I have a job offer in Santa Monica,where should I move? (Torrance: apartment, rentals)

[Movingagain112]

Hello,

I got a job offer in Santa Monica but don't know where to move. We are a family of 5, with three teenager that go to high school. I've been looking at rentals in Santa Monica but they are really expensive. We don't want a big house or anything of that sort, a condo/apartment would suffice. We need 3 bedrooms and can afford about $1400 ~ 1500 a month, I know it won't be enough to live in the nicest area but we just need a place to start until my wife finds a job.
Does anyone know of a place where with good schools where you can go for a walk and feel safe? I don't mind if there's a lot diversity in the area as long as it is safe. I am an immigrant myself ( Italian)

I've asked people before and they've mentioned San Fernando valley, where in the valley should I be looking?
Others have told me not to move to LA, but we really need to get out of Wyoming ( where we live right now)
Thanks!

[GSC1]

Just curious, why do you "need" to get out of Wyoming? And what part of Wyoming are you living in?

[Ceece]

I assume you are ok with a killer commute?

[f_m]

Originally Posted by Movingagain112

Hello,

I got a job offer in Santa Monica but don't know where to move. We are a family of 5, with three teenager that go to high school. I've been looking at rentals in Santa Monica but they are really expensive. We don't want a big house or anything of that sort, a condo/apartment would suffice. We need 3 bedrooms and can afford about $1400 ~ 1500 a month, I know it won't be enough to live in the nicest area but we just need a place to start until my wife finds a job.
Does anyone know of a place where with good schools where you can go for a walk and feel safe? I don't mind if there's a lot diversity in the area as long as it is safe. I am an immigrant myself ( Italian)

I've asked people before and they've mentioned San Fernando valley, where in the valley should I be looking?
Others have told me not to move to LA, but we really need to get out of Wyoming ( where we live right now)
Thanks!

In the valley there are various places like Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Encino, West Hills, and Van Nuys. However, I don't know if it's going to be much less expensive, and it does get hot in the summer (being in the valley) so you have some more utility costs for cooling. Schools vary, as I know relatives in West Hills that have good schools, but just nearby in Canoga Park/Chatsworth, it's not considered as well.

I would also suggest places south of Santa Monica like the Torrance area, since it borders the beach cities and has good schools.

[PeppermintChapstick]

Is this the only employment option you have? If it is and you must take the job in Santa Monica, I think the Valley will be your best option. I also think you'll have to go up on that rent. I'd go for Sherman Oaks. I did find one place in your price range Huge Bright 1950'S charmer (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/apa/1918988845.html - broken link)

And yes, your commute will be bad. Try to find something fairly close to the 405 as that's the hell you'll be dealing with every day.

I'd be very concerned about what school your teens will be going to. I'd also be concerned about the culture shock for them--unless you've lived in urban areas before. Do they speak Spanish? That would be a plus. Do they drive? If so, check for auto insurance rates for CA.

For a city to city cost of living comparison, check here: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

I'm sorry this sounds negative, but based on the info you provided, it's my opinion that you should think carefully before moving here.

Best of luck to you and your family.

[DowntownVentura]

The valley would not be bad if you lived in the western part (e.g. Woodland Hills) and took Topanga Canyon to PCH to Santa Monica. The teenagers can go to El Camino Real High School. Otherwise I don't think you will have a good time commuting on (Interstate) 405.

[nighthouse66]

i agree with DowntownVentura, topanga canyon road to the PCH is a nice drive but be warned, if it backs up you could be there for a while. a friend of mine had an accident on that road and backed up traffic for QUITE a while. its a two lane. but it does give you options round chatsworth or canoga park. 405 is a nightmare. my least favorite freeway in all of los angeles.
why don't you look at venice? its right next door to santa monica and while you may pay a little bit more its really quite good there. dont rent in santa monica. i personally passionately dislike SM because it has that tourist/richkid vibe that venice really doesn't have (yet). but that is a matter of personal taste and you may be comfortable there.

[PhDnMe]

For $1500 I had a 720 sq ft one bedroom apartment in Woodland Hills...

[f_m]

Originally Posted by nighthouse66

405 is a nightmare. my least favorite freeway in all of los angeles.

The North 405 to West 101 is one of the worst interchanges.

[nighthouse66]

The North 405 to West 101 is one of the worst interchanges.
yep. i want to shoot myself in the face when i have to go up that freeway.
incidentally, if you want to go up farther north but don't want to deal with the 101/405/massive hill over the santa monica mountains, do what i used to do when i used to drive down from carmel (which was about twice a month for six months)....go up the PCH to oxnard. then get on the 101. i saved gas because i was skirting round the mountains for the most part and staying on the coast, and while PCH can be trafficky there is something about having the pacific freaking ocean to one side of you that makes the traffic jams a BIT easier to take. but at night, there is simply no better way. either in or out, if i were coming from west LA i would get on the PCH and then connect with the 101 in oxnard. saved me gas (i drive a van), more scenic, at night almost no traffic, etc.