When looking for apartments in Burbank, the first question that often arises is whether an older unit in a good location is acceptable, or if a new construction with lower management fees is a better choice. New construction complexes are often built with the latest insulation and window standards, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs compared to older buildings, and it is common for them to include smart home features as standard (according to nar.realtor and angi.com).

To answer this question, it is essential to first examine the neighborhoods that make up Burbank. Due to the high number of media industry professionals living in the area, it is common to find remodeled units mixed with those in their original condition within the same building, making it difficult to gauge the actual state based solely on the year of construction.

Looking at rental figures, as of June 2026, the average rent in Burbank is around $2,650 (according to rentcafe.com). By the number of bedrooms, a one-bedroom unit averages $2,268, while a two-bedroom unit averages $2,983, and some sources indicate that studios can be even higher at $2,879, showing significant market variability based on unit layout and location.

In terms of existing apartment inventory in Burbank, 17% of complexes were built in the 1980s, 16% in the 1950s, and 15% in the 1970s (according to rentcafe.com). This means that nearly half of the available units are over 40 years old, which may limit options for tenants seeking new constructions.

Currently, Apartments.com shows about 75 newly constructed listings, which is relatively low compared to the overall inventory. Given the limited supply, new constructions are likely to command a higher premium than the national average of 10-20% (according to RentCafe and Apartment List's new construction trend report).

The advantages of new constructions extend beyond energy efficiency. They often come with a construction warranty lasting from one to ten years, reducing the burden of major repairs in the initial years. In contrast, older buildings over 40 years old may soon require significant repairs, such as plumbing or roofing, which could lead to unexpected costs despite lower rents (according to nerdwallet.com).

However, the benefits of older buildings should not be overlooked. The landscaping and neighborhood atmosphere have developed over time, and they generally offer larger square footage. Many neighborhoods preferred by Korean families in Burbank are often older developments, so families prioritizing school districts may want to consider older units as well. Since school district boundaries frequently change, it is advisable to verify the assigned school for a specific address before signing a lease.

In terms of management fees, it is common for new complexes with many community amenities to have higher HOA fees compared to older buildings (according to bankrate.com). Families considering a move to Burbank from another state should also be aware that California's property tax assessment methods and rental regulations may differ from those in their previous state.

Burbank is not very large, so the land available for new constructions is limited, and as a result, new developments are often designed at a relatively high density. The taller and more numerous the units in a new construction, the more diverse the community amenities tend to be, but this also means that the costs for managing shared spaces will increase.

For families preparing to move from another state, commuting distance should also be considered. Burbank has a concentration of jobs in broadcasting and media, leading to steady demand for new constructions close to workplaces, which appears to be one of the factors supporting new rental prices. Conversely, if commuting distance is flexible, families may want to explore older units that are more affordable.

Ultimately, the choice in Burbank will depend on whether one wants to reduce management fee burdens or prioritize larger square footage and an established neighborhood atmosphere. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with real estate and tax professionals before finalizing any agreements.