Seeking specific relocation advice to areas in LA, or closeby (Torrance: rent, homes)

[Cynthia Elaine]

I am really hoping to get some recommendations and advice as I am researching places to live! I am an upper class single woman (have an elementary aged and just starting middle school sons), and looking for a beautiful place to live close to the beach, not "stuffy," but lower key mentality, not a "quiet" town, but lots of things to do, or very close to the arts, classical music, restaurants, activities, etc.

I also need somewhere to live that is close to private schools, that are more developmental, or for really bright "out of the box" thinkers, cool mentality, good for singles, as I am divorced, and just an overall safe, great place to raise my family.

I did not want to live in LA, but have not completely ruled it out if I find a neighborhood that is not all about the money you have and who your friends are...this is the crowd that some of my friends have. I absolutely love where they live...Santa Montica and Brentwood, yet I assume I may be wrong with this mentality that is present there?
The problem is that I do have money, enough that I do not have to worry at all, yet not enough that I could live in a 10 million dollar house, own 2 second homes, etc!! But do not have the mentality that money makes you happy.

Any recommendations would be SO greatly appreciated as I am excited, and both nervous, about our relocation! Thank you all very much-

[drunk on kool aid]

In addition of Santa Monica, I'm guessing that most of the South Bay beach communities (Torrance, Redondo, Manhattan, Hermosa, El Segundo) will fit your requirements although level of activity will vary.

Where in Texas are you coming from? It's hard to gauge what you consider "a beautiful place to live close to the beach, not "stuffy," but lower key mentality, not a "quiet" town, but lots of things to do, or very close to the arts, classical music, restaurants, activities, etc."

The materialistic as well as the non-materialistic mind-set can be found anywhere. I'm assuming your friends are OK, even if they live in Santa Monica & Brentwood? If really worried, the best thing to do would be to talk to your potential neighbors to see if they are the kind of people you want to be around.

How important is the classical music component? If very, then you'll want to be closer to the Music Center/Disney Hall & Colburn School in DTLA (Downtown LA), which will put you farther away from the ocean.

If beach access isn't paramount, South Pasadena (+maybe $an Marino) seems like a near perfect choice with excellent public schools and safety (despite the recent school massacre threat). Although it's somewhat sleepy, South Pasadena is only a mile or two away from Pasadena's hopping Old Town and has Gold Line light rail access straight into DTLA.

Have you considered Orange County? The Segerstrom Center has a top-notch reputation for the performing arts, especially the Pacific Symphony, and it's located in Costa Mesa, which itself, might be a great choice. Orange County has its own forum and you'll get more help by posting there.

Also check out Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in the Ventura Forum.

Good luck.

[BeatAngMoh]

I think Hermosa and Manhattan Beach, which are low key beach cities, may suit you. There are no arts venues there but wherever you live that would be concentrated in DTLA anyway. Housing, both rent and buy, would be similar or higher than other places on the Westside.