Working in Hawthorne...any decent place to live not too far too away? (Long Beach: to rent)

[emelvee]

I may be considering a job in Hawthorne. Looking for a home as close as possible. I know I'm spoiled having lived in North Carolina the past 5 years, as far as commute time, house size and features, lot size, schools, etc. I'm trying to get an idea if I should even consider this job if it's offered.

We're used to 2500+ sq ft, but will probably have to look at 2000+ sq ft for the next home. I'm used to a 20 minute commute, but will probably consider 45 minutes or less. We prefer newer (5 years or newer) or even new construction homes. I'd like to stay in the $400s. We much prefer a single family home, but MIGHT consider a condo.

We have a daughter in 4th grade. We'd prefer to be in an area with good public schools, but may have to consider private.

Does anyone mind suggesting areas to start our home search?

[Charles]

What are your work hours? Can you pull a 6-230? If not, your desirements will be difficult to satisfy.

Take a look at 360 South Bay. New, maybe good schools (though not El Segundo). Close. Great weather.

[Arus]

There's 360 in El Segundo (however its in industrial area, right next to the 405 freeway and a major train route, 10 minutes south of the airport).

there's Fusion on Aviation on the edge of Manhattan Beach, El Segundo and Hawthorne (literally) . However, its right next to the MEtro Rail station depot, however close to a huge park. Good schools in the area.

Torrance is another option as well, as there is a new community right on Aviation and Normandie (forget the name) its 10 minutes souteast of Hawthorne.

[emelvee]

I'd probably be working 8-5 or close to that. I figure it's going to be a challenge to get what I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestions; I'll look into the areas/communities mentioned.

[1200RT]

Your price of $400k is going to be tough I think.

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by emelvee

We're used to 2500+ sq ft, but will probably have to look at 2000+ sq ft for the next home. I'm used to a 20 minute commute, but will probably consider 45 minutes or less. We prefer newer (5 years or newer) or even new construction homes. I'd like to stay in the $400s. We much prefer a single family home, but MIGHT consider a condo.

The only places where this is possible are what I assume you would consider undesirable neighborhoods. Parts of Carson, Long Beach, Paramount, etc.

Originally Posted by emelvee

We have a daughter in 4th grade. We'd prefer to be in an area with good public schools, but may have to consider private.

Throw this in, and your requirements are not even remotely possible.

Give things another year or two and you MIGHT find something in say Culver City or Lakewood(good, though not great schools, safe family oriented neighborhoods, both less than 45 minute rush hour drives from Hawthorne) at around 1600 sq ft, older build in the mid 300's.

[emelvee]

Thanks for the input...I'm leaning towards not pursuing the position I'm being considered for (which is tough to do in this market). I knew we've been spoiled having lived in NC for the past 5 years, but I was hoping the LA home prices would have been lower than they are in this market.

[JTGJR]

The only area that might get to your criteria would be the Holly Glen or Del Aire area of Hawthorne. It's a small community just west of Hawthorne proper, east of Manhattan Beach and south of El Segundo. I'm not certain of the home prices, but you might find some in your range. It's the Wiseburn school district for elementary and middle school with good reputations. El Segundo High School is an option for residents of that area as well. Dana Middle School posted very good API scores recently. Good luck to you.

[JohnG72]

Just FYI, rents are around 1/2 of what an equivalent property would cost in mortgage. For instance a $800K house in Culver City with 20% down and a 4% loan would cost around $3900 a month after property taxes are factored.

However the same house is likely to rent in the $2500 range and include trash, water, and landscaping.