Apartment complexes close to Culver City? Ladera Heights? (Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach: neighbourhood, living in)

[daimyo75]

I've been looking for apartments between Culver City, and Redondo Beach. These are the locations where me and my girl will be working in the near future. We've found two promising properties, one in El Segundo and one in Ladera Heights.

I have two questions:
1) Does anybody have good links/know of good apartment communities in good neighbourhoods between Culver City and Redondo? We have had much luck.

2) One of the apt. complexes, The Heights, which I think might be located in Ladera Heights (the intersection of Centinela/Alvern, seemed nice although pricey. The area seemed also a bit sketchy (a larger nearby cross street is the La Tijera/Centinela intersection). I know Ladera Heights is an affluent black community - but it didn't seem affluent to me. Also there didn't appear to be much in term of interesting "entertainment" - like coffee shops, good restaurants, shops etc. It seemed very inner city. Does anybody have insight into the Ladera Heights area. (Inconsequentially, I am white - and I don't mind living in a black neighbourhood - as long as they don't mind me living there either!).

3) Regarding El Segundo, is an A/C less apartment doable in the summer in El Segundo? Is the "ocean breeze" sufficient or will it still be untolerably hot?

Thanks for your help!

[WinnieC]

You will not have a problem living in Ladera if your white,but Ladera does not have much cty life.Just the Ladera center for the most part which has a Fridays and a Starbucks. Have you checked Culver City the commute between Ladera and Culver City is minimal so that should not be an issue? El Segundo is also a nice community I think you will be fine without an AC in the summer.I live in Westchester and I rarely turn on my AC in the summer.Buy a fan and you will be fine.El Segundo is a family community so if it's just you and your girlfriend might not be your cup of tea.It is close to Manhattan Beachwhich has it's share of restaurants and bars.Either way I think all are good options Ladera,El Segundo and consider Culver City as well.Just depends on what you are looking for.