Air Force personnel who do not live in base housing often choose
communities around Los Angeles AFB. El Segundo, Hawthorne, Torrance,
and the beach cities (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach) are the
areas most populated with Air Force personnel. Some choose to live in
Orange County or other areas where there is a longer commute to
work. The Housing Office, located in Building 37 at Fort MacArthur,
can furnish lists of available apartments and houses where Air Force personnel
have had positive renting experience.
The Housing Office also
maintains a list of members who are looking for roommates and a list of
apartments, houses, and condominiums for rent around the base and in the local
South Bay region. The housing referral number is (310) 363-8397, DSN
833-8397. The office is located in Building 37 at Fort
MacArthur.
Apartment costs will vary based upon location, size, condition
and age of the unit. One bedroom units cost $800-$1,300; two bedroom
units are $1000-$1,600. By contrast, the rental of houses is much
more expensive (the number of houses is far fewer than the number of apartments,
and the demand for houses in lieu of apartments remains high). Most
apartment complexes have restrictions on the number of children and pets, and
have expensive pet deposits and fees.
Market conditions remain fluid, and
housing costs will tend to directly reflect the condition of the local market
economy. Home prices start around $400,000 for a two bedroom house,
$500,000 for three bedrooms. There are very few mobile home parks in
Los Angeles county.
If you plan to rent an apartment in the area, be
prepared to buy a new or used refrigerator. Apartments will usually
have a stove, but not a refrigerator. The Family Support Center Loan
Closet has no refrigerators, but such items are often listed for sale in the
base newspaper and in other community papers.
The Sunday Los Angeles
Times Real Estate section runs a regular series each week on housing costs by
area based upon recent sales by zip codes. Check your local newsstand
for a copy of the Times to find this useful tool, or call (800) LATIMES. Another
useful newspaper covering the South Bay is the Daily Breeze. Both
newspapers have web sites.
Before military members seek off-base housing,
they are required to check with the Housing Office for a briefing and
counseling. Experienced personnel will assist you with rentals as
well as ensure that the rental agreement includes an appropriate military
clause.