You have to do research
Not many options on California unless your willing to pay $3.500 plus a month and they are not much better.
In my experience, modern apartment buildings are being built much better than old ones - in some ways.
New buildings are much safer, with sprinkler systems, much quieter (we never hear a peep out of neighbors). and often have secure garages. The down side is that they tend to have small rooms, and no cross ventilation. (I hate the latter because I prefer fresh air and good circulation to air conditioning.)
Of course, you do have to pay a lot for the benefits. it all comes down to what is important to you and worth the cost.