phf919,
I am married with no kids, in my mid 30's, and I moved to Canton from NJ 20 months ago.
Lake Arrowhead, where your friend is, is really nice and safe (gated) and a lot of the cottage homes are vacation homes. Since it's nearing the end of the summer season, you could probably rent one short term for a good price.
Waleska is nice, and slightly more rural than Canton. Walden Crossing sounds familiar. Are they the apartments on the top of the hill off (I think) 140? Or is it Hwy 20? Anyway - I don't know much about them. Sorry.
Both places and nice and safe and friendly.

Good luck!