Where to raise a family in LA? (Los Angeles, Santa Clarita: neighborhoods, to buy)

[doowop000]

I am wanting to move to LA with my fiance in the next year or so and we plan to buy a family home. We're British and we like the countryside although I know there isn't much British style countryside out in LA...? What would you guys recommend as a good peaceful leafy place to live with plenty of character. Not too expensive, safe and a good environment for children? Must be within 40 minutes max drive of West Hollywood... All help appreciated!

[EscapeCalifornia]

Not too expensive and safe within a 40 minute drive of West Hollywood? There's that dry sense of humor the British are known for.

[osuzana]

Let's not forget "leafy". Lushness is not something Southern Ca. is known for. The more mature a neighborhood, the more trees you will get, but the combo you are looking for with leafiness, character, 40 minutes from W. Hollywood, safe and INEXPENSIVE does not exist.

[wsflco]

Lakewood isn't too bad, east of Lakewood Blvd. and west of the I-605. Pretty much a blue collar city, so peace is hard to come by, but lots of younger families and amenities abound in town and in neighboring areas. Close enough to the ocean to cool off at night as well. Lots of trees, very "leafy". Expect your neighbor to ride his dirt bike up and down the street on weekends. When a football match is on tv, the streets are quiet.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by wsflco

Lakewood isn't too bad, east of Lakewood Blvd. and west of the I-605. Pretty much a blue collar city, so peace is hard to come by, but lots of younger families and amenities abound in town and in neighboring areas. Close enough to the ocean to cool off at night as well. Lots of trees, very "leafy". Expect your neighbor to ride his dirt bike up and down the street on weekends. When a football match is on tv, the streets are quiet.

But 40 minutes max to WeHo?

[sll3454]

Have you been to Los Angeles?

[calipoppy]

Leafy, lush, charming, lots of safe & beautiful neighborhoods, friendly people and very family oriented....I would say the Pasadena area (Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino), but cheap it is not!

[sll3454]

Maybe Monrovia (but it isn't countryside). It's near Pasadena but parts of it (not the best parts, of course) are more affordable. Sierra Madre is relatively safe and has character but isn't affordable.

Wait - what do you consider affordable? Obviously, some people afford these places. Monrovia, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre are all at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, which are beautiful in a Southern California sort of way. These three cities can be a good place for children, but the public schools do not have good reputations.

A couple others: Arcadia has higher rated schools, is somewhat safe and leafy, but is more expensive. Temple City is worth considering. Pretty safe, some trees, decent schools. (You want character, too?)

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

But 40 minutes max to WeHo?

It's not too far from Metrolink or LA Metro light rail depending on location in the city, and Lakewood is the definition of a nice, mature, family town that isn't too expensive. Tree City USA for multiple years as well

[Charles]

Originally Posted by osuzana

Let's not forget "leafy". Lushness is not something Southern Ca. is known for.

The northern side of the foothills will usually have more natural trees. A good visual example, flying in to BUR heading south from the Santa Clarita Valley over Oat Mountain (the mountain due north of the western half of the San Fernando Valley). On the north side of Oat Mountain are tons of trees, on the south side, no tree. It's pretty contrasting.