Santa Monica vs Marina del Rey (condo, townhome, best schools)

[dxl_2K]

I’m finally able to afford a place in Santa Monica or Marin del Rey, but cannot decide which place is better? I’m married and my wife and I have lived in LA for most of our lives. We are in our late 20s and have transitioned out of the “club” scene into the stay at home on Saturday nights to save money scene. Which area do you think is better to “start” a family, in other words, which area is more family-friendly? My wife and I are thinking about a condo or townhome….is one area better than the other for them? Any help on these two areas would be much appreciated.

[Charles]

Where is (are) your job(s)?
Are kids in the five year plan? Ten year plan?
What is your budget?
If you have kids, will you upsize to a SFR?
If kids are in the immediate future check out

School Performance Maps

[dxl_2K]

Thanks for the link...I'll check it out.

Where is (are) your job(s)?
We both work near Downtown LA

Are kids in the five year plan? Ten year plan?
Kids are in the we-will-be-trying-later-this-year plan

What is your budget?
we can afford no more than $520k for a 2bd / 2ba

[majoun]

Originally Posted by dxl_2K

Thanks for the link...I'll check it out.

Where is (are) your job(s)?
We both work near Downtown LA

Both equally bad for commuting to downtown.

Are kids in the five year plan? Ten year plan?
Kids are in the we-will-be-trying-later-this-year plan

Santa Monica has amongst the best schools in L.A. county , while Marina del Rey is LAUSD - and you don't want to live in an LAUSD area if you have kids unless you have money for private school.

What is your budget?
we can afford no more than $520k for a 2bd / 2ba

You should be able to find a condo in SM or MDR for that price.