I live in a great little apartment complex similar to the one you are talking about. Two bedrooms, a kitchen and living room, two bathrooms and a little balcony. The neighborhood is great, quiet and friendly, and I love it. It's me, my roommate, two cats, three snakes (including a retic) and the occasional foster animal or two. I have no issues with the living space, there is plenty of room for all my critters, and the best part is that my apartment manager owns snakes herself so she doesnt charge any extra pet fees for caged animals, which includes rodents and reptiles. It is basically the best thing for me right now, and I consider myself really lucky. I hope everything is going great for you in Cali, I know its a big change from NY, in fact my family moved from upstate NY to NC about 6 years ago. Good luck with everything!