How bad is the commute from burbank to century city?

Is Pasadena malibu and glendale and burbank the safest areas to live in,and how come there is a big crime?

• rating for the 'hills' in hollywood i thought there was houses there for 5 million plus,on lalife it gives a rating for the hollywood hills a 2 how could it be dangerous i thought it was an elite place,and it says the safest places are santa clarita,calabasas,burbank and glendale, and malibu.I will be working in century city in six months but i am having a terrible time trying to find the best location for me i am 28 so i want to be in a nice location with people my age with a good social scene,any help if you could point me in the direction of some places or websites i can check out thanks so much

• Answer:

  Yep, there is plenty of crime in the Hollywood Hills. I grew up there, a very nice neighborhood, but there were lots of break-ins, stolen cars, things stolen out of cars, etc. Because it's close to Hollywood, and the environment -- plants covering windows, no people outside their homes (can't really walk there or hang out in your non-existent front yard), etc, it's a good place for thefts. That's just the way it is in LA. But if you're careful, aware of your environment, alarm your car, get good locks on your doors and windows, don't do stupid stuff like walk around after dark or invite strangers over, you should be fine. I grew up in Hollywood, lots of my friends still live there, and we've really not had big problems. Car theft is probably the worst thing I can think of. If it's in your budget, look at Brentwood, Westwood, Beverly Hills. You might be able to find something at an ok price if you have good credit, lots of competition for "reasonably" (by LA standards) priced units in those areas. Those areas are safe and close to Century City. You want to be close to work! Traffic is awful in that area. Most people find out it's better to go for a smaller more expensive apartment on the westside, then try to commute from the valley or cheaper areas. You might also look at Culver City/Palms, there are some nice neighborhoods with OK prices for the westside. Parts of West LA are OK too, and maybe Santa Monica. For Culver City/Palms, West LA and Santa Monica, you'll want to check the neighborhood and building closely as there are good areas, and not-so-good areas, and the not-so-good areas, while usually cheaper, sometimes aren't. There is lots happening on the westside of LA, and the Sunset Strip. http://thesunsetstrip.com/ http://www.pubclub.com/losangeles/sunsetstrip.htm Good luck!