Possibly moving towards South Bay (Torrance, Vista: crime, safe neighborhood, buying)

[psych_d]

I recently moved to LA and I'm thinking about buying a place near South Bay. Is it possible to buy a place for no more than 500k in a safe neighborhood? Also, how far is it to commute to Downtown LA from the South Bay area? And will the commute be under 45 minutes? (I still don't understand this traffic!)

Any advice welcomed! Thanks!

[MtnSurfer]

I think that now this is possible after the RE bubble burst. A few years ago no. You'll have to watch the MLS carefully and know what and more importantly where you are looking for a home. I know the neighborhoods there pretty well since it is my hometown and still have many friends living there.

As a general rule anywhere in the city of Torrance is a good place to look. It is a bit more affordable than say Hermosa, Redondo, Manhattan or Palos Verdes. Just don't mistake Torrance PO with the actual city of Torrance. These are two entirely different areas with the later being the wrong side of the tracks.

There are some decent neighborhoods in Lomita. Although schools aren't rated as highly as Torrance. You didn't mention children. But either way better school districts tend to be better, safer, have higher pride of ownership, nicer, etc... overall.

Stay away from Gardena, Hawthorne, Lawndale to avoid gang, crime related issues as a general rule. Although there may be some excpetions to this rule. El Camino Village in Gardena is pretty nice for example. Its located just north of El Camino College.

Check for Redfin for Torrance listings as a good place to start.

LA Traffic is a whole different beast/subject. If going into downtown I would seriously consider carpool/vanpool, etc... alternative transit options. Will you be traveling during peak rush hour? Downtown traffic is never pretty.

Derek

[psych_d]

Thank you! I think I'm going to look into Playa Vista too. It's close enough to the beach, I just have to look in the commute route towards downtown.

[BRinSM]

the monthly fees at playa vista start at over $500/month fyi.