Looking for the best way to live in LA

[jamworks]

Consider Eagle Rock, in the northeast section of the city of Los Angeles. Start at the intersection of Eagle Rock Blvd. and Colorado Blvd., and explore Colorado Blvd. on foot. If you like it, then see how close to Colorado Blvd. you can find a place to live. The city recently passed a "collective parking" ordinance, which allows new small businesses to open without meeting the onerous parking requirements that exist in the rest of the city. And that means, more neighborly restaurants and services, leading to the kind of walkable neighborhood you are seeking. (And definitely coffee.) It will only get better.

[strategery52]

I have to agree with jamworks's recommendation of Eagle Rock. I may be showing a little local bias as a lifelong NELA resident, but this corner of L.A. has been a place that has always "felt good to come home to". It's really central (5 mins to Pasadena or Glendale, 10 mins to Burbank, 15 mins to downtown, 20 to Hollywood) and has been developing for the past several years. There's a Trader Joes (and a new Fresh & Easy in Glassell Park). And you've got swork coffee right on the corner of Eagle Rock and Colorado. Plus, it's also got some diversity: Head over to the Eagle Rock Plaza for some Jollibee. The architecture of the houses isn't too distinctive: primarily bungalows from the 1930s-40s I think.

Of course, you have to deal with all that comes with living in LA: As great and as "walkable" a neighborhood is, and as cute as it is to stroll around all afternoon, you'll be in your car for all the important stuff like going to work (later, school), big shopping runs, etc., because you can't get everything in walking distance, realistically. I'm sure you expect this. What I love about NELA is the 2 freeway. Only trafficy in the morning rush going south.

Eagle Rock does lack some green/open space, though. There's just the recreation center up on Figueroa, which is out of the way (walking-wise) from everywhere else. There are hills all around, however.

Also try looking at communities further up like La Canada, Montrose, and La Crescenta. Not as crowded and quieter than more central areas. And you'll get better schools. There's a lovely walkable section of Montrose. Or maybe other sections of Glendale or Pasadena. Further south, San Pedro is right on the southern "tip" of L.A., with plenty of hills, but the people there are really nice and polite in my experience, and there are stores (can't say about the coffee) in this semi-isolated corner of the city.
Torrance, Hawthorne or Lawndale might be an affordable option to a South Bay beach city.

[jamworks]

Indeed, there is a "lovely walkable section of Montrose". Technically, the walkable business district is part of the city of Glendale. I recommend starting at the intersection of Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Blvd., and exploring the area, especially Honolulu Avenue, on foot. Search "historic old town Montrose" (the merchants decided on this name recently, I think) and/or "Montrose Shopping Park Association" for information on the web.