30yo couple living in Woodland Hills? (Calabasas: new home, schools, shop)

[adr3naline]

What do you think? Too sleepy?

Wife and I live DTLA, which we really like, but dreaming of a modest *house* that we can call our own. Been at open houses for the better part of a year, which has been promising. Only problem is we can’t spend too much time in the area to understand if it will suffice for our “average” 30yo lifestyle.

We’re not partiers, but like to have a good time at bars on occasion. Big on hiking, driving the canyons, and exploring. Not looking to have kids for 3-5yrs. We enjoy a good unique food joint. We both work in SaMo but cant justify dropping $1.2M on 1000sqft.

Just looking for your candid thoughts. Thanks in advance!

[BRinSM]

My wife and I made a similar move from the coastal westside to the valley back in 2011 when we were your age. Besides the summer heat, the valley actually has a lot going for it. All the things that you are interested in are in Woodland Hills or within a short drive. The commute sounds miserable though. Because of the traffic, you'll find yourself going over the hill less frequently as the valley becomes your new home. I couldn't do it, but my commute tolerance is weak. Before making the move, I would try the commute at least once on the same day in the morning and evening. Take your findings and extrapolate out for 250 work days a year.

[Csonka]

Woodland Hills get very hot in summers. Traffic is bad too. Only one freeway in and out, so the streets get packed.

But you have the two big malls there so shopping is very good and are not far from the beach via Topanga Canyon. They are also planning a major mixed use residential and commercial development on the old Lockheed site (think it's Lockheed).

Woodland Hills is okay, but not my cup of tea. I lived there for about 5 years and actually can't stand the place anymore because of the traffic.

[DKM]

I assume you work in west SaMo and plan to drive Topanga over each day? Its very curvy and can be slow depending on who you get behind. It also closes sometimes or there is an issue on PCH which makes it even worse.

If you can work from home once a week or do some staggered hours, it can be bearable. Keep in mind eventually you will have a family and you want schools to be good, and they are better in nextdoor Calabasas.

You will definitely like the hiking options.