OC to Montebello Commute (Long Beach, Orange: real estate, to rent, condo)

[julia.denise]

Hey all,

My husband and I are looking to move from Long Beach to Orange County. We want to start a family soon and are looking for a quieter, safer area. Only problem is, he works in Montebello and I'm worried about his commute becoming insane. What OC towns would you recommend considering the commute and freeways?

Thanks.

[EscapeCalifornia]

You're going to want to be as close to Montebello as possible. Fullerton might work. La Mirada is in LA county but its not a bad area and its even closer to Montebello. Since he's already making the drive from Long Beach, Los Alamitos would probably be about the same.

[julia.denise]

Thanks. I know nothing about La Mirada and would love to find out more...we've checked out some places in Los Al and it is definitely quieter and more residential, but it's kind of dreary, do you know what I mean? Is La Mirada similar? I really like Fullerton though, just a little worried about 1-5 (right now he takes the 605, leaves the house around 8:30 and has no trouble). Some people recommended towns along the 60 freeway...thoughts?

[EscapeCalifornia]

From what I've seen, La Mirada is pretty quiet and suburban looking like Los Alamitos. Isn't that why you want to move out of Long Beach?

The 5 does suck, especially with the construction, but traffic is bad almost everywhere.

I'd avoid the 60 area because its got some of the worst traffic I've seen. It seems like that road is always packed solid.

[julia.denise]

That's really good to know about the 60. I've never driven out there, so thanks for the warning. I guess my ideal location would be something a bit quieter (we live on a busy street in Long Beach, somewhat close to downtown) but not completely dead. We're in a pretty gritty, noisy area now so almost anything will be a step up

[julia.denise]

Also, anyone know of a good way to search for a condo or townhome to rent in Fullerton besides Craigslist and the paper? A certain area to just drive around and look for signs, perhaps? I know this isn't a real estate forum but any good property management companies you'd recommend? I appreciate the help.

[NaplesRes]

Originally Posted by julia.denise

That's really good to know about the 60. I've never driven out there, so thanks for the warning. I guess my ideal location would be something a bit quieter (we live on a busy street in Long Beach, somewhat close to downtown) but not completely dead. We're in a pretty gritty, noisy area now so almost anything will be a step up

Why don't you just move to one of the East Long Beach neighborhoods like El Dorado Park Estates, etc.? Then you'll be in a nice, quiet, safe neighborhood with good schools and your husband's drive will be better than it is now. Plus you'll still be close enough to enjoy Belmont Shore, etc. when you want some entertainment.

[BRinSM]

have you considered cerritos or cypress?

[julia.denise]

Yes I have. Just haven't seen a lot of listings there. What about Lakewood? I have been up there a few times (mostly to the mall) but have no real impression of the neighborhoods.

[Ranch resident]

Originally Posted by julia.denise

Hey all,

My husband and I are looking to move from Long Beach to Orange County. We want to start a family soon and are looking for a quieter, safer area. Only problem is, he works in Montebello and I'm worried about his commute becoming insane. What OC towns would you recommend considering the commute and freeways?

Thanks.

Any particular reason you're focusing on OC? The commute from anywhere in OC to Montebello will be "with traffic" both ways if your husband has a "traditional" work schedule. If you're looking for a quiet neighborhood, presumably with good schools since you will be starting a family, what about Alhambra or Monterey Park? Your husband would have a short commute (no freeways). All of the schools in Alhambra and most in Monterey Park are within Alhambra Unified, with most schools performing well. Here is a link to the 2008 API scores for schools in AUSD:

2008 Growth API LEA List of Schools Report (CA Department of Education)

I grew up in Monterey Park and if I worked in that area now, I would not hesitate to move back. Good luck in your search!