Ahh, depending on where you end up there's sometimes a website for the general area properties. In LA we use a site called westsiderentals.com - makes screening for decent apartments a ton easier. But the newspaper works too. Craigslist. All that stuff. It can get shady sometimes and people like to stretch the truth when it comes to describing properties, but if its your first time on your own then you probably can't get picky. Especially if you're moving with pets.
Ask questions about the property you're deciding on though - a little history, bug control, maintenance inspection, the age of the AC, look for fire hazards, look around the outside for large cracks in the walls - will tell you a lot about age, damage, potential pests that could get inside...stuff like that. Also, if they look friendly, ask the neighbors how they like their living space and landlord (when they're not around of course) - you'll want a landlord with good response time and someone who gives a shit about the property they manage. TRUST ME - you don't want a landlord that's too lazy or cheap! It makes living very difficult when a problem comes along. :( There will always be problems.

When we moved into our current place it was like a dream come true...until we found a faulty wired socket that electrocuted us every time we used one of the light fixtures. XD That'd be a big fire hazard, but they came and fixed it as soon as it was reported.

I hear governors view is super good? like i know Kaja and her sister/mom just moved over there they have a cat or two and I think its under 900? I cant remember but it'd be good to look over there, not 100% certain on laundry (might come inside) if not then I would know how to get to a laundromat. those apartments are on the east side and right behind where I work!

Make sure when you guys decide on an apartment, to do a walk through and take pictures of EVERYTHING you can think of, before you start moving in. Anything that might be damaged BEFORE you move in, make sure to get photos of it and hold onto it. But honestly, get pictures of everything, not just damaged stuff. To protect yourselves.

That may be a no brainer, I don't know, but I've seen so many times where people just move in and don't do that, and then get blamed later for something they actually didn't do. (It's happened to me in fact, and I kick myself for not taking pictures)

If you have photos with dates on them, you're good.

ALSO, I know you're moving in with friends, and you know. You're friends. And it should be fun, but you all should probably sit down discuss the terms of living together, whose responsible for what, how much everyone is expected to pay, just... anything you can think of. Write it down. Have everyone sign it. Cause a lot of friendships go sour this way. I'm not trying to belittle your friendships or anything. I'm just saying, it might be a good idea that puts everyone at ease, just to know everyone is very clear about the aspects of living together.

That said, I'm no where near that area so, I can't say too much else. I know this doesnt help with actually FINDING an apartment, ha ha. But it's good to think about once you do. I hope you guys find something you like! Just be inquisitive, look around.