Looking to Move to LA Area

[fnd]

Pasadena and Glendale is the best choice.
Markets, parks, stores (Colorado, Americana, Galleria and etc.), schools, colleges, metro line.
And the MOST important thing that it is VERY SAFE and VERY GREEN. A lot of green trees, parks, palms and it`s VERY SILENT. Never gang banging in Pasadena, no crime, no murders. A lot of flowers and birds. Good transport network 5, 10, 110, 134, 210, 101. 10-15 mins to Downtown.

[Sinbad]

Thanks Altiodboy, I didn't hear anything about Studio City schools but I did hear that Valley Village schools are hit and miss, I've been checking out Craigslist but I'm also going to check out WestsideRentals, and I'm definitely going to take a trip out there to view before committing which is why I'm looking to do as much research now to narrow down my hunt before I go. Thanks again

[Sinbad]

Thanks BRinSM, CaliInChappaqua, Tranza and Find for your feedback I really appreciate it. Burbank looks like it's leading the pack, I had not heard of La Crescenta but will investigate, Glendale is looking somewhat good, and I see there are mixed views on Pasadena. I did hear from a few friends that it is green and very nice and I like the fact that "Find" stressed the Safety part, that's very important. South Pasadena looks out but I'm still on the fence with Pasadena.

[CaliInChappaqua]

Originally Posted by Sinbad

Thanks BRinSM, CaliInChappaqua, Tranza and Find for your feedback I really appreciate it. Burbank looks like it's leading the pack, I had not heard of La Crescenta but will investigate, Glendale is looking somewhat good, and I see there are mixed views on Pasadena. I did hear from a few friends that it is green and very nice and I like the fact that "Find" stressed the Safety part, that's very important. South Pasadena looks out but I'm still on the fence with Pasadena.

Pasadena and Altadena are great. We lived there for over 10 years. Some parts are nice, others are pretty ghetto. It's like all of LA... one street has beautiful old mansions and the next street is a series of rundown dumps. The schools are average, but not great. There is gang activity in some parts of town, but the Pasadena Police and LA County Sheriff (law enforcement in Altadena) are on top of it and cooperate with each other. There is tons of nature to hike in (the Arroyo over by JPL, the San Gabriel Mountains, Eaton Canyon, just to name a few) and the views of Mt. Wilson are awesome.

Given your budget, South Pasadena, San Marino and La Canada are out of range. La Crescenta might be a stretch. Glendale, Pasadena/Altadena and La Crescenta are obtainable. If schools are super important to you, pay careful attention housing in Glendale -- not all the schools are as good in Glendale proper as they are in La Crescenta.

Burbank is very family-friendly and family-oriented. I've heard great things about the schools, but don't have first hand knowledge. There is an airport in Burbank -- this may be a plus or a minus for you, depending on your tolerance for noise.

Best of luck finding the community that fits your family best. The cities on your list are all great choices, IMO.