Headin' South - a plea for advice/help

[Not Afraid]

As you already know, I'm a big fan of the "greater Long Beach area". Easy access to most areas in So Cal, close to the beach (for better air quality) and a very diverse environment. Houses are reasonably affordable - houses, not condos, and the Blue Line goes straight through the city. Getting East or South is relatively easy and manageable (a commute is probably inevitable wherever you choose to live). Downtown LA is 20 mins, Hollywood is 1/2 hour-45 mins (both accessable by train). And, it's not a very conservative area (which I LOVE). LAX is 15 mins away and we have our own lovely airport.

However, getting North on the 405 is a giant PITA. SInce they've been doing construction, it has been taking us an hour + to get to UCLA (it stops right after the airport and crawls through the Pass). Getting in and out of Santa Monica is a royal pain. And, there's no train option.

But, you have to watch where you choose to live in Long Beach. Fortunantely, I know the neighborhoods VERY well.


Besides, you need to be close enough to come over for dinner and a show at a moment's notice.