Moving to California

[joonbug]

We will be moving to Los Angeles in the next 1 to 1 1/2 years. Originally from the Midwest, now living in New Zealand for 2 years. Looking for good communities in West LA. My job will involve driving between multiple locations in LA - downtown, N Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Torrance. I want to keep driving time reasonable. Our kids will probably be in private schools, but we want a community with good public schools as a backup. Ages primary school, middle school and high school. Also want to be reasonably close to the ocean as it is cooler there. Looking at Manhattan Beach (good schools), Palos Verdes (too long a drive probably), Santa Monica (expensive, schools so-so) and other communities in between. Opinions of those who live in LA are the best rather than opinions of the Free Republic community at large who will give me reasons for not moving to LA. Happy to receive any private emails at joonbug@xtra.co.nz. Thanks for any comments, suggestions, etc.

[hole_n_one]

We will be moving to Los Angeles in the next 1 to 1 1/2 years.

I'd wait until after the Lakers win their 4th straight World Championship......

[SouthernFreebird]

We will be moving to Los Angeles in the next 1 to 1 1/2 years

You mean people actually move to Cali.... I would of thought it was all exiting only.

[I_Love_My_Husband]

Even private schools are in the clutches of commies. Homeschool or face the fact that your kids will be in the clutches of the commies. Trust me on this.

[I_Love_My_Husband]

BTW, I was born in LA and lived there and was schooled there for years. I know from what I speaketh. I do live in SF now. My entire family has lived in Los Angeles for over a century.

[ErnBatavia]

Your commute points are going to have you snarled in traffic.....North Hollywood is over the pass in the San Fernando Valley - another world. For your Torrance/WLA/Beverly Hills trek, suggest look around Culver City.

Really, really try to avoid city limits of Los Angeles regarding infrastructure (that's why I mention Culver City) such as schools and services - L.A. is in a state of heavy decline.

Personally, wifey and I just 5 months ago decided to screw Los Angeles (I lived 30 miles north of the office and commuted to West L.A.) and move out east to the desert. Life's too short.

Good luck!

[concerned about politics]

Don't come crying to us about it later. I know I won't want to hear it. Be accountable for your own actions.

[Bella_Bru]

You;ll have to deal with a traffic reality. Almost no one in the L.A. area lives in the same city as where they work. Be prepared to have a long commute everyday. Oh, and if you can about the 10, the 5, and the 405....do it!

[ambrose]

The Miracle Mile area and Hancock Park are good areas to check out.

You do realize that it is extremely expensive in the areas you mentioned?

[LibertyGirl77]

Grew up in L.A.--recommend you check out Thousand Oaks/Westlake/Simi Valley/Moorpark area (Eastern Ventura County). It's way less disgusting and liberal than L.A. proper and the commute, while no picnic, is not that terrible. Housing prices are steep -- expect to pay $400,000 to $1,000,000 for a nice single-family home (still not as pricey as the areas you listed), but your kids will be OUT of the LAUSD and can safely attend some of the area's best public and/or private schools. The beach is an easy 20-minute drive, and the weather is beautiful. I went to college in this neighborhood, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.