Single Mom 30s (Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank: apartment, rentals, house)

[SummerGirl05]

Hi!
I'm moving to the LA area later this year and am trying to narrow down neighborhoods. I'm a single mom of a toddler so schools are a big deal. I'm looking in the West LA (Westwood, Brentwood, Culver City, Santa Monica) areas as well as around Sherman Oaks.

I'm an actress so being close to everything - for auditions and such- (as much as I can be) is important. I'd like a 3 bedroom, 2 bath but could do a 2 bedroom/den. I have to have an office because I also work from home. I'd ideally like to spend about $4k/month but no more than $5k.

I'm looking for a safe yet vibrant neighborhood that has great schools but also have enough activity for a single mother who may way to go out and meet people. I'm moving from Chicago.

Thanks!

[Social Democrat]

All those areas would be great (maybe Westwood not so much because of the glut of college students) but not certain audition friendly they would be. Very difficult to guage that issue as I don't believe there's a particular focal point for audition locations.
Just a couple of suggested alternatives to those you list.
Mar Vista is just south of Santa Monica and has a very highly rated elementary school. The ratings fall though for middle and high school; they are in the LAUSD. I mention Mar Vista because you should get more for your rental buck.
South Pasadena may be a possibility too. Excellent schools as the residents vote themselves higher taxes and it shows in their schools. It's a safe area, very walkable, has some night life and if you need more, Pasadena is next door. You should be able to find the type of apartment you want or maybe even a house in your price range.
I looked at Zillow for school ratings as well as rentals.
Hope this helps you.

[SummerGirl05]

I like the South Pasadena area but I think I may have to live closer to LAX which is what's keeping me away from Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena.

I'll take a look at Mar Vista too!

[Cinema Cat]

If you want to be close to auditions, you might be better off looking in the Valley, which is where most of the big studios are, and where much of the casting takes place. Perhaps look into Burbank, Studio City, or Sherman Oaks.

[Social Democrat]

You're right, South Pas wouldn't be a great choice if you need to be LAX close. Do take a look at Mar Vista. It may, or may not, suit you but I just wanted to make you aware of it as many from out of town don't know about it. Have fun with your search and welcome to California!

[thelopez2]

Is something wrong with Burbank International Airport?

[tserin]

Originally Posted by SummerGirl05

I like the South Pasadena area but I think I may have to live closer to LAX which is what's keeping me away from Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena.

I'll take a look at Mar Vista too!

I moved from Beverly Hills to Mar Vista and I can tell you that I loved Mar Vista more than BH. First of all, I feel it's close to "everywhere" plus, there are so many trails to run/jog/walk in Mar Vista.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by SummerGirl05

Hi!
I'm moving to the LA area later this year and am trying to narrow down neighborhoods. I'm a single mom of a toddler so schools are a big deal. I'm looking in the West LA (Westwood, Brentwood, Culver City, Santa Monica) areas as well as around Sherman Oaks.

I'm an actress so being close to everything - for auditions and such- (as much as I can be) is important. I'd like a 3 bedroom, 2 bath but could do a 2 bedroom/den. I have to have an office because I also work from home. I'd ideally like to spend about $4k/month but no more than $5k.

I'm looking for a safe yet vibrant neighborhood that has great schools but also have enough activity for a single mother who may way to go out and meet people. I'm moving from Chicago.

Thanks!

With a toddler check the air quality as it can impact the child.


go to: airnow.gov and put in any zip code and then there are buttons you can pus to get interesting data.

[Cloudwalker]

Culver City. The schools are good the whole way through, it's family-friendly, but still decent amount of restaurants, bars, it's close to the airport and both the 405 and the 10 for getting to the Valley/Studio City/Burbank, Sony is right there, you can use surface streets if you have to go to West Hollywood/Melrose/Fairfax area, not too far from the beaches, and you can find housing in your budget, especially if you are willing to be closer to $5k than $4k.

Mar Vista is great, a number of good elementary schools, but middle school is a problem so be careful unless you are willing to consider private options. Given the age of your child, you would have 5 or 6 years to sort that out, but there is a value in the stability that comes with moving through a school system with a reasonably consistent group of kids, rather than changing from public to private at middle school. Plus the money! And the stress of sitting exams, making applications, etc. It's like a job in itself.

You could also apply to either SMMUSD or CCUSD for an interdistrict permit at the end of 5th grade or earlier (they both border the area). Lots of people do apply and get in, but it's strictly space dependent. Some years have lots of space and the schools can usually give you a reasonable indication of how many spots are open, but you would have to live with the uncertainty of not being confirmed to get in until close to the start of school. Once you get the permit, it carries the whole way through to end of high school, i.e. you don't have to keep reapplying every year.

[Cinema Cat]

Originally Posted by thelopez2

Is something wrong with Burbank International Airport?

Burbank Airport is international? I always assumed it was merely a national airport.