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Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Possible cross country relocation to Santa Monica and some questions please :)
Hello! My husband recently found out that there is a chance he may get a business opportunity in Santa Monica. It is a great opportunity business wise but we still have some questions/ concerns about up-rooting our whole lives. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
1. We would be moving from a relatively small town in KY. ( I know HUGE change lol) We love bigger cities but would first and foremost want to make sure it is a safe, healthy place to raise our 2 year old daughter. So would you consider Santa Monica a good place to raise kids?
2. OK so here's the obvious question. Cost of living. We are coming from a very affordable housing market and so the cost of living will be probably the hardest adjustment. Is there anywhere in Santa Monica to get a 2 br for around $2k a month? We are open to both renting or buying as we do have money for down payment.
3. What about surrounding areas with reasonable commutes to Santa Monica (say nomore then 30 min each way)?
4. Any other general tips/ advice?
Thanks!
1. We would be moving from a relatively small town in KY. ( I know HUGE change lol) We love bigger cities but would first and foremost want to make sure it is a safe, healthy place to raise our 2 year old daughter. So would you consider Santa Monica a good place to raise kids?
2. OK so here's the obvious question. Cost of living. We are coming from a very affordable housing market and so the cost of living will be probably the hardest adjustment. Is there anywhere in Santa Monica to get a 2 br for around $2k a month? We are open to both renting or buying as we do have money for down payment.
3. What about surrounding areas with reasonable commutes to Santa Monica (say nomore then 30 min each way)?
4. Any other general tips/ advice?
Thanks!
Re: Possible cross country relocation to Santa Monica and some questions please :)
I am not a regular poster here but I'll give my 2cents.
1- Yes, Santa Monica is safe. In fact, it's a desirable place to live. There are many great schools. However, there are rougher parts of SaMo so you'll want to know the area as you proceed.
2- Buying in SaMo can be quite pricey. You could probably get into a 2/2 condo for a little under $400K. I live just south of SaMo in Mar Vista. I live in a great family neighborhood and for homes, it's more affordable than SaMo but the nicer areas of Mar Vista are definitely more expensive.
Depending on your budget, Playa Vista is a fantastic new neighborbood within commuting distance to SaMo. It's all townhomes, condos, and apts. It is uber family friendly.
If you look in the valley, you'll definitely get more for your money than on the Westside.
Don't have kids so I can't comment on that part, but Santa Monica, but agree that the San Fernando Valley is WAY more affordable. BUT--hubby would definitely have a commute. I go the opposite direction, so I see the southbound side inching along. There are also some decent schools/neighborhoods in parts of the valley--but it's a toss up for what would be more preferable. I think you might also be able to find something in West LA -- just beyond the SM border that might be affordable. I'd probably suggest renting a place in West LA or Playa Vista as pp suggested and then trying to figure out what works for you guys.
It will be a big difference, but LA has a lot to offer! Good luck.
Santa Monica is one of the best places in Los Angeles to raise kids... I went to middle school and high school there. It is like the holy grail of Los Angeles - everyone wants to live there - couples, families, single adults, old people, etc. Great weather, restaurants, activities, etc.
Santa Monica is also one of the most expensive ares in Los Angeles to live in. I don't know what your financial resources are, but a starter non-renovated two bedroom home under 1000sq can run you as much as $900k. Check out CraigsList and online housing listings to get a sense of the market.
I'm not even sure you can get a two bedroom apt for $2k in Santa Monica. I was renting a two bedroom/2 bath in West Los Angeles and paying $2500/month.
As PP have said, Santa Monica is definitely safe and a great place to raise kids. As for getting a 2bd place for 2k a month - maybe not. When I lived there we had a very small (approx 450 sq ft) 1 bdrm apartment close to the beach for over $2000. Not to say it can't be done. There are some great looking apartments right off Montana Ave that might go for cheaper than other areas.
Good luck!