We know Burbank can be expensive, but you still need to find neighborhoods that fit your budget.

Let me share some value-for-money areas I discovered.

One of the relatively affordable residential areas in Burbank is around the airport. The area near Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), especially between N. Hollywood Way and W. Burbank Blvd, tends to have lower rents and home prices compared to other parts of Burbank. The downside is the airplane noise; large jets can be quite loud during sleeping hours. If you're sensitive to noise, it's a good idea to check the noise levels at different times when you go house hunting.

Q: What other affordable options are there besides airport noise? A: To the southeast of Burbank, near the Glendale border, there are relatively cheaper listings. This area has a Burbank address but is close to Glendale. Sometimes, parts of Glendale are cheaper than Burbank, making this border area a good value. You can also benefit from the BUSD school district.

Looking just outside Burbank city limits opens up more choices. North Hollywood is right next to Burbank and often has lower rents. However, North Hollywood is part of LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District), not BUSD, so the school district is different. If cost is more important than education for your children, North Hollywood is worth considering.

Glendale is also a nearby alternative to Burbank. Some areas in Glendale are similar in price or slightly cheaper than Burbank, and Glendale USD has a good reputation. Plus, there are Korean markets like H Mart nearby. It's a good idea to compare not just Burbank but also nearby cities.

You can also target older apartment complexes in Burbank. Buildings constructed in the 1960s and 70s may have outdated facilities, but they might be subject to rent control, making them cheaper than new constructions. Of course, you should carefully check the condition of the units and the building management.

There are roommate options as well. If you find it hard to afford a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom on your own in Burbank, living with a roommate is a viable option. You can find roommates through Craigslist, Roommate.com, or Facebook Korean community groups. This is a realistic way to settle in Burbank at a reasonable cost.

It's true that finding a good value residence in Burbank requires some legwork. However, if you're willing to tolerate a slightly inconvenient location or an older building, living in Burbank at a reasonable cost is not impossible. Clearly define your budget and priorities, and regularly check listings through real estate apps (Zillow, Apartments.com, Redfin).