From CT - what places in LA are like towns in Fairfield County? (Pasadena: lawyers, safe neighborhoods)

[krystle920]

Coming from someone in CT, I was just wondering what areas of LA are similar to Fairfield County towns like Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, and Westport. Looking for somewhere with an excellent school system, relatively affluent residents, very safe neighborhoods, yet still retain that down-to-earth, wholesome Americana feel. I'm having trouble figuring it out - maybe Laguna Beach or Manhattan Beach? I read in an older post that Pasadena is a great example, but it seems like it's a bit more diverse and the school system isn't that great.

[yby1]

El Segundo

[HyperionGap]

How does El Segundo compare to super snooty affluent white towns on the east coast?

There are probably a lot of areas on the west side that would fit your needs, and while I'm not an expert on those, I would recommend you check out Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel Air, and Holmby Hills.

Pasadena would definitely not be comparable, there are actually black people that live in the Northwest part of town. However, you should look into La Canada-Flintridge as its much less diverse, more affluent, and has probably the 2nd best school district in the county.

[katnip kid]

I'm originally a CT native. Fairfield County towns down to earth????
Not in my experience.

[jacktravern]

Originally Posted by katnip kid

I'm originally a CT native. Fairfield County towns down to earth????
Not in my experience.

I've learned through time, that a lot of people that use the term "down to earth", don't even know what that means. One of my close college buddies lives in Fairfield and his assessment is pretty much on par with yours.

[jjcan]

beverly hills or malibu

[majoun]

Originally Posted by katnip kid

I'm originally a CT native. Fairfield County towns down to earth????
Not in my experience.

Bridgeport?

[hken]

I would agree that Fairfield is not 'down to earth', but rather affluent New England suburbs are mild mannered and conservative. In any event that doesn't exist in LA - it's just the nature of wealth creation where in CT affluence is likely generated from bankers/lawyers/execs vs LA where it's generated from the entertainment industry. That's just fundamentally different cultures.

Having said that, La Canada probably fits the bill the best. You don't hear much about it when talking about wealthy burbs but it is way up there and not a magnet for entertainment residents. San Marino has a similar feel but way too Asian. As someone who grew up in Boston, went to school in CT and now resides in Malibu with kids, I can tell you that LA will give your kids a level of cultural diversity that you just won't get in CT.

[5pyg1a55]

Originally Posted by hken

I would agree that Fairfield is not 'down to earth', but rather affluent New England suburbs are mild mannered and conservative. In any event that doesn't exist in LA - it's just the nature of wealth creation where in CT affluence is likely generated from bankers/lawyers/execs vs LA where it's generated from the entertainment industry. That's just fundamentally different cultures.

Exactly- You're not going to find ANY neighborhood around here -even the most affluent- that have many, if any, similarities to where you're coming from.

[Count David]

As the others have said, there aren't.

Different coasts, different strokes.

EDIT: Maybe check Palos Verdes?