Friend needs a neighborhood suggestion (Glendale, Pasadena: houses, school district, income)

[TXCowboy010]

Hi folks,
I am from Texas but have visited LA quite a bit but would not really consider myself all that knowledgeable about the area. More than average but definitely not like a local. I have a friend who isn't on this site who is looking for a place to relocate. Here are his specifics:

1. Mid 30s, single but engaged so not in need of a club scene or trendy neighborhood.
2. Wants a quiet, more rural feel to the community but still not be WAY out there (in other words, no outer Ventura County communities past Westlake Village).
3. Income of about $175-200K
4. Looking for a home with 2000-2500sq feet and a decent sized yard (i.e., no LA postage stamp yards LOL) and could probably swing a price of about 650-800K if there is anything in that range.
5. Professional and educated but doesn't care about quality of the school district since no kids yet
6. Works from home so anywhere is an option

Is there anyplace like that jumps out that might be a good fit? My research so far has focused on Tarzana, Encino, Northridge, Beverly Glen, Altadena, Pasadena, Antelope Valley, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, and Pacoima but I'm not sure about the last one. Also, any good areas you would suggest in Orange County? I always have heard negative things about Orange County. Would these or anyplace else be a good fit? Thanks in advance....

[bhcompy]

the best semi-rural community near LA(and one of the closest) is Rolling Hills. Neighboring Palos Verdes may fit too.

in OC, you're looking at the Trabuco Canyon area and Santiago Canyon area

[streetscenes]

Don't think you could find anything worthwhile in this price range in Tarzana, Encino or Beverly Glen. You might have luck in Northridge, Chatsworth, etc. along the 118 Freeway going towards Simi Valley. Altadena and Pasadena might work but some areas are not so nice in north-west Pasadena/Altadena. You could also look in the La Cresenta area near Pasadena. I wouldn't go to Antelope Valley (Palmdale or Lancaster) but there are some really nice ranchitos in the Agua Dulce area. Agourra Hills is nice but probably out of this price range. Just say no to Pacoima. Other options in the San Gabriel Valley are the foothills from Sierra Madre out towards Glendora. Basically the further east you go the more you get for your money.

[Hamish91106]

There's an area around Montrose/Glendale thats called Sparr Heights that I stumbled on recently during my home search. Its a really nice, safe, clean community with tons of trees and cute houses that are in your range. Honolulu street nearby has lots of smaller restaurants, shops and cafes.

[CESpeed]

I would recommend West Covina, Pasadena, Arcadia, anywhere along the 210. If he wants to be in the city, my personal favorite: Culver City.