DC Transfer - Where to Live (Pasadena, Arcadia: apartment, rent, mortgage)

[Hello123001]

Hello, I am choosing to relocate to California from Northern VA (Washington DC area) in less than a years time to persue schooling and artistic interests. I'm eager to hear some suggestions.

I can afford a 3k monthly rent or mortgage and I have a middle school daughter who is used to lots of freedom. I am also a single female so safety is number one to me.

We are currently accustomed to walking to Starbucks, the mall, the theater, an ice skating rink, Whole Foods, and other popular places - so yes, we are spoiled rotton.

****I also need to be able to commute to the Duarte, CA area and also plan on driving everywhere, so want a place where traffic is not horrendous.

We are used to small spaces, but I would prefer more than a studio apartment.

[CALGUY]

Traffic is horrible any, and every where.
Duarte is a nice little town, just below the foothills.
Where you will be working there, it makes sense to try and live close to work.


Bob.

[HB2HSV]

Do you like more of a urban neighborhood where you can "walk everywhere"?

If so, it sounds like Pasadena maybe perfect for you. It's also against the traffic which will make your commute to Duarte easier.

[Astral_Weeks]

Three cities to consider: Pasadena, Sierra Madre (possibly too small townish) or Monrovia.

[Vic Romano]

I would also consider Glendora. They have a nice little downtown area.

[CA4Now]

it sounds like Pasadena maybe perfect for you.

cities to consider: Pasadena, Sierra Madre

Pasadena's public schools rank at the bottom of the state, and Sierra Madre is part of Pasadena Unified School District.

[Social Democrat]

Check out South Pasadena and Arcadia, both have excellent schools and you should be able to find an apartment within your budget.
As previously mentioned, traffic sux so you will need to adapt to it.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by Social Democrat

Check out South Pasadena and Arcadia, both have excellent schools and you should be able to find an apartment within your budget.
As previously mentioned, traffic sux so you will need to adapt to it.

Arcadia might as well be considered as a Chinatown. I hope you like Chinese food.

Having said that, they serve good Chinese food.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

Pasadena's public schools rank at the bottom of the state, and Sierra Madre is part of Pasadena Unified School District.

Some are not bad. For example, Huntington Middle School, near Cal Tech, is rated 9 out of 10 on the great school scale.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Hello123001

Hello, I am choosing to relocate to California from Northern VA (Washington DC area) in less than a years time to persue schooling and artistic interests. I'm eager to hear some suggestions.

I can afford a 3k monthly rent or mortgage and I have a middle school daughter who is used to lots of freedom. I am also a single female so safety is number one to me.

We are currently accustomed to walking to Starbucks, the mall, the theater, an ice skating rink, Whole Foods, and other popular places - so yes, we are spoiled rotton.

****I also need to be able to commute to the Duarte, CA area and also plan on driving everywhere, so want a place where traffic is not horrendous.

We are used to small spaces, but I would prefer more than a studio apartment.

First thought that comes to mind, if the price would be reasonable would be Pasadena. It isn't far from Duarrte, you would be driving against the traffic and it give you the life style you might want. But now, I read about having a daughter, Pasa schools are not the best. For all you want and good schools the closest would be Arcadia or maybe Glendora.