Hi, Bill:

Valley Village or Sherman Oaks may be a great area. It is an easy commute over Coldwater Canyonor Beverly Glen.

Hi Bill,

Congratulations on the possible job offer! I too relocated from back east many years ago, and when I first arrived I lived in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Those communities are still pretty pricey, and I don't think you find anything to purchase that would fit your price range. I just did a search for rentals in Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood for a 3 bedroom under $3200 (figuring some negotiating room). There were only 2 properties that came up, one isn't large enough and the other looks really nice, but it is in the Hollywood Hills (which is very nice). You will find a lot more for your money both renting or purchasing in the "Valley". Studio City, Sherman Oaks or Encino would be my recommendations, but there are other communities a little further away that would give you even more for your money.

I just did a quick search on my website for homes in Studio City, Encino or Sherman Oaks with 3 bedrooms or more, 1500 square feet minimum, between $650,000 and $750,000 and there were 53 homes. (http http://:www.jodiefrancisco.com). I also have a community website for residents of Encino at http://www.encinowoods.com that offers information about Encino as well as local community links. Please feel free to use these resources, and let me know if I can be of further assistance to you.

Good Luck!

Jodie

Hi Bill, I have moved from Boston,MA. over 12 years ago. I understand the challenges of relocating. My recommendation is, that you come out to LA prior to deciding and spend a minimum of three to four days and do a concentrated search of various neigborhoods. (viewing all the areas near you place of work with a Relocation Specialist) Prior to your arrival interview a few agents and find out if you are compatible and they are willing to spend time with you for such a concentrated search and have them send you Active Lease and Sales listings within your minimum parameters.The more organized you and the agent are the less painfull the move will be.Feel free to call me on my cell 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com. Good luck on your move.

Hi Bill. You might want to consider Burbank for the schools & parks. You can definately find a home comfortable for the 3 of you with a great "walking street" with shops and restaurants. My clients are about to close on a 3+2 + pool "done" house in the mid 600's with a huge yard. If not Burbank, there are Charter schools, magnet schools, public & private options everywhere. My child will start Charter school in the fall. I also work Hollywood Hills, Larchmont, Mid-Wilshire & Culver City. Let me know if I can help you & your family.
Eileen Lanza, Keller Williams ,Realtor & former East Coaster.
Good Luck! (323) 810-7935
PS - also westsiderentals.com & Craigslist might be a good start for rentals

Beverly Hills is in the 1M dollar price range, but you can get there in 20 minutes from Culver City! We have lovely neighborhoods and an excellent school district. You might have to pay a bit more for a home here but I think you will love our area. Check out my website below.

Hi there Bill, Welcome to CA . Do you have children that need to attend school so I can review the best schools for you. Some parts of Hollywood hills and Beverlywood.beverly center are very desirable and have very little traffic issues, something that we have here in LA.
If you would like to see the best properties please drop me an e mail so I can set you on the system to reveive updates

Kind Regards
Michael Barron
First Team Real Estate
(714) 552-6817
E mail: michael-barron@sbcglobal.net

Hi Bill,
Two fantastic options for you would be Laurel Canyon and Studio City. Both are within 20 to 30 minutes of Beverly Hills, via a very nice commute along Mulholland Drive. Both are also family friendly with two of the best Elementary schools in Los Angeles: The Wonderland School and Carpenter Avenue Elementary School. While in the past it was hard to find homes in these areas for $750,000 or less, these days it is not out of the question. We live and work in Laurel Canyon and also sell homes in Studio City, so if you need any help we would be happy to help you out or answer any questions. Our contact information can be found on our website, along with school and neighborhood information as well. -Kevin & Jovana Keyser, Sotheby's International Realty.

Hi Bill,
Sherman Oaks is just a straight shot from the San Fernando Valley over the hill, and you might also find properties that meet your criteria around Palms and parts of Mar Vista. Let me know if you need any further help.
Ron

Hi there Bill, thanks for your question. Congrats on your new job! This is my area of expertise and there are quite a few areas around Beverly Hills that will fall within your price range. Specfically, I am thinking Culver City, Beverlywood, Beverly Center/Miracle Mile, and possibly some parts of Hollywood Hills.

I specialize in not only sales but also do many rentals in this range so I could send you some prospective properties if you like, or give you more advice as to the best commute. Contact me anytime!

- Jeffrey White -
323-251-2296