Palos Verdes VS Hidden Hills (San Francisco, Long Beach: house, neighborhood, to buy)

[saimamom]

My husband, 3 daughters, 2 dogs and I moved to Palos Verdes Estates six months ago. We liked it in the beginning. It's very scenic and semi-rural. My kids go to great schools and have nice friends. But somehow we can't get over the fact that it's really boring here. I'm feeling isolated and like I don't belong here. We're not Caucasian. I was asked recently if I was a terrorist. I just haven't found people to be as open and cultured as I am used to. We've lived in NYC, Santa Monica and San Francisco previously.

So we recently have spent some time in Calabasas. My question is, would a move to Hidden Hills be a good idea for a family that wants the country-like tranquility but still seeks culture and activity nearby. Are people in Calabasas more open-minded than in PV? We'd really like to live on an acre or more. Price is not an issue and job is not an issue. We're just looking for a community that is not stuffy or borderline racist.

I don't care about the celebrity aspect of Hidden Hills. Some of our friends are well known actors. I just want to have the freedom of wearing a scarf on my head without the stern looks I receive in PV.

[nightlysparrow]

Forget HH and Calabasas. The area is pretty much devoid of culture. You would be wiser to buy in Malibu, or in Beverly Hills with some acreage.

[saimamom]

Well the reason I liked HH is the country-like environment and great schools. The culture (I'm an artist) would be access to art galleries/classes. Ballet and gymnastics for my girls. Beverly Hills seems too showy and materialistic. Malibu feels too far out.

[JustMike77]

I think HH would be a good fit for you. I've spent a lot of time there over the years and the population is far more culturally diverse/accepting than you'll find in PV. As you mentioned there are a lot of celebrities, so people tend to mind their own business. An acre is about the minimum lot size and you can choose from older homes with horse amenities or the newer homes without. They have a very nice community center with lots of activities and you will be much closer to the Westside should you choose to visit there. Las Virgennes schools are not what they once were since everyone and his brother moved to Calabasas to escape LA schools. You might want to look into private schools.

[jamills21]

what about La Crescenta?

[REITS4life]

What about Bradbury.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by JustMike77

I think HH would be a good fit...the population is far more culturally diverse/accepting than you'll find in PV.

Not much of a difference, as HH is 92.3% White, and voted solidly Republican in the last two Presidential elections. Beverly Hills is much more liberal.

[murfslaw]

I can highly recommend Brentwood. I have lived here for 37 years. The area I'm in is the northern part just above Rustic Cayon. We have large lots and a real homey feel; great neighbors with a real mix of people. I'm in escrow to sell my house as I am east coast bound. I couldn't think of a more laid back yet engaging place to live.

I have a lot of former colleagues from the aerospace industry who live in PVE; it's really a good old boy scientist network there, fine for me but not everyone outside our professional community would agree.

I only have one business acquaintance who lives in Hidden Hills. They're from Chicago so they are very, very happy living there. It's also has lower home prices than Brentwood.

[Panshmolo]

I'd like to encourage you to give PVE another shot. We moved to PVE from Santa Monica about 18 months ago and love it. I can't say what was behind the comment you got, but I don't believe that this is indicative of a pervading culture. While PV has a reputation for being snooty and lacking diversity, we have found PV to be very accepting. Our neighbors are regular down-to-earth people. We enjoy quick access to south bay beaches but find there's plenty for us here on hill. Every time I drive home I feel like I'm on vacation. I don't think you'd find Calabasas to be an improvement. Living in the valley cuts you off from what makes Southern California a great place to live. You aren't close to culture. You aren't close to the beach. I can't speak to the people, but I don't imagine you'd find it a particularly diverse place.

[i'm not a cookie]

Palos Verdes, it's my absolute favorite neighborhood in LA county. It's in an odd area though, if you like Long Beach and what their downtown has to offer then you're in good hands but besides that PV.