Places to live in SoCal (Torrance, Pasadena: condo, crime rate, homes)

[angeluv89]

Checked out some of the posts on the OC - doesn't seem to be very positive. A lot of negative feedback from people it seems.
I did visit Newport Beach once - seemed really nice. Mmmm... will look into it further.

[bhcompy]

You may find the size of houses you want in some Newport Coast areas.. You may want to check out Santiago Canyon as well

[buckeyenative01]

Originally Posted by angeluv89

Checked out some of the posts on the OC - doesn't seem to be very positive. A lot of negative feedback from people it seems.

That's inescapable in the California subforum.

Newport's nice...just astronomically expensive.

[uptown_urbanist]

[quote=angeluv89;7950994]We thought gated for safety reasons. quote]

You'd open your possibilities even more if you didn't have the gated requirement. There have been various studies that show that gated communities are not much safer than non-gated communities; I think the vandalism rate is slightly down, but as far as other crime it's all about equal. Gates tend to be more about the illusion of safety rather than the reality. It's all about personal preferences, of course, but you don't need to limit your search to gated-only simply for "safety" reasons.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

Why gated?

That's always my first question, too, when I hear that someone wants a gated community, "why gated?" To each his/her own, but I never understood why people voluntarily imprison themselves. I'm aware of the most common explanation -- safety. IMO a better option is to find a walkable community where houses "face" the street with people out and about. Crime deterrence by welcoming the world instead of walling one's self in behind iron gates. (Nothing personal, just a personal viewpoint, here! )

[jc76]

[quote=uptown_urbanist;8025685]

Originally Posted by angeluv89

We thought gated for safety reasons. quote]

You'd open your possibilities even more if you didn't have the gated requirement. There have been various studies that show that gated communities are not much safer than non-gated communities; I think the vandalism rate is slightly down, but as far as other crime it's all about equal. Gates tend to be more about the illusion of safety rather than the reality. It's all about personal preferences, of course, but you don't need to limit your search to gated-only simply for "safety" reasons.

Don't quote me, but I believe some of Richard Ramirez' (The Nightstalker) victims lived in gated communities. So did some of Ted Bundy's. Around here, the midwestern abyss, gated communities get burglarized all the time while most ghetto style homes don't get messed with. And having to wait for a gate or control arm or whatnot to function quickly every time I wanna cruise to the store would just be a pain. Volunteerely enslaved is right!

[MtnSurfer]

My first choice would be Rancho Palos Verdes and the surrounding communities on 'The Hill' if my budget was open. There are some really nice gated communities up there as well as places for horses, etc... It is close to everything but removed enough to feel like you are living in the country or in a beautiful suburb. Plus you are right on a gorgeous section of coast. So the air is clean unlike nicer places inland. This is an area you must see in person to appreciate. And now would be the best time to get in up there. It is prime real estate.

http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/photos/231442732_MZeuh-XL.jpg (broken link)







Derek

[jdavid93225]

Originally Posted by angeluv89

Looking to move to SoCal. Am looking to find a place with gated communities, very safe, has great restaurants, a Whole Foods (!), and nice malls. Lived in LA before, but am looking for a more laid back feel. Any info would be great - thanks!

Gated communities?
Whole Foods?
Nice Malls?

These things are all suggestive of what I would consider an "uptight" community. Hardly "laid back" in my opinion.

[majoun]

[quote=jc76;8058650]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Don't quote me, but I believe some of Richard Ramirez' (The Nightstalker) victims lived in gated communities. So did some of Ted Bundy's. Around here, the midwestern abyss, gated communities get burglarized all the time while most ghetto style homes don't get messed with. And having to wait for a gate or control arm or whatnot to function quickly every time I wanna cruise to the store would just be a pain. Volunteerely enslaved is right!

In many places in SoCal, gangs have found gated communities to be very congenial to their activities and have established themselves in gated communities. The protection from the outside world doesn't protect you from the bad guys within.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by jdavid93225

Gated communities?
Whole Foods?
Nice Malls?

These things are all suggestive of what I would consider an "uptight" community. Hardly "laid back" in my opinion.

I agree with you 100%.

Nita