i will be moving to CA from NY and would like your suggestions on housing. as you can imagine, this is a big change for me and i am both anxious and excited at the same time

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ive only been to CA once a few months ago and was in Venice. the area to me felt like the bronx. i didn't feel comfortable and what bothered me the most was the homeless and the shady weed shops there. Venice was definitely out of my element.
my work is located in Irvine and my budget is ~$1,400 month. ideal location would be a 1 bedroom and 1.5 bath and i would like a drive way or a parking lot.
thoughts & help is much appreciated, thanks guys

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