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Has anyone here ever used a Roommate finder service?

I want to move to the Irvine/Anaheim/Orange/Costa Mesa area . I plan on getting a job after I get there since most employers already want you to be living in the area. When I asked about the move, someone here already suggested I should try and find a roommate first and then look for my own place after that. Well I am not against all that but where to start. On line there are TONS of companies who say they can set others up with roommates but who to trust and how does it really work out? I would be sharing an apartment with someone I have never met before. Anyone else ever use a roommate finder service and like it? Any advice?

Public Comments

1. I've used craig's list, which isn't technically a roommate finder service, but very similar. People that have a multi-bedroom apt. and need one more roommate post on craig's list to find someone to fill any spare rooms. I've used it before and lucked out, becoming good friends with my new roommates.
2. Roommate finder services are very common. I've used a few myself and more recently have used some for siblings. I do agree with the advice that you should find a roommate (technically, a room for rent) and then get your own place. You can easily get a month to month agreement in a roommate situation. First, try the free services. CraigsList is the most common. I've tried several pay services. The best by far is Roommates.com. When you find a place you like I suggest talking on the phone with the roommate(s) and going to see the place. Make sure you feel comfortable with him or her and that you both understand the situation. Put everything out there to start with. That will help avoid problems later. Also, get everything in writing. Even a month to month situation needs to have things written out. Well, good luck!
3. Personally I would use whats called The Recycler. Its a free Ad and it gets good results. I have had great success with it.