Looking for suggestions in San Gabriel Valley area (Anaheim, Pasadena: 2015, to rent)

[d_vader123]

I'm looking to move to LA county and would like suggestions for where to live.

Background:
Wife and I are in our mid 30s
Married with 1 young child may go for another soon
Wife and I are both educators (teachers)
Combined we may have about 100K in annual income.

What we are looking for:
Suburban, family-oriented town
Good schools (especially elementary and middle schools)
Low crime
A vibrant, walkable downtown
15-20 min drive to night life (FYI, we don't party, but we like being near a social scene instead of isolated in the middle of nowhere's land)

From my own research, I really like the town of Arcadia, CA, but I don't know if it's a place we can afford. I like Pasadena, but I heard the schools were not great. I'm leaning toward Glendora, CA, but it seems a bit far from the social scene.

Are there any good suggestions? Also, how easy/difficult would it be for my wife to find a teaching job in So Cal? Would being a math teacher help make things easier to find a job?

TIA

[elhelmete]

Do you have savings currently?

What defines a "social scene" for you both?

If you like Pasadena/Arcadia, I might suggest Monrovia, which should be more in line with your budget?

[d_vader123]

Originally Posted by elhelmete

Do you have savings currently?

What defines a "social scene" for you both?

If you like Pasadena/Arcadia, I might suggest Monrovia, which should be more in line with your budget?

Thanks. I have some savings, but not much at the moment. Social scene to me just means that there's something going on. I know that might still sound vague so an example of what I mean are farmer's markets, Christmas events in the downtown, or maybe even the 626 Night Market in Arcadia (although, I read some horror stories about that event related to crowds and traffic).

I looked into Monrovia, but was worried about the school district. I'm still leaning toward Glendora, but does anyone know anything about their downtown?

I know I'm asking for everything in a town, but if I had to rank the most important quality then I would have to say having good schools is the most important feature I would like to have in a town.

Thanks again.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by d_vader123

...if I had to rank the most important quality..good schools is the most important feature I would like to have in a town..

Would you consider living in Calabasas or Agoura Hills? Both have superior public school systems.

[d_vader123]

Too far out for me. I would like to stay near east of LA (not to be confused with East LA). Basically, I'm looking east of Pasadena and west of Claremont. I can go south too, but probably not to Anaheim.

[genjy]

Glendora is great if you are looking for a family-friendly and super-safe city with excellent schools. Live north of the 210 freeway for sure.

Glendora's downtown is pretty dead at night. It's really a small oldtown for local families and seniors to hangout during the day.

If you want some action, you can always drive to Claremont Village, Oldtown Monrovia, Oldtown Pasadena, etc.

You can also take the Gold Line train to Monrovia, Arcadia, Pasadena, Highland Park, DowntownLA, and beyond starting early next year. Azusa's APU/Citrus College Station would serve Glendora.

Monrovia's schools are pretty average... better than Pasadena's, but not considered good compared to what's nearby (Arcadia, South Pas, San Gabriel, Temple City, Charter Oak, Glendora, Bonita, etc.)


South Monrovian families prefer Arcadia USD (of course):
Monrovia Unified loses $1.5 million due to transfers

[ryanms3030]

Are you Asian?

[JohnG72]

On that income you can afford to rent a 2bd apt almost anywhere in SGV. General rent will be $1400-1800 in a decent area.

You should live closest to where you will be working. Distances in LA at rush hour can be prohibitively far.

[d_vader123]

Originally Posted by JohnG72

On that income you can afford to rent a 2bd apt almost anywhere in SGV. General rent will be $1400-1800 in a decent area.

You should live closest to where you will be working. Distances in LA at rush hour can be prohibitively far.

Is the traffic worst heading into LA or away? Or is there always traffic in both directions?

[JohnG72]

I depends where you are and where you are going. But it's worse going into LA.