Safe, good area within driving distance of Van Nuys and Inland Empire (Los Angeles: rental)

[prowler01]

Please help, looking for some guidance

Looking for a safe area that lies somewhere within reasonable driving distance to Van Nuys and Inland Empire. I would like some sort of rental for $2k or less. Preferably with a garage or storage. A 2 bdrm would be ideal.

I have driven thru the valley towns of Encino, Studio City, etc.. and was not impressed with the congestion, traffic, etc...

I prefer to be within a closer driving distance to Van Nuys.

I looked at La Canada and found it to be nice. Montrose seemed nice but not sure I would feel comfortable there.

What is everyone's experience with these towns?

I have also looked at Pasadena, which in some areas is beautiful but others I feel like I wouldn't be able to walk outside safely.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: We are moving from Orange County and really like it here but understand LA is a completely different feel.

[SandyCo]

Can you please give more specific information? Where will you both be working? The best rule for living in L.A. is to live as close as possible to where you work.

I grew up in La Canada, and both it and Montrose are nice. Montrose is part of the City of Glendale, and La Canada is its own incorporated city. You might want to think about Sunland or Tujunga, too. They are both part of the City of Los Angeles, but are also in the foothills.

Parts of Pasadena are very nice; you just have to find the right neighborhood.

[CESpeed]

If you want to be more in the middle, I would suggest Covina, San Dimas or Azusa. If you really like Pasadena, it's perfectly safe. I'm a female and I've walked through at night alone with no problems. Of course. I've mostly stuck with Old Town and the area around the College.