Toluca Lake isn't so cheap. Having looked at houses there very recently, most decent single family homes are going to start around $600K. And that's for something less than 1500 sq ft. Of course, as a car guy, you have Bob's Big Boy just down the street. And if you go to the Little League games, the concentration of MILFs is quite high.

Burbank can be a bit cheaper. But you're still talking $500K minimum. And that's for something mildly craptastic.

Sorry - I meant that suggestion to the guy who will be working in Santa Fe Springs.

Claremont is nice, but not counter commute to SF Springs afaik. It is hot/smoggy in the summer, but does have a small town feel and there is plenty of hiking/biking/etc.

Most any place in LA can be congested depending on the particular street and neighborhood. And regentrification has/is taking place in a lot of areas (right now Eagle Rock and Highland Park are on the upswing). In my case I am trying to stay close to the ex with a laser focus on good schools and still having a reasonable commute to work. Considering that it is pretty much SM, maybe Palisades but that is even further away. The other alternative would be to go south to Manhattan Beach but that goes way further from the ex and requires trips up/down the 405.

As for prices I looked in SM and short sell condos are in the $500-600K range. Still too rich for my blood...

moving sucks. it is the worst thing to do ever.


good luck todd!

I believe it is in the "top 3" stressors you can have in life (death in the family, divorce, moving). This AM was fun - went and signed the lease and wrote $5400 in checks. I'll get some back from deposit on my current place but not as much as the new deposit. Monthly rent goes up $600 so I have to find that in my budget.

I am stuck with cable (no dishes allowed) so I'm thinking of doing the cable/internet bundle for $80 and no home phone.

Old: $100/mo for phone/dsl, $60/mo for sat tv

so that saves a bit. I'll also finally bug work to pay for cell phone data so that is another chunk. Landlord pays trash so that bill goes away. I should bring my lunch to work as well.

Now to find a reasonably cheap mover. I'm going to do much of it myself but not sofa, bed, etc. My back will thank me later...

Excellent decision Todd.

Wow $2500/mo rent is pretty steep for a single Dad with son.

Now you know why I sold the track car...

Welcome to Santa Monica!

I spend 2 to 3 months there during the course of the year when I am in Country.
You will find it much better than some sourpusses have described. And I get all the country I want when in France so I enjoy the city when in Santa Monica.

The schools are much better and parking and traffic is easy with a bike, cycle or scooter.

Shame about the rent, I have some landlord friends in that area, so let me know I might be able to help in the future.