Replies

"This question has bothered me for many decades, but it seems particularly apropos as I settle into my house and start paying property taxes."

Bothered you for decades? It apparently hasn't bothered you ENOUGH to deter you from purchasing property there.

Why didn't you purchase in adjacent Orange County, where you yourself indicate services are better? Ditto Ventura County? Thousand Oaks?

Part of your problem is being in the incorporated city of Los Angeles, even though they call your section "Woodland Hills."

An old real estate adage: Buy the worst house, in the best area you can afford. Lotsa people get hung up on the building, overlooking the area.

What happened to Agoura Hills in your decision?

Me - Huntington Beach, California

The company I work for, which I have a long-term, stable relationship with, is in Woodland Hills. I don't like commuting.

The part of Woodland Hills I moved into is beautiful - much nicer than other affordable areas of the city. I considered Thousand Oaks but didn't like the commute and prefer the architecture of the 60s to the more recent, minimal-cost-driven architecture of Ventura County.

If I could start over again, I would have done it in Orange County instead. There's no question Orange County is a lot better run than LA. The worst negative is the culture of homeowners' associations and identical homes everywhere.

I'm happy with my decision to move, and my decision to buy into this area. At the same time, I'd like to know if there are any things I can do to make a difference regarding the problems with my local government. We can all throw up our hands and say it's impossible ... but I'd rather try and figure out something constructive.

D