[jyl]

I haven't lived in LA for a long time but just to get this started -

Huntington Beach to Santa Fe Springs looks like a haul through a pretty congested area.

Check out Whittier, I recall there were nice quiet small-town feeling spots. Also where it backs up to the foothills, also I see a country club there. In general, an L.A. neighborhood that is up in some hills is worth at least asking about.

My old stomping grounds, Pasadena-Altadena-Glendale, would be a short shot on the 210 then down the 605. Not real close but it is a nice area.

Unless things have fallen more than I think, a house that is nice and safe for sub $300K seems like a stretch. Townhouse, maybe.