Need to find the 'right' part of LA or nearby area (Los Angeles: home, neighborhoods)

[sweettea1]

So here's the deal. My husband absolutely HATES LA. Feels it's just too much for him...too industry focused...to fake, etc. I actually really like it (not the fake part but everything else) and have been pushing for a move for some time. I do work in the industry and feel that it's time for a move...one of those now or never things. Now we're at a real crossroads. I'd be very happy to find a spot that's commutable but it must be within an hour. He's in medicine and feels it's a terrible place to set up shop. Would love opinions on that too...
So...is there a town that's nearby that doesn't have the same feel as LA but is somewhat close? We are Jewish and would also like to be near a synagogue as well as move to a community that's walkable with parks, shops, etc. One where neighbors hang out. Does this exist? I've looked into Pasadena per previous recommendations but haven't found that a sizable Jewish community exists there. Maybe others can shed some light.
San Diego isn't what we're looking for either...
Thanks so much!

[NaplesRes]

Belmont Shore and downtown Long Beach are walkable. Don't know about the Jewish part. Belmont Shore is beachy. Downtown LB is urban.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by sweettea1

So here's the deal. My husband absolutely HATES LA. Feels it's just too much for him...too industry focused...to fake, etc. I actually really like it (not the fake part but everything else) and have been pushing for a move for some time. I do work in the industry and feel that it's time for a move...one of those now or never things. Now we're at a real crossroads. I'd be very happy to find a spot that's commutable but it must be within an hour. He's in medicine and feels it's a terrible place to set up shop. Would love opinions on that too...
So...is there a town that's nearby that doesn't have the same feel as LA but is somewhat close? We are Jewish and would also like to be near a synagogue as well as move to a community that's walkable with parks, shops, etc. One where neighbors hang out. Does this exist? I've looked into Pasadena per previous recommendations but haven't found that a sizable Jewish community exists there. Maybe others can shed some light.
San Diego isn't what we're looking for either...
Thanks so much!

What is your housing price range?

Where do you expect to work?

There is an orthodox Jewish community in Agoura Hills NW of Reyes Adobe and the 101 (near Canwood Street). We saw lots of black suited dudes walking around on Saturdays; my ex-cardiologist is one of them. Several years ago my three year old daughter asked "Why is there a magician walking around on the sidewalk?"

My wife grew up in this neighborhood (Agoura High School), and her parents still live there. Good schools in the neighborhood.

[sweettea1]

We're not orthodox; should have clarified that in the OP. But still looking for a Jewish community -- more conservative or reform for those who know what this is like. will check out your suggestions. thx

[Rats]

you should check out Marina Del Rey or Manhattan Beach. I'm Jewish as well.... the Jewish community in the San Gabriel Valley and Verdugos is all but nonexistent.

[NDA]

Such an area certainly exists. The area is called Hancock Park and also the area around the nearby Beverly Center- both are in the city of L.A. These neighborhoods make you think you've stepped out of L.A. Lots of movies and commericals are filmed in this area because it so gorgeous and has an Eastern feel. But the filming usually goes quickly and quietly. Although it is in the center of L.A. there is very little car traffic within the neighborhoods and the neighborhoods are pretty expansive.

Orthodox Jews walk around all day, they walk to synagogue, everyday I see the boys walking or men walking, both wear black clothes and yarmulke. I see women pushing strollers. I also see couples walking and stopping to chat with each other. There are synagogues and religious schools in walking distance.

This area is in close driving proximity to the industry areas in the Valley, is a few miles from Paramount Studios and goes against the flow of traffic. There is a medical building in nearby Larchmont Village and the area is near Cedar Sinai Hospital.

Hancock Park, Los Angeles, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[sweettea1]

Originally Posted by Rats

San Gabriel Valley and Verdugos

Where is this?
Also, I've been to Larchmont Village and love it! I haven't been to Hancock Park. Next time I'll definitely need to check that out. I fear we'd be outpriced though in LA proper. Our price range is under $700K for a home which I know is lot but from what I'm seeing in LA, not too much in the areas we're seeking. That's why I was looking just outside of LA... thx for the great advice thus far.

[suncat]

What about Pasadena or Altadena? They're a little more old school and established. Altadena has some beautiful neighborhoods and a country feel to it.

[sweettea1]

I'll look into Altadena. Sounds lovely!

[jessemh431]

well almost anything in west LA (santa monica, brentwood, and westwood especially) are very conservative jewish. im conservative and live in playa del rey, which is a city right near LAX. manhattan beach is also quite jewish. not trying to generalize too much, but it seems like anywhere in the LA Basin that is expensive is where Jews tend to live. west LA, brentwood, and santa monica are extremely jewish