Best city in Los Angeles to raise a family in SF home, walking distanct to shops and public transportation?

Answer 1

I agree with Robin, accept that the public schools in sherman oaks and studio city are horrible. You can live there if you plan to use private or parochial schools.

Otherwise, check out Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Westlake Village. Great places to raise a family, and an excellent school district called Las Virgenes School District. Best of luck.

Answer 2

Walking? Public Transportation? (insert perplexed stare here)

Angelenos have been caught driving to their own mailboxes. And drive-thru banks are all the rage these days. You want to move to L.A., you're going to need a car. Period.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way... Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Manhattan Beach are great places to buy a home (if extremely pricey). They also have some of the best shopping malls in the L.A. area. I'm particularly partial to Santa Monica because of the 3rd Street Promenade. The shops themselves are nothing special, but it offers a rare opportunity for residents to actually walk around and see each other.

For something a bit more affordable, parts of the San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys, Northridge, Burbank) are OK, as is most of the San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena, Arcadia).

Also, if you're a Republican, you might want to look a little further to the south. Orange County is just as nice as the wealthy parts of L.A., and you'll find it more to your tastes than Los Angeles County (which is a Democratic stronghold).

Answer 3

I'd try somewhere in the San Fernando Valley, probably Burbank. It's not a part of Los Angeles but right next to it. The schools are probably a bit better and the rent is cheaper and it's a little safer. Public transportation isn't as abundant in Los Angeles but it's doable. It might be a good idea to buy a cheap but reliable car - it will save you a lot of time if you are working.
Also, there are sections of Valencia (again, not in Los Angeles proper but close) that might be a good bet - it's also very beautiful there.

Answer 4

I live in Sherman Oaks and I love it! If you're on the south side of Ventura Blvd (towards the mountains) it's a really nice area, but it's a nice area too if you live on the north side, but close to Ventura. I live about a block away from Ventura and it's really easy to walk to tons of restaurants and shops and grocery stores. And if you need public transportation, there are lots of bus stops up and down the blvd.

If you're looking to live in the valley I think Sherman Oaks or Studio City would be your best bets. Maybe some parts of Burbank as well. Just stay away from Van Nuys. (no offense to van nuys residents)

Answer 5

Santa Monica or Marina Del Rey or even Playa...but not Venice.