlight handy and accessible on both routes.
- You can help protect your home before an earthquake. After you and your roommate move in together, secure tall furniture and artwork to the wall and keep heavy items on the bottom of shelves.
- Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and keep one in an easily accessible place in your home.
While no one wants to be caught in the middle of an earthquake, it's better to be prepared than caught off guard. Talk to your roommate about the potential dangers and emergency evacuation plans.
Washington Roommates
If you are in Washington and looking for roommates for your apartment or house, you can find them quickly and easily by using a few good search methods. To begin looking for Washington roommates, search online classifieds, such as the ever popular Craigslist.org. On sites like this, you will find ads from people who need roommates, or from people who have a room or apartment to share. You can also post ads here free of charge, in the event that you do not find anyone that you want to room with. Other online options include places like Roommates.com and CampusRoommates.com, both of which charge a nominal fee to use, but which also have more refined search options than other sites. Other than searching online, the best way to find Washington roommates is to go into local stores, such a grocery stores or coffee shops, and look for ads that people routinely hang on bulletin boards. If you look here, or on college campuses, you will usually find some ads from people who need roommates, and if not, you can print out and post your own ad on the boards for others to find.
San Franciso Roommates
San Francisco roommates can be challenging to find if you do not know where to look to find them. However, there are a few tried-and-true methods that can assure you of finding a roommate, if you are willing to look hard enough. First, try looking through online classifieds, such as those found on Craigslist.org. Here you will find ads posted by people looking for roommates, and you will be able to post your own free ads, too. Other websites you can use for searching for roommates include Roommates.com and CampusRoommates.com. Although these sites require a nominal fee to join or send messages, they are well worth it due to the level of detail they provide about potential roommates. If you would prefer to use offline methods, then bulletin boards located at grocery stores, coffee shops and university campuses frequently contain ads from people looking for roommates. Regardless of which method you use to locate San Francisco roommates, be careful in your interactions with new people, and always take someone with you when you go to meet the person or to look at their apartment.
San Diego Roommates
If you live in San Diego, you might be having trouble finding roommates. To alleviate this problem and find San Diego roommates, here are a few things you can try:
- Websites such as Roommates.com and CampusRoommates.com, which offer search tools and search criteria to aid you in finding the perfect roommate. (Although these cost a small fee to use, they can be invaluable in your search).
- Online classifieds like Craigslist.org, where people can post free ads that let others know that they are either looking for roommates or would like to become a roommate themselves. (Craigslist has a local San Diego site that is ideal for searching for roommates).
- Shops, stores and college campuses where they have bulletin boards, which will usually have at least one or two ads up about people who are searching for roommates. (These are most popular during the spring and summer, when people are looking for roommates the most).
If you use these strategies, you will be well on your way to finding San Diego roommates.
Los Angeles Roommates
When searching for Los Angeles roommates, try a variety of different methods to get the best results. First, start with an online search, using websites that have been created specifically for the task of finding roommates. These sites, including Roommates.com and CampusRoommates.com, have tools imbedded in them for finding roommates, and you can quickly see what people are available in Los Angeles who want to become roommates. Other online options are online classified ads, such as those that are offered through Craigslist.org. Craigslist has a large number of ads for Los Angeles roommates, and you will be able to both view and post ads free of charge. When you have finished searching online, try offline methods to aid you in your search. If you go into local supermarkets, coffee shops and colleges or universities, you are likely to find bulletin boards with ads posted on them by members of the community. Generally, you will find at least one or two ads here that will be from people who either want to become roommates, or are looking for roommates themselves. You can easily post ads of your own if you wish, if you do not find someone who meets your criteria from the already posted ads.
