My daughter is being relocated to the LA area for her first job and we know absolutely nothing about the area.

Her job will require her to go into an office in the La Palma area once or twice a week with somewhat flexible hours and the other days she will work from home.

She is trying to decide where to live, and thinks she wants near the beach (imagine that). My question is, would the Santa Monica, Redondo Beach area be an impossible commute once/twice a week? Other areas I guess would be the Long Beach, Irvine area?

When I look at sites like Google Maps/Traffic and sigalert.com they show travel distances of around 32 miles and I've seen anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Are these close or am I kidding myself?

Also does anyone know of a good Realtor to use for helping with looking for a 1 bedroom apartment.

Any comments would be helpful.

 

Long Beach (I live there) the belmont heights or the Belmont shore area, right at the beach, close to La Palma (15 minute drive) reasonable rent, lots of fun bars and attractions for young professionals, don't listen to anyone about Long Beach having a bad rep, it's all hype, houses in my neighborhood range from $750,000 to 2 million! Rent for a one bed apt. Is about $1250.00, hope this helps, let me know if you need any more detailed info.

 

Belmont Shores is a very nice area. Santa Monica will take over an hour, the south bay is about 30 to 45 minutes during rush hour.

 

I grew up in Long Beach... if you stay close to the beach areas, it's not bad... Seal Beach is great, Huntington Beach is also nice. Forget SM / Redondo/ LA beach areas, the commute isn't worth it at all. Welcome to Cali!

 

Irvine by far the safest and cleanest of them all.

You just cant beat Orange County.

HB is not bad but mostly older apartment units.

Irvine Company has GREAT apartment communities that are first rate with all the bells and whistles. Reasonably priced as well.

The beach is no more than 10-15 min away and can be accessed via a bike ride if she really wants.