Safe, family areas in or near Culver City? (Los Angeles, Long Beach: apartment, rentals)

[HappyWM]

My husband will be starting a job in Culver City in early October so we will need to relocate to Southern CA. We have two children (a 3 1/2 year old and a 2 month old) so we want to find a place that is safe and family friendly with great schools, but we also don't want a super long commute for my husband if possible. We can only afford $1,800 or less at this time for rent. We would like a 3 bedroom place. Does anyone have recommendations of a nice area to live either in Culver City or relatively close (less than an hour commute) to Culver City that would fit our needs? We've considered living in the Santa Clarita area because if fits everything else we're looking for, but the commute might be horrendous. Any input is much appreciated!!

[halima]

hello im halima from morocco im 18years old.im looking for a friendly american family to live with them

[Charles]

Originally Posted by HappyWM

My husband will be starting a job in Culver City in early October so we will need to relocate to Southern CA. We have two children (a 3 1/2 year old and a 2 month old) so we want to find a place that is safe and family friendly with great schools, but we also don't want a super long commute for my husband if possible. We can only afford $1,800 or less at this time for rent. We would like a 3 bedroom place. Does anyone have recommendations of a nice area to live either in Culver City or relatively close (less than an hour commute) to Culver City that would fit our needs? We've considered living in the Santa Clarita area because if fits everything else we're looking for, but the commute might be horrendous. Any input is much appreciated!!

No way Santa Clarita.

Work HousingMaps and School Performance Maps together.

[HappyWM]

What do you mean? Would you mind expounding a little? It sounds like you are saying Santa Clarita is a bad idea. If so, why? We were looking at Valenica or Stevenson Ranch, but fearing that the commute will be too long we're looking at other options closer to work.

[Mike121]

Forget about Santa Clarita. Rush hour traffic speed on the west side are about 15 or 20 mph, so a reliable 1 hour commute is a 15 mile radius.

I'd just look for a place in Culver City. Safe enough. Schools are good. But you'd probably have to give up on the idea of a 3 bedroom place for that amount of money.

The only other options that are within 15 miles of Culver City that have the vibe you're probably looking for are Torrance, Encino, and Sherman Oaks.

Alternately, you could look for neighborhoods where you can actually get a 3 bed in your price range, of which there are several to the east and southeast of Culver City, and then face the paperwork mountain required to get you kids into a LAUSD magnet or charter school. Whether or not those neighborhoods are 'safe' depends a lot on your definition of the term.

[BRinSM]

you're not going to find 3 bedrooms anywhere near culver city for under $2,000, at least not anywhere that you could cosider for a family with small children. In fact, you'll have trouble finding two bedrooms in a decent apartment building for that price. However, in addition to the santa clarita area, you may also consider west hills/woodland hills in the valley. you may be able to find a house, townhome, or large apartment in that area in your price range. there are lots of families in the west valley and the schools are some of (if not) the best in LAUSD.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by HappyWM

What do you mean? Would you mind expounding a little?

Unless he can work 6-230 or something like that, the traffic will be really unhealthy. Otherwise, nothing wrong with Santa Clarita.

West Valley will be bad too for traffic. The 405 is just bad in both directions almost all day anywhere from the Sepulveda Pass to Long Beach.

Monitor this during the times you might consider commuting

www.sigalert.com

[NickelDime]

Agree with the comments above. Santa Clarita is a great place to raise a family but the commute would crush your husband.

Is Culver City the only possibility? The west side of LA is not family friendly for the middle class -- you will need to make trade offs in home size, commute, cost, and/or family-friendliness.

Good luck.

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by NickelDime

Agree with the comments above. Santa Clarita is a great place to raise a family but the commute would crush your husband.

Is Culver City the only possibility? The west side of LA is not family friendly for the middle class -- you will need to make trade offs in home size, commute, cost, and/or family-friendliness.

Good luck.

Quoted for complete and total truth.

[tylersminerals]

I grew up in Culver City and now live in Santa Clarita lol (canyon country to be specific). OK so Culver City has some great neighborhoods and a reallygood school district (it's not Los Angeles unified). It is very very expensive though. Most any descent neighborhood around the Westside is going to be expensive. It is a beautiful city with alot to do for families and you are close to the beach. Some of the surrounding areas are a little run down and Culver City does have a gang problem, but it's not that bad. Now, Santa Clarita is also a great place to raise a family. It really is, I moved here because of the schools and it is not so far out of town that the commute cant be managed. I have lots of friends in Culver City and it takes about 35 minutes without traffic. With traffic, hour and a half. If you leave in the morning before 6am your commute should be fine, otherwise expect a long sloe drive down the 405. My hubby does the commute as well as many other people. You can get an appartment in Culver City, but not for $2000.00 a month. You can rent a whole house in the Santa Clarita area for under $2000.00. We bought our house in Canyon Country 8 years ago, you can rent a house in our neighborhood for instance, between 1600.00 and 1900.00 per month. This community is all about family and it is beautiful out here. The cost of living is managable and once again the schools are NOT LA unified schools, lol. I love Culver City, but Santa Clarita is a better enviroment to raise a family. Plus the utilities here are cheaper too (huge difference in water and power, HUGE). Stick to the Canyon Country area for your price range. Just say no to some parts of Newhall. You wont be able to afford the west side of Santa Claarita Valley. Valencia and Stevenson Ranch are a bit pricey. If you would like, send me a private message and I will give you my email. That way I can send you detailed info on both cities. I have a Fantastic realtor that has the skinny on the entire Santa Clarita Valley houseing situation (rentals too), he is not a used car salesman type, very honest and very reputable. Taking the Metro rail may be a even be an option for you as far as the commute goes. Please dont hesitate to contact me if you have questions, I would be more than happy to help out. Hope this helps, take care!

Amy