average commute (Glendale, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks: to rent, safe area, middle school)

[AZtoLA]

I am relocating to CA and have the option to live within a wide area as I am in a field based position. I would spent about 60% of my time working in North Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Glendale areas and the rest of the time in the San Fernando Valley. We have a child in middle school and are thus looking for a safe area with good schools that is somewhat affordable. We plan to rent initially and are considering the following areas based on what we can afford and the schools: Woodland Hills, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks. I would be traveling during prime rush hour, can anyone provide me a realistic estimate of how long my drive would be to the Hollywood/Beverly Hills & Glendale areas from WH, AH and TO. THanks in advance!

[HSP1161]

It will be terrible - hours on the road. My sincere advice is to look closely at Burbank. You'll be able to access 2 of those 3 areas with no trouble at all.

Be there for your child -- not on the road. It's brutal.

[AZtoLA]

Thanks very much for your reply, we were initially looking at Burbank but are having very had time fixing something in our price range

[HSP1161]

Originally Posted by AZtoLA

Thanks very much for your reply, we were initially looking at Burbank but are having very had time fixing something in our price range

Given what you've shared, I suspect you will save hundreds of $$$ in gas and maintenance (not to mention time) by living in Burbank.

[Pam-i-am]

I live in Camarillo which is about 10 minuted (highway time) from Thousand Oaks. My work territory is usually Ventura County, but recently I've been working in the SF Valley a lot and have even had some assignments in North Hollywood and Beverly Hills. I would say from TO to North Hollywood in prime traffic would be 1.5 hours or more. I also had an appointment recently in Beverly Hills, and it took me 1.5 hours to get there, and that was a 10:00 a.m. appointment!! I think there was an accident on the 405 which made traffic really bad that morning so I went a different way, but still, 1.5 hours...that's a long commute for every day.

I am not sure about the schools in Burbank, but I would look around there. It seems like the best location for your territory.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by AZtoLA

Thanks very much for your reply, we were initially looking at Burbank but are having very had time fixing something in our price range

If BUR is expensive, then La Crescenta and La Canada will probably be even worse but great schools there.

Problem with Conejo Valley is the 101 is about the only way east. PCH can be an option for early birds heading to the west side. Some folks can make the metrolink from Moorpark work too.

South Pasadena and Arcadia are in your driving ranges but expensive there too.

No simple solution.

Moorpark? Simi? Work the 118?