Living in between Beverly Hills and Anaheim? (Long Beach, Downey: rent, crime)

[june2]

Hi,
Trying to figure out where to live that is halfway (from a commuting standpoint) between Beverly Hills (Cedars-Sinai) and Anaheim. My husband's job is in Bev Hills and mine is in Anaheim. Is there a nice place to live in between these two areas without a really horrible commute? We were considering Long Beach...any thoughts? We would enjoy living fairly close to the coast. Any other recommendations?

[Charles]

Price range?

Are the beach cities (Redondo, El Segundo) possible?

Check Sigalert.com - Personalized Traffic Reports during the times you expect to commute to get a feel for what it will be like along different routes. For example, it might be easier to go a longer distance east to Anaheim and a shorter distance to BH in heavier traffic. There are a lot of other variables too.

[BRinSM]

LA to OC is not nearly as bad as OC to LA, especially if you only have to go to Anaheim. The only problem is that the neighborhoods that are in the middle are some of the poorest, most crime ridden in the region. Long Beach might be a decent place, but each of you will be looking at about an hour commute each way, probably longer for your husband.

if you are an adventurous couple, downtown LA might be a better option. you might be able to take the train to work in anaheim, otherwise its a straight shot down the 5, which is a reverse commute. your husband could take olympic or pico all the way to beverly hills, the 10 freeway is a joke going west in the mornings. there are also some express busses that go from downtown to the westside that may be an option.

[NaplesRes]

Long Beach to Anaheim is a 30 minute commute. The 22 is not that busy.

Long Beach to Beverly Hills is tougher. If you drive creatively (leave a little earlier, etc.) it can be done in 45 minutes. If you can't it's an hour.

As far as living in Long Beach I think it's great. If you want to live by the coast look at Naples, Belmont Shore, Belmont Heights, and the Peninsula. All are very nice, walkable, close to shops, etc. and have a lot of character. Those neighborhoods are a bit pricey but in today's market you may be able to get a good bargain.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by NaplesRes

Long Beach to Anaheim is a 30 minute commute. The 22 is not that busy.

Long Beach to Beverly Hills is tougher. If you drive creatively (leave a little earlier, etc.) it can be done in 45 minutes. If you can't it's an hour.

As far as living in Long Beach I think it's great. If you want to live by the coast look at Naples, Belmont Shore, Belmont Heights, and the Peninsula. All are very nice, walkable, close to shops, etc. and have a lot of character. Those neighborhoods are a bit pricey but in today's market you may be able to get a good bargain.

the 22 may not be busy, but the 405 definitely is. from most parts of long beach, you'll have to drive on the 405 before transitioning to the 22.

[bhcompy]

You can look at Downey. Closer to BH, just as close to Anaheim. Only really good city situated near that midway point directly between the cities.

Long Beach is nice, some people mention Naples and Belmont Shore and stuff which are nice areas, but those areas are further from the freeways, so beware if commute time is an issue.

[Mike121]

I think Downey would be a nice choice.

[june2]

Originally Posted by Charles

Price range?

Are the beach cities (Redondo, El Segundo) possible?

Check Sigalert.com - Personalized Traffic Reports during the times you expect to commute to get a feel for what it will be like along different routes. For example, it might be easier to go a longer distance east to Anaheim and a shorter distance to BH in heavier traffic. There are a lot of other variables too.

We'll definitely rent (apt or house) the first year as our jobs may change after one year. Somewhere in the range of $2000 for a 2 bedroom (if that's reasonable). We could pay more if needed. Redondo, El Segundo would be fine, I just thought that would be too far for Anaheim. I'll look into that and we'll check Sigalert. Thanks so much!

[june2]

Don't know much about downey. I'll look into it. Thanks!

[buckeyenative01]

Metrolink from Union Station in DTLA down to Anaheim (stops at Angels Stadium) might work if your office is close to the train stop. Its about a 45-minute route, give or take. Getting from Union Station from wherever you live is another matter entirely. Regardless of what you do or where you live, avoid the 5 Freeway at all costs.

*EDIT*

If you don't mind living in El Segundo or Redondo and don't like sitting in traffic (I personally hate it), take the Metro Green Line to Downey/Norwalk (forget where the green line ends) and pick up the Metrolink south to Anaheim.