Black single mom moving to Los Angeles from dallas (Thousand Oaks: apartments, for rent)

[UB50]

Originally Posted by nmnita

I was just a little surprised to see someone mention Glendale particularly.

I know Glendale is well known for having a large Armenian community, but in the last 10 years, there has been an influx of Asians (primarily Koreans) and other groups. Let's put it this way, there are enough Koreans for us to have our own "huge" Korean supermarket. I've also noticed a lot of Korean/Asian businesses in the La Crescenta/La Canada area too. I see more blacks also since they shop in the same places we do (which would be all the grocery stores). There are still a lot of Latinos though maybe less than before -- or maybe it seems like less just because there is more of everything else.

Also, remember Eagle Rock Plaza? The mall near the 2 Freeway on Colorado with the Montgomery Wards and the May Company? Well, it's now a Filipino-oriented mall with a Macy's and a Target and a huge Filipino grocery store and Filipino bakeries, etc.

Anyway, for anyone looking for "safe and diversity" Glendale has it!

P.S. We struck up a conversation with a group of young black men in a grocery store. They were speaking in a foreign language we didn't recognize. It turned out that they were from Kenya.

[DowntownVentura]

I don't think you have been clear if you want to live near other blacks or you want to move to a place that won't reject you because you are black. Honestly, I cannot think of any community in southern California that cares one way of the other what race you are. Yes, there are isolated racists, but in general, I think the people here are quite accepting.

If I were in your situation, I would just concentrate on the other things you desire in a community and not worry about the racial makeup.

[plumtree2003]

In response to the last comment.
If you go back you can read my comments-on multi cultural, diverse community, 'Flexibility on move' and I have listed what I desire in a
community. My concern is I do not like an all white or all black community. Schools are also important. Some reply comments are moving away from my original questions.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by plumtree2003

In response to the last comment.
If you go back you can read my comments-on multi cultural, diverse community, 'Flexibility on move' and I have listed what I desire in a
community. My concern is I do not like an all white or all black community. Schools are also important. Some reply comments are moving away from my original questions.

I am not sure anyone means to move away but you want a racially mixed neighborhood with good schools, believe it or not, that may not be as easy to find as you think. For good or bad, many of the good school districts in the Los Angeles area are primarily white and or asian. If you want to stay close to L>A> you will have to think in terms of Pasadena, maybe Alhambra or Burbank. They will be the closest to what you are seeking. Hopefully others will be able to recommend another choice that will be both racially mixed and offering really good schools.

Nita

[ModelChick]

People are commenting that she could not afford 2 grand a month for rent. I'm sorry, but if she lived in London on the same income, where rents are double the LA area, I'm sure she could make it work in LA. People in this forum are so pessimistic that it's sickening.

[VLWH]

Originally Posted by UB50

P.S. We struck up a conversation with a group of young black men in a grocery store. They were speaking in a foreign language we didn't recognize. It turned out that they were from Kenya.

Must have been a short conversation.

[shers]

Originally Posted by nmnita

actually most of those areas have good and bad schools. You may be able to put your child in public school regardless of the place you choose.

Nita

Perhaps you don't have children attending schools in the above mention areas.
Most people in the Pasadena area including minorities put their children in Private schools.
That's why Pasadena has at least 100 private schools.
If she's looking for a nice neighborhood the rent will be on the higher end (1800+).

If you are looking for a sophisticated area try Brentwood and Santa Monica above Montana Blvd.
You’ll be close to the ocean and the weather will be great.
As a single person the above areas will work.
If you want more of a suburb family type community then the Pasadena area is great.
We live in the Pasadena Area and our youngest child is off to College this fall, so we’re packing out and moving Back East to NY.
Good Luck on your search.

[plumtree2003]

Thanks,I can afford rent for 2k. I am trying to stay on a tight budget . I am very very comfortable and can afford rent btw $2-$3k as I have a very successful business.

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by Tangee T

What about Woodland Hills,CA everyone has been telling me that is a good place to live and raise children?

It is. But OP stated this:

Also being single I'd like to mingle, any nice spots(such as pubs, etc) to hang out other than the tourist attractions

Woodland Hills is very suburban. While it does have a large business district and shopping center, it has no real night life to speak of. Burbank, Long Beach, Glendale, and Pasadena all have downtown areas that have a very vibrant nightlife. The closest real nightlife to Woodland Hills is the Studio City area, and its not the same thing.

Another factor is if you are looking to buy a home. While apartment rentals in Woodland Hills are about the same as the other cities listed, the home prices are a couple hundred thousand cheaper. You can get a very nice home in a very nice area of Woodland Hills for $400-600K. The same home in the other cities in an equivalent neighborhood with similiar rated schools will run $650K+(and more often $700-800K).

[plumtree2003]

JohnG72- Thanks for speaking about nightlife areas. I plan on renting a home or apartment.