Seeking advice on schools/area for two totally different kids (Glendale: rentals, condo)

[mgrif426]

I am relocating to the LA area from Austin and need some help on narrowing down my search for a rental. The schools (high school and elementary) are a priority in where we land. I am pretty familiar with Santa Monica, Brentwood, Studio City, and a bit of NoHo. But my kids are so different I need to make sure both needs are met. My son will be a Freshman in HS taking all AP classes. He is an exemplary student and always been in honors, advanced, and gifted classes. He also has ADD. My daughter is heading toward middle school but totally the opposite- all arts and drama! They have been in award winning schools all their lives (in case that matters). Finally, I will trying to find a 2-3 bedroom apt/condo or house for about (don't laugh) $1500-$2000/mo.
I would appreciate any input/help/advise pointing me in a direction where my future neuro-scientist AND aspiring actress will thrive- Thanks so much!

[majoun]

Originally Posted by mgrif426

I am relocating to the LA area from Austin and need some help on narrowing down my search for a rental. The schools (high school and elementary) are a priority in where we land. I am pretty familiar with Santa Monica, Brentwood, Studio City, and a bit of NoHo. But my kids are so different I need to make sure both needs are met. My son will be a Freshman in HS taking all AP classes. He is an exemplary student and always been in honors, advanced, and gifted classes. He also has ADD. My daughter is heading toward middle school but totally the opposite- all arts and drama! They have been in award winning schools all their lives (in case that matters). Finally, I will trying to find a 2-3 bedroom apt/condo or house for about (don't laugh) $1500-$2000/mo.
I would appreciate any input/help/advise pointing me in a direction where my future neuro-scientist AND aspiring actress will thrive- Thanks so much!

Of the areas you mentioned, Santa Monica is your only real option if schools are a priority. The schools in Brentwood, Studio City, and Noho (and other parts of North Hollywood) are LAUSD and pretty bad (although if Uni is made into a charter those in Brentwood will improve in the years to come). A 3 bedroom in that price range in those areas for that price is an impossibility. A 2 bedroom in that price range will be near-impossible to find in SM or Brentwood but could definitely be found in North Hollywood (even in the Noho area, although it would be an older run-down building) or in Studio City and Valley Village. Thought about Burbank or Glendale? Much better schools than NH or Studio City. If you want to be on the westside and want good to decent (although not great) schools, you might find a 2 bedroom in Culver City in that price range.

[bhcompy]

Where will you be working is the first and most important question

[mgrif426]

Thanks for the tips- I will look around (albeit online) at Culver City, NH, Burbank, and Glendale. BTW, what is up with all the scammy craigslist rental listings?! ugh- they advertise 3 bedroom rentals for 925, etc. then hang up on you when you call their 800 numbers. Also, I will be working from home while there (at least initially) so I don't need to be close to anywhere in particular for a job. It would be nice to be somewhat close to town to run daughter to classes, auditions, etc.
Thanks so much for the guidance- keep em coming!

[rosemarie87]

I recommend the San Gabriel Valley. Rowland Heights tops in southern Cali, actually as one of the top school districts in the nation and best places to raise a family. Outstanding school district! Pasadena area, Monrovia, Arcadia, Temple City, etc. are great! West Covina has great schools too and San Dimas and La Verne and Glendora.