1) It is extremely quiet here. Once you come back home , you don't get the feeling that you're in the second largest city in the US. You don't hear any cars. The trees and the surrounding houses keep the noise from the big city boulevards far away. That's exactly what I wanted as a top priority, to have a quiet place where to sleep, and hear nothing but birds.

2) I love the trees, the pool, the garden. It is all green here. Having a garden and a pool and living in a house is just a big luxury. The whole neighborhood is ideal for walks, safe and quiet residential area, it's only houses with gorgeous gardens around. I walked to UCLA every day (about 25-30 minutes), and all the houses and gardens around are just beautiful. Beverly Hills scenery, essentially.

3) The landlords are a really intelligent young couple, he's a math professor and she's a doctor. They at the same time helped me for everything that I needed and were always available when I wanted to ask something or needed anything, and, at the same time, gave me total privacy. Really friendly and welcoming.

In addition, I can say, the study room upstairs has it's own charm, I did some of my academic work there and kept the computer there. I kept this space very organized and clean, just for academics, downstairs was my living area. BUT, in fact, I ended up doing most of my academic work in the garden! There is a table and a really comfortable chair, and I loved working outside. Employing the full California benefits. Being able to work (and also eat, by the way) outside is such a great advantage in my opinion. I had been on the East Coast for 8 years, and now that I was in California, why not really enjoy the great weather?! Can't do this in an apartment, only in a house with a garden .

Also, I should say, the location is very convenient, it is really close to two main boulevards: Santa Monica and Wilshire, there are many buses there. It takes 5 minute walk+30 minutes by bus to get to the beach. It's 30 minute pleasant walk to UCLA.

This place is ideal for anyone who wants to stay away from the noisy boulevards and to live in a quiet house surrounded by trees, and with really friendly landlords in their house just across the courtyard. Again, just an amazing place in LA!