Las Vegas Roommates
Las Vegas roommates can be easy to find if you know where to look. There are two general places to search for them: on the internet and off of it. If you prefer to restrain your search to offline places, then you should first try to find bulletin boards that are placed in locations such as supermarkets, coffee shops and college campuses. These boards will usually have at least one or two ads up from people who either want to become a roommate or need a roommate. You can take these ads and contact the people who posted them, or you can post ads of your own and await a response. If you would like to use the internet to aid you in your search, you can utilize online classified ad services, such as the renowned Craigslist.org. Here, you will be able to both find and post ads searching for roommates, and you can quickly and easily weed out people who do not meet your search criteria. Other online options include roommate search sites that are specifically for finding people in exact locations, like Las Vegas roommates. These sites, such as Roommates.com and CampusRoommates.com, have search tools that will aid you in your quest to find Las Vegas roommates.
Money Matters in Seattle
Roommates.com Tip: As you consider moving in with Seattle roommates, you may have concerns over the prospect of finding a new job with decent pay in the area. Sites like Salary.com can provide useful information about careers and pay rates in Seattle. You can even search by zip code!
Live Safely
Roommates.com Tip: Roommates should watch out for one another. Exchange cell phone numbers with your Los Angeles roommates so that you can help each other out of jams or be in contact in case of an emergency. When going out at night, let your roommates know where you'll be with a note, text message, or IM.
Affordable San Francisco Living
Roommates.com Tip: When it comes time to pick a new home or choose new San Francisco roommates, it pays to begin your research early. San Francisco apartments can be pricey, but if you keep your eyes open, you may find a great deal. Plus, you will come across other people have decided to start their research early - this is a sign of a responsible person.
Students Band Together
Roommates.com Tip: Eating out is great, but more often than not you'll probably stay in. To make your house a home, treat your San Diego roommates to a home cooked meal. If you're not too skilled around the stove, do the dishes when others cook for you.
Glitz and Glamour at a Bargain Price
Roommates.com Tip: Las Vegas is known as a party city, and your Las Vegas roommates may try to live up to the hype. Set some ground rules, like no coming in after midnight on a work night. Or if your the partier, make sure your roommates know not to wait up.
Word of Mouth
Word of mouth advertising not only works for big businesses, but also for roommates. While online advertising and realtors help with the roommate selection process, simple word of mouth can yield great results. At the office or in the classroom, mention that you're looking for a roommate or an apartment to share. You never know who may know someone.
Affordable San Francisco Living
San Francisco is the second most densely populated city in the United States, second only to New York City. With all the people living in the trolley-car clad city, it should be easy to find a roommate to suit your preferences. But the biggest decision San Francisco residents must make is where to live.
Be it a high-rise luxury building in the city or a brown-stone walk up on one of San Francisco's famous hills, know your budget before seeking a roommate. San Francisco is also one of most expensive cities in the United States.
In 2005, the median income for a household in the city was $55,221. According to the latest census report, the per capita income for the city was $34,556 which is ranked as the 19th highest in the country. A quick search through online housing and rental boards show Bay Area apartments ranging in price from $1,000 to over $2,500 per person. Before seeking out your San Francisco roommate, know your budget and how much you can afford to spend. Then, choose location wisely.
Research the West Coast
From the mountains in Vail to the beaches in San Jose, the West Coast has a lot to offer its residents. But, housing on the West Coast can vary a great deal. If you're planning to move to the West Coast and are interested in finding a roommate, it's best to check online for state and city facts. The fact sites will also provide you with information on individual towns and living expenses. You can also check the Department of Housing and Urban Development's website for detailed information including cost of living, average salary, number of schools, public transportation facts and more for specific towns and cities within a state.
Most online realtor websites will have information on finding roommates in your city/town, and offer options to post or answer roommate ads.
Students Band Together
San Diego, California, is the seventh largest city in the country. With that fact in mind, San Diego roommates may be the easiest to find. With several major college campuses, the town is full of college students who need places to live. Students can save money by banding together. San Diego hosts a plethora of on- and off-campus housing, and using the buddy system to sift through it all will make your search much easier.
Home to SeaWorld and Shamu, there is an abundance of activities to investigate with a potential roommate.
A Cornucopia of Potential Roommates
Whether aiming for stardom, or just aiming for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a variety of people tend to flock to Los Angeles for various reasons. If you are looking for Los Angeles roommates, keep in mind the cornucopia of people you will find.
Individuals come from all over the United States, as well as the rest of the world to live in Los Angeles. Take the time to interview potential roommates to be certain that your lifestyles will be compatible.
Glitz and Glamour at a Bargain Price
With all the bright lights beaming in Las Vegas, you might expect pricey real estate to accompany the glitz the glamour of the famous Las Vegas strip. However, Las Vegas real estate is significantly cheaper than many of its big-city counterparts. Whether you decide to live alone or seek a roommate, finding Las Vegas roommates is easy with online bulletin boards and community postings around town. Many people flock to Las Vegas for work, so start with your place of employment and post a note on the job board or community bulletin board in your office. You can also post a "roommate wanted" ad in many of the online roommate finder websites.
Washington Rentals
Washington State offers a wide range of prices for aparment rentals. Near the coast, as in most states, rentals tend to be the most expensive. Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia will be the easiest places to find multi-person rentals.
One popular websites including Craigslist.org and Roommates.com, listings for apartments ranged from $725 to $2,500 for the Seattle-Tacoma region. When seeking apartments online, know your budget first, then look at ads that are targeting your price range.
From Beach to Burbs
Whether you prefer the beach or the "burbs," California roommates shouldn't be too hard to find. Keep in mind, however, that California is home to more than just beach and suburbs.
If you have your heart set on beach living, take a look at a map of California to get an idea of possible locations. Whether you're talking about Venice Beach, Malibu Beach or Laguna Beach, California beachcombers can find ample housing and roommate possibilties in the area. Many beaches have boardwalks and local shops that will allow you to post ads for roommates, or you can post online with a roommate finder service for more specialized help.
If you want to live in sunny California but don't want sand following you home every night from the beach, look to live in more inland cities like San Jose, Sacremento, or even areas of Los Angeles.
Oregon Living
Did you know that Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state in the US? Don't let that fact scare you out of finding a roommate in Oregon, though. Among other things, Oregon has a lower cost of living that is very attractive to potential residents. What's more, those in Oregon pay no retail sales tax, no automobile tax, and lower personal income taxes. Additionally, utilities are lower in Oregon than they are in many other West Coast areas. With such low costs and a roommate with whom to share expenses, you'll have plenty of money left for recreation.
California Roommates
When searching for roommates in California, there are a few places you should check. First of all, if you use the internet, you can go to websites like Roommates.com and CampusRoommates.com to search for roommates. Here you will be able to use search tools to find out what kind of roommates are available, and what their expectations are for a shared living arrangement. You can also use online classifieds, such as Craigslist.org, to find roommates in California. Since Craigslist has listings all over the United States, including several in and around California, you can use their services to find just the right roommate. You can also post a wanted ad for a roommate, and see what kind of response you get. Another, less technology-based solution is to go down to your local supermarket, coffee shop or university/college. These places usually have bulletin boards, and you will generally find at least one or two ads up from people who either need roommates or want to become a roommate. As always, when searching for a roommate in California or anywhere else, use caution and trust your judgment when meeting new people so that you can stay as safe as possible during your search.
Seattle Roommates
Seattle roommates may seem like they are in short supply, but if you focus your searches in a few key areas, you will quickly discover that there are plenty of people in Seattle who are looking for roommates, too. To start with, try to search for roommates offline by going down to your local college and looking at bulletin boards that are hanging in hallways and classrooms. Generally, there are always at least a few ads that are posted by people who are in search of roommates. You can also try similar tactics at local shops and grocery stores, where there might also be bulletin boards. After you have searched through these places, you can expand your search to the internet and places like Craigslist.org, a free online classified website. Here, you will find a section dedicated to finding housing and roommates, and you will be able to both view and post ads free of charge. Other alternatives to Craigslist include sites that charge a small fee to access and use, such as Roommates.com and CampusRoommates.com. While they do cost a certain amount to use, they can more than make up for it in the quality of the results you will get, since they allow you to search and sort by a large number of criteria.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Candi Wingate |
