Where would you live if... (Los Angeles, Long Beach: neighborhoods, quality of life, live in)

[ratherbebirding]

Hi Friends -

I'm one of those extraordinarily blessed individuals who will be moving to Los Angeles from NYC, and won't endure a work week commute.

As a writer on a budget, I'm eager to hear where you'd live if commuting were a non-issue. Right now I live in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, and for those of you who know NYC, CG is a relatively upscale and friendly neighborhood, pretty close-knit, with a nice balance of families and singles. It's just across the water from Manhattan, which I prefer than being in the center of the madness and noise.

My requirements:

- Walkable neighborhood, particularly to a good non-corporatized coffeeshop;
- Walking distance to a good hike / bike / jog trail, either in the woods or near a beach (this is key, since it's part of my morning ritual);
- Nearby to a really good bookstore;
- Budget: preferable about $1000 but would go up to $1300;
- Low noise, decent air quality, flora & fauna;
- Friendly is more important than hip--for instance, a neighborhood overrun by hipsters will be a quick turn off. But with that said, I'm a single gal in my 30's, so meeting nice people will be key to quality of life.

Friends of mine who know me have a recommended Studio City, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Santa Monica, Topanga Beach, Malibu, and Long Beach. Well, I just looked at a map, and woah, I'm amazed at how far apart these neighborhoods are...so I'm opening the floor...

Thanks all, really appreciate your input!

RBB

P.S. I will have access to a car, but prefer to be on foot when possible.