Hi Dean, checking in. I don't really have any input. I live in the
San Fernando Valley and although I have been everywhere in the greater L.A. area, I tend to stay in The Valley. Traffic is horrible and these days it seems there is traffic at all hours of the day. I really don't like to go into 'The City' for this reason. There is also a different vibe over the hill (Santa Monica is more like The Valley), also a very expensive night out.
I really don't know anything about the areas you are looking at. You're in for a bit of culture shock though! As you are finding out, property is expensive. Hopefully, your company is adjusting your salary for the COL out here.
There are trade-offs to living here, but it really is not as bad as people make it out to be. Crime is not rampant and believe it or not, there are some gang members that are actually nice - just don't look them in the eyes
. We have a written sunshine clause, guaranteeing no more than 14 days rain a year - not to be successive. Teeth whitening is not a requirement for living here either. Tattoos, piercings or a bit of plastic are nom-de-rigueur though.
L.A. is a gateway to the world. As for California, where else can you surf, snow and water ski, all in the same day and be home for dinner?