Need advice on renting near Topanga... (Woodland, Jackson: to rent, low crime, houses)

[Biz Jackson]

Hi all,

My partner and I are moving west from the NYC area in late September for work. His company is located in Topanga Canyon, and we are looking to rent nearby.

Ideally, we are interested in renting a detached, two bedroom home, preferably with a yard.
Our budget limit is $2000 per month. We'd prefer a quiet neighborhood.

Renting for this price in Topanga itself seems out of the question, so I'm looking for some guidance on surrounding areas. I've found desirable homes in our price range in Encino and Chatsworth Lake Manor, but have found little information on the latter neighborhood. I am open to suggestions about other areas nearby, and appreciate the help!

Thanks!

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by Biz Jackson

Chatsworth Lake Manor

A cool little area. A semi-rural feel, unincorporated, little twisty hill streets with a wide variety of densely gathered houses, from hippie funk to upgraded 1940's bungalows, even a geodesic dome is there. Good positioning to the 101 via Topanga or Valley Circle Blvd., and the 118 is close, and can get over to Simi via Box Canyon. Low crime, quiet. Many houses are on septic system and propane. High fire risk (as is Topanga and all the canyons). Some places have great views. People are friendly.

[Biz Jackson]

Thanks nightlysparrow - comforting to hear about the low crime rate. I had heard mixed opinions on that, but I'm guessing they would apply to the main area of Chatsworth itself. Thank you for the heads up about the fire risk - I knew this about Topanga, but didn't realize Chatsworth Lake Manor fell into this as well.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by Biz Jackson

Thanks nightlysparrow - comforting to hear about the low crime rate. I had heard mixed opinions on that, but I'm guessing they would apply to the main area of Chatsworth itself. Thank you for the heads up about the fire risk - I knew this about Topanga, but didn't realize Chatsworth Lake Manor fell into this as well.

The Lake Manor area doesn't have any place to hang out, and neighbors know each other, so not too much appeal for criminals. Plus, on the small streets, there's no place to park unseen.

As for fire, except for the places right on Lake Manor Dr. and the flatland around it, all the houses are in the hills, and the brush is dry, dry. Some of the streets are so small that you have to back out your car, no room to even do a 3-point turn. No big fire trucks could ever make it in there. It's THE common risk factor in the hills of SoCal, but in the unincorporated areas (like many canyons on the LA periphery) houses were built without codes and many "streets" are really just long driveways to get to private properties.

But Lake Manor is a gem, so I won't even mention the Santa Susana Fault line

[Biz Jackson]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

But Lake Manor is a gem, so I won't even mention the Santa Susana Fault line

Blizzards and hurricanes (after Sandy), no sweat...but earthquakes? Trust me, I'm already having nightmares!

[BRinSM]

The chatsworth lake manor area is pretty idyllic, but secluded as previously mentioned. Nearby box canyon is the Valley version of topanga without the ocean breeze (read: HOT). Encino is completely different, but nice in its own right. I'm not sure $2000 would get you a detached house in either locale though.

[Biz Jackson]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

I'm not sure $2000 would get you a detached house in either locale though.

I've found one in both places, hence my current inquiry. Encino seems more practical, but the Lake Manor area seems to be the vibe we're looking for - then again, it may be too big a jump from city-living.

I know traffic is pretty much unavoidable, but which area would you say is an easier commute to Topanga?

[elhelmete]

How far up the hill into Topanga will he be working?

I personally think Encino would be a much better commute. Westbound Ventura in the AM would be decent. I used to go east on Ventura in the AM and westbound seemed to be moving just fine most days. If you're up in Lake Manor/Box Cyn you're going to be slugging it down Topanga Blvd or maybe Valley Circle which while on a map looks to be a simple 'straight shot,' it's really slow during rush hours.

I would think you have a better chance of finding a place in Encino as well, there is just so much more inventory overall.

All that said...I really like Lake Manor a lot.

[Biz Jackson]

Originally Posted by elhelmete

How far up the hill into Topanga will he be working?

To my knowledge, the business is very close to Woodland Hills. He will be traveling alot for work via LAX, but I'm not sure the two areas in question differ much when it comes to commuting to the airport.

Lake Manor certainly sounds like a gem, but it seems like Encino might be the place for us commute/convenience wise.

On another note, I am an elementary educator and will be looking for a job once we're settled. Any advice or knowledge on the elementary schools in the area would be very helpful! I'd also of course be willing to travel (within reason) to other areas of the valley (Woodland, Reseda etc.)

[elhelmete]

Originally Posted by Biz Jackson

To my knowledge, the business is very close to Woodland Hills. He will be traveling alot for work via LAX, but I'm not sure the two areas in question differ much when it comes to commuting to the airport.

Lake Manor would add significant time to a trip to LAX. You're just that much further north and west.