We are thinking of moving to (or near) L.A. and need some suggestions of a good neighborhood for us.?

Question

We are looking for the following (I realize I can’t have everything though!) Thanks so much!

• Affordable (around $1200 a month give or take)
• Some yard for our dogs
• Safe to walk around, not high crime area
• Cool shops, restaurants, etc in walking distance
• Artistic, health-conscious community

Answer 1

Side note to David: I grew up in ER, and moved away a few years ago to live in the OC. Maybe we know each other? Email me.

As for your requirements, you will need to remember the three rules for determining rent/purchase price: Location, location, and location.

It's funny how ER has changed over the last decade or so. You didn't mention where you are from, but California, especially the LA area tends to be very different than the rest of the country. Here, lots are much closer together and very defined, cinder block fences being the rule. Of all the places mentioned so far, you have a good chance to find a place with a yard in Eagle Rock or Pasadena. Silver Lake is just a bit too hilly. Eagle Rock was built when houses were smaller and yards were large. When we were growing up, my brother and I had a very large yard to play in. Sadly, more people are either expanding their house or building a second house in those large yards, so the large yard is disappearing.

You didn't mention how many bedrooms and baths you are looking for, which is another important factor. I'm assuming that there are just two of you, plus the dogs.

In addition to the previously mentioned neighborhoods of Pasadena, Montrose, La Crescenta, Glendale, Burbank, Silverlake, Eagle Rock, I would add the following:
Sunland/Tujunga: Lots of independant people live up in the foothills above LA, part of the city of LA. Lots of large yards around here (we looked for a home here).
La Canada: An independent city, but rather pricy.
South Pasadena: Another small independent city, but the only one with two Trader Joe's Markets. That's a good health-conscious place to shop.
Other places, further away from LA: Arcadia, Monrovia.

Note that most of the places mentioned are east of downtown. The west side is closer to the beach, but the lots are much smaller and prohibitively expensive.

Answer 2

Hey, you should check out the neighborhood of Eagle Rock. I live there and LOVE IT. It's a working class area in Northeast LA that has been undergoing gentrification over the last 10 years. Lots of young people are moving into the area to raise familes. Coffee shops, restaurants and bars are popping up all over. Housing prices are going up. It's a cool and hip place to live. You could probably rent a house with a yard for the dogs. There are mostly houses in the area...not apartments.

The best Vegetarian restaurant in LA is there. It's called "Fatty's" Eagle Rock is also home to Occidental College which makes the neighborhood feel like a small College town in a big city. Eagle Rock is right next door to Old Town Pasadena, too...which is brilliant for shopping. There's a Trader Joe's grocery store and a Whole Foods in neighboring Glendale too for healthy grocery store options.

Despite Eagle Rock's dodgy past (used to be lots of Latino gangs) , it is very safe now. The Mayor of L.A. is from this district and I swear that since he became Mayor, there are more cops around than ever before.

Answer 3

Everyone has had some good ideas, except I don't know if you'll have much room for your dogs in ER, etc... If you don't mind living a bit out of the city, you should try Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and Westlake Village. The air is cleaner and the area is not as congested. It's more affordable so you get more space for the money, and there are still great restaurants, and plenty of wonderful parks for the dogs. Also, if you're considering kids in the future- the schools are wonderful in these areas as well, which is hard to find in L.A. Good luck!

Answer 4

I would look in Pasadena, Montrose, La Crescenta, Glendale, Burbank, Silverlake, Eagle Rock. All safe and somewhat affordable.

Answer 5

Emily --sorry I think you're about a grand (or more) a month short...hopefully others will be more knowledgeable than I....