LA commuter traffic, etc
 

Where are the worst commuter traffic in LA? Specifically west LA...10? 405? 101? which directions are the worst?

My husband is now looking into a new job possibly in Burbank or Encino. Not sure where good neighborhoods are with good schools for our small children. With a reasonable commute.

Thank you for any information, advice.

Now, more specifically, what would the commute be like from Brentwood to Encino? or Burbank?

Thanks again for your time.

anyone?? thank you

Personally, I wouldn't want to have that commute "over the hill" into the Valley-- it's busy during Rush Hour in both directions. If you can find housing near his place of work, I'd do so. As I recall, there are some very good schools up in the Valley.

Thank you for the reply. What are the names of neighborhoods in the valley? I do not really know anything about LA.

Thank you for your time.

You ARE planning to come out here to check things out, aren't you? The San Fernando Valley is a vast geographic area with lots of neighborhoods, some nicer than others. I love this part of the US, but acknowledge that it's not for everyone. You really have to come visit. Where would you be moving from? Would paying $700,000 for a 1,400 square foot home be a complete shock?

Your husband's prospective employer should be able to give you some guidance as to housing. Encino is an LA suburb, while Burbank is a separate city; this impacts city services, school districts, etc. Sherman Oaks is a pretty nice LA suburb just east of Encino and west of Burbank.

It is as we say a "crap shoot". There are certain patterns of traffic that can be planned for.
However, accidents , closures and other unknowns can impact traffic.
Leave early, listen to AM radio 1070 KNX with frequent traffic updates, and relax. You may encounter congestion, you might not.
I used to stress out and beat the steering wheel. Now(at 52) I relax, take a deep breath and put in my favorite CD.

Here's an old thread about schools in the Valley & West L.A. areas:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34694348

You might want to consult some relocation forums for more answers to your questions.

I would figure out a way to live closer to your work.

Thank you all for the replies.

We would be moving from San Diego, so the housing isn't a total shock, although it is a bit more up there than here. We would be looking at the $700-800K range, possibly $850 for 4br, 2000sq ft.

I think I am getting a better grip on the housing/school market within close proximity to work. I've been looking at Calabasas (although seems too far to Burbank, but ok for Encino?) and Sherman Oaks area.

Any other info greatly appreciated. We are also interveiwing in Seattle & Champaign, ILL. So, who knows! It's a crazy time right now.

Thank you again for your time. Have a great week.

I agree- I would not try to commute from the valley to the Westside or vice-versa (when people say "the valley" they mean San Fernando Valley- you may already know that).

Encino, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Studio City are all great areas from what I understand. Not all parts of the Valley are nice. Burbank is a nice city. Toluca Lake is nearby, which is a nice neighborhood.

Are you planning for public school for your kids? If that's the case, perhaps Santa Monica isn't such a bad option afterall, that is if your hubby is the only one who'd have to suffer the drive.

Good luck. Buy a Thomas Guide and study it to get familiar w/ the lay of the land.

In case anyone was curious, we accepted a position in Champaign, IL. It is a very good opportunity for my husband and we will have just a 4 hour drive to Cincinnati to visit family, both my & DH parents live there.

All the information about LA did help us decide that we did not want to live there and raise our kids there. Too many people, too much traffic & too expensive. Thank you again for your time & information.

Have a great week!

congrats, luv, on your decision! good luck in your new chapter!