My family and I currently live in Redondo Beach, California. We'd really like to move to a town that is less urban. We'd prefer a city that has quiet cul de sacs, lots of green, and more of a community feeling. The two cities that seem to appeal to us are Newbury Park, CA and Flagstaff, AZ. Newbury Park because one of my best friends lives there. Flagstaff because it's in a forest and we love the mountains. Also, my husband is on the transplant list at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, and we have to be within a 2-hour flight/drive from Phoenix.
I was hoping some people could tell me their experience living in either of these cities. The things I'm most interested in hearing:
- The schools (of course). Our older son has an IEP and so we would love a district that isn't going to fight with us about it.
- Community: do your neighbors know you? Do you talk to them? Do you do block parties? We'd really love to live somewhere that people join together and can support each other.
- Economy: What is the cost of living like? Both these cities seem less than L.A. proper, but not by a lot. Just wondering if we would save some money with housing, etc.
Work-wise we both work at home, so fortunately we don't have to find a job. Any other information but what you do or do not like about living in these cities would also be great to hear.
Thank you so much for your input!
Take care,
Bonnie
I don't have much info other then my Aunt and Uncle lived in Newbury Park and raised my two cousins there and they loved it. I remember it was a really nice place when we would visit. If my Uncle was more of a talker and we were closer I would ask him for more info for you. If I do find out anything else I'll let you know. :)
Good Luck!
Hello Bonnie. My aunt and uncle, as well as my cousin (and his wife and kids) live in Newbury Park and seem to like it well enough. They have lived there for probably about 25 years, and live on a small street at the beginning of a cul-de-sac, with a large greenbelt at the end, which makes a nice Easter egg hiding place when we go there for Easter. I've never seen, nor heard of them interacting with their neighbors, but I am not in their business like that. When we visit there, a couple of times a year, it seems to me that people keep to themselves, and no one is really "out" (in the yard, talking to neighbors, watering lawns, etc. etc.) and the people at the stores and gas stations are less than desirable in my opinion, but maybe it's because we're an "urban" family. I don't know much about Flagstaff (I lived in Chandler, Arizona when it was first being built up, then Awatukee (sp) for a while which was nice)but that might be a great option for you and your family, with the transplant situation at hand. I know that when my husband was called for his transplant, he needed to be there almost immediately also, and it took us some time and we were almost in the same city as the hospital. Maybe a nice visit to Newbury Park (since it's a lot closer) will help you visualize what's there. As far as schools, you can always speak to someone at the district office and find out what their policies are, as well as 'scores' for certain things.