Live between LAX and city of Orange? (Long Beach, Irvine: rental, homes)

[Chia_Ling]

Looking for some recommendations on a safe and affordable rental area between LAX and Orange (the city, not the county). Is there a reasonable halfway point between these two cities that would a desirable place to live (and where the commute wouldn't be a nightmare)? We're a young white/Asian interracial couple - is this a dangerous combination in certain parts of SoCal?

We currently live in Culver City and like it very much; but it makes no sense for the both of us to be commuting southbound on the 405 for work every day. Husband who works near LAX has a short commute, but wife who works in Orange has a 50- to 60-minute commute (and that's with no heavy traffic)

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[Paula Lynn]

Have you considered Long Beach? It's in the mid-way point to LAX and Orange. On a good traffic day, you would be able to get to either destination within 30 minutes or so. You'd be near the 405, 605 and 22 freeways.

[Jonah K]

Cerritos is probably a better option than Long Beach and it's also about halfway between LAX and Orange and about a 30 minute or so commute to each destination. In addition, the overall ambiance of Cerritos is similar to that of Culver City, while parts of Long Beach aren't particularly safe.

[Angel Bear]

I know it's more money, but what about Seal Beach?

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by Angel Bear

I know it's more money, but what about Seal Beach?

The Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station comprises about 2/3 of the land within the city and it's also the home of Leisure World (a retirement community with around 10,000 residents). In addition, Seal Beach is not as diverse as Culver City. Other than that, Seal Beach is okay as far as commuting to LAX and Orange goes.

[Des_Demona]

I think Lakewood is a nice area to live and it's RIGHT in between the two so the commute would be more equal. You would also have several different freeway choices for getting around so you have alternative routes. I think it's fairly affordable there too and comparable to Culver City. The problem with finding something in between is that LAX is more west and Orange is inland and east so what is between there is Compton and bad areas like that. Look for something in North Orange county... Good luck!

[dennismpat]

Originally Posted by Jonah K

Cerritos is probably a better option than Long Beach and it's also about halfway between LAX and Orange and about a 30 minute or so commute to each destination. In addition, the overall ambiance of Cerritos is similar to that of Culver City, while parts of Long Beach aren't particularly safe.

I grew up in Cerritos (went to junior high and high school there, and could even remember when the dairies were still right next to new tract homes, like the neighborhood I grew up in). Very nice area, lots of Asians living there as well. I refer to Cerritos as "Irvine L.A. County." The nearby O.C. cities of La Palma and Cypress are also quite nice and safe.

[dennismpat]

Originally Posted by Des_Demona

I think Lakewood is a nice area to live and it's RIGHT in between the two so the commute would be more equal. You would also have several different freeway choices for getting around so you have alternative routes. I think it's fairly affordable there too and comparable to Culver City. The problem with finding something in between is that LAX is more west and Orange is inland and east so what is between there is Compton and bad areas like that. Look for something in North Orange county... Good luck!

Thanks for the positive recommendation for my hometown, Des_Demona. What I love about living here in Lakewood, aside from the fact that it's a nice, safe community, is that it's centrally located to all the major freeways. Where I live, I have my choice of taking the 91, 605, 710 and 405, because I'm surrounded by those freeways, making it very convenient to get to just about anywhere in L.A. or O.C.

[Chia_Ling]

Thanks so much for all the help, everyone! This will be great information to use for our housing search.

[Des_Demona]

Dennis I really liked Lakewood the few times I've been there. It's nice and centrally located like you say with great access to multiple freeways which is always a plus and really central to where Chia Ling is looking for. Chia Ling I wish you the best of luck on your search!