Moving to California don't know where to move! (Los Angeles, Santa Clarita: apartment, rent)

[dieselthedog]

Hello, my husband and I plan on moving to California and I'm not sure where to go. Both will have bachelor degrees in communications and will be looking for jobs. We are looking to get into a house 2-3 bedrooms min 2 baths. Is there anywhere that will not break the bank? My criteria is: 1. safe area 2. good schools (plan on having kids within 2 years) 3. parking 4. close to mall and places to eat. (I don't want to drive 20 mins to places) I have been to Brentwood and Santa Monica only and I didn't love it, but it may be because it is not like Michigan. Keep in mind, I am married though I am young and if there was a city with elderly people in it, I would move there. My husband hasn't quit is partying days so the farther away from bars and clubs would be great! I have had suggestions of Woodland hills, silverlake, los feliz, toluca lake, calabasas, tarzana, glendale and burbank. Oh and somone said don't move to the valley, what is wrong with that?

[dereistic01]

toluca lake is great. close to a bunch of shops and restaurants.

[BRinSM]

Unless you're in the valley, a two bedroom house in a safe neighborhood is going to cost you atleast $2500 a month, probably more. You may want to check out Culver City though, its a bit cheaper than LA proper and isn't exactly the most lively area in LA.

[N-Dawggy]

Woodland hills, silverlake, los feliz, toluca lake, calabasas, tarzana, glendale and burbank


You just answered your own post. All of these are nice except glendale (unless you're an armo).

[LuckyGem]

Originally Posted by dieselthedog

Hello, my husband and I plan on moving to California and I'm not sure where to go. Both will have bachelor degrees in communications and will be looking for jobs. We are looking to get into a house 2-3 bedrooms min 2 baths. Is there anywhere that will not break the bank? My criteria is: 1. safe area 2. good schools (plan on having kids within 2 years) 3. parking 4. close to mall and places to eat. (I don't want to drive 20 mins to places) I have been to Brentwood and Santa Monica only and I didn't love it, but it may be because it is not like Michigan. Keep in mind, I am married though I am young and if there was a city with elderly people in it, I would move there. My husband hasn't quit is partying days so the farther away from bars and clubs would be great! I have had suggestions of Woodland hills, silverlake, los feliz, toluca lake, calabasas, tarzana, glendale and burbank. Oh and somone said don't move to the valley, what is wrong with that?

There is no town, or area in Los Angeles that will remind you of Michigan. Spend the winter here and you'll instantly know you're not in Michigan.

If your house buying budget is in the Mid 600,000 range, you'll be able to find something in an average neighborhood.

The valley is infested with gangs.

Move north, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita.

[LuckyGem]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

Unless you're in the valley, a two bedroom house in a safe neighborhood is going to cost you atleast $2500 a month, probably more. You may want to check out Culver City though, its a bit cheaper than LA proper and isn't exactly the most lively area in LA.

Culver City is not cheaper for home buying or rent. The average rent there is $1800 for a 2 bed, 2 bath. House prices are 600k +.

I wouldn't recommend Los Angeles this town is no place to raise a family, why not go north?

[Lake Conroe resident]

Originally Posted by N-Dawggy

Woodland hills, silverlake, los feliz, toluca lake, calabasas, tarzana, glendale and burbank


All of these are nice except glendale (unless you're an armo).

LOL....Certainly accurate.

[Sorcerer68]

If you're looking for a great place to raise kids with a small town atmosphere that's really clean and peaceful, check out South Pasadena. It's a wonderful place to live and raise children.

[los$candalous]

Originally Posted by dieselthedog

if there was a city with elderly people in it, I would move there.

you are not in michigan anymore

[Christine Joan]

I really hate to be the one to say this, but, PLEASE find a job FIRST and then relocate here. At least one of you should have a job before making the move here. Right now, California is in a bit of a recession. Prices are very high here and without any income coming in, your savings will diminish quickly. A college degree is not a ticket to a job here, There are a lot of young people with college educations working in restarants and bars and other service-type industries because they cannot find a job in their field. However, luckily, many of these young people are abe to continue to live with their parents or other relatives until they land the job that has enough income for them to move out and get their own apartment. Unless you already know people here or have at least one job lined up, this might not be the best location for the two of you.

I know it is very difficult in Michigan now, but the sad truth is that many people are starting to feel the recession here too. I would hate to see you leave one lousy economy to only find yourself in another one that is just as difficult to find a good paying job, but also, much more expensive.

If you find the jobs first, location will be based on proximity to work. Commutes here can be really awful.