This might have been me writing this letter. I hate where I live. If I could, I would move tomorrow, but I have a 14 year old daughter who just started high school, and I already moved her to Palos Verdes which is where we currently live. I am regretting this move, but I am not able to move when I like because I have another person to consider. I'm having a hard time in this beautiful, serene place, which is also completely isolated and has a similar feeling to San Fernando Valley in that there is no life.
I have recently been spending time in Marina Del Rey, which is what I call "civilization adjacent". There is life there within walking distance. It might just be my next neighborhood. Fun and life is waiting for you, if you have the courage to try.
Find a place that feels more like you and learn to tolerate driving to SFV. It will feel awkward for a short time, then wonderful, because you will be where you want to be.
Kudos to you for being so thoughtful for your kiddos -- my parents definitely were the opposite (they went where they wanted to go, we were dragged along). Glad to hear you're close to a place you like tho in the meantime :) And who knows -- a lot can happen in 3.5 years. Maybe the place you're in will transform or you and your daughter will decide it's best to move before then. Then again maybe not :)
I think the "learn to tolerate driving" bit might be key here, for L.A. area people who feel stuck --
I would also suggest Downtown Los Angeles: tons of cafe and breweries, everything is walkable, restaurants new and old, and one of the best indie bookstores in the country. If you can’t find stuff to do in L.A., you just aren’t trying hard enough.
I know, even as a guy I was intimidated and I’ve heard the homeless situation has only gotten worse. But I did know women who loved living there. I personally liked Atwater Village where I lived, only a short drive to downtown and very safe.
This might have been me writing this letter. I hate where I live. If I could, I would move tomorrow, but I have a 14 year old daughter who just started high school, and I already moved her to Palos Verdes which is where we currently live. I am regretting this move, but I am not able to move when I like because I have another person to consider. I'm having a hard time in this beautiful, serene place, which is also completely isