Husband got a new job in Inglewood..where should we live? (Manhattan Beach: violent crime, homes)

[katenik]

Originally Posted by Newt2Cali

So, based on what you are saying about traffic..wouldn't Culver City, Ladera Heights, Santa Monica or Palms be close or good areas? Or are the schools not that great? Thanks..

schools are poor to not-that-great in those areas. santa monica high school is nothing special, but the elementary schools are (mostly) good. culver city schools are hit-or-miss. i like ladera heights a lot, but i don't recommend it for familes with school-aged kids unless paying for private school is more than a notion, as it is zoned to horrid inglewood schools. since you're looking to rent a home, take palms off your list. it's mainly high-density apartment living for people with a lot less to spend on rent than you-- and the schools are craptastic!

consider el segundo. LAX is basically the only thing separating it from inglewood, but the two cities are worlds apart in every other way.

[JTGJR]

This is posted on just about every thread on the board that has to do with schools. California School Performance Maps

Culver City is "OK"
Santa Monica is Good, but you're looking at some pretty serious traffic time. Ladera is a nice area, but the school system is not. Most are in private schools. I can't speak to Palms. You seem to have zeroed on West LA. Perhaps you need to tell us how long of a commute you're willing to tolerate since we've pretty much told you the CLOSEST good community, good school areas.

[CESpeed]

I would recommend Westchester, or Culver City. You might be comfortable with Brentwood or Westwood the schools are LAUSD but the schools tend to be better in the higher tax bracket areas. You might want to consider Beverly Hills.

[Newt2Cali]

My husband is willing to do a commute time of a half hour. By order of importance 1)Schools 2)commute time 3)Impression of a city name (I know, shallow..but I like hearing, "Oh, thats a great city to live in". 4)Safety (but, I am sure that is a given with the other three importance to us..

[katenik]

Originally Posted by Newt2Cali

My husband is willing to do a commute time of a half hour. By order of importance 1)Schools 2)commute time 3)Impression of a city name (I know, shallow..but I like hearing, "Oh, thats a great city to live in". 4)Safety (but, I am sure that is a given with the other three importance to us..

a half-hour commute is about six miles in LA traffic. you aren't giving yourself too many options.

[Newt2Cali]

Wow - just 6 miles..ok, lets try 45 minutes..does anyone know how long it would take to drive from Marina Del Ray to Inglewood?

[JTGJR]

OK, here's another site that you should have a look at: LA Life for school and crime rankings. To answer your specific question, Marina Del Rey would be a short commute, but I don't equate it as a "family-oriented" community and it does not have it's own school district. And I think you'll find opinions vary greatly wrt "Oh, thats a great city to live in."


I think you pretty much have the cities listed that fit your priorities thusfar. What else are you looking for? Hobbies, activities, sports, culture?

[katenik]

Originally Posted by JTGJR

OK, here's another site that you should have a look at: LA Life for school and crime rankings. To answer your specific question, Marina Del Rey would be a short commute, but I don't equate it as a "family-oriented" community and it does not have it's own school district. And I think you'll find opinions vary greatly wrt "Oh, thats a great city to live in."


I think you pretty much have the cities listed that fit your priorities thusfar. What else are you looking for? Hobbies, activities, sports, culture?

agreed. you should be focusing your attention on the south bay, which is the only place you are going to find an abundance good public schools within reasonable commuting time of inglewood. there's no reason to head north and get mixed up in westside traffic when what you are looking for can be had more easily in the opposite direction.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Newt2Cali

So, based on what you are saying about traffic..wouldn't Culver City, Ladera Heights, Santa Monica or Palms be close or good areas? Or are the schools not that great? Thanks..

Not familiar with all of those, but you're right. Earlier I expressed support for Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo beaches, and Torrance inland, because I like the areas. (I live in Northridge, up in the Valley.) But I like Santa Monica too, having worked there for a couple years. It's a very nice place.

Not so familiar with CC but I get the idea it's more commercial. I don't know about Ladera Heights or Palms.

Another area you might be interested in, Venice, which has a very distinct ambience, a very upscale but unconventional populace, and a unique difference with the rest of LA with their canals.

Trust me with $4,000 a month to pay rent you'll find a very nice place. Come on out and visit all these areas. I almost wish I could share your thrill. I could find a fantastic place to rent if I had a budget that size!

[BRinSM]

Considering your requirements, I wouldn't consider anything north of the 105 freeway. If I was in your situation, I would choose El Segundo. It's a very nice city, which is close to Inglewood, but also very close to LA and all it has to offer. Also, I've heard nothing but great things about the schools there. You should also have no trouble finding a nice home to rent for around $3000. This will be much more difficult in Santa Monica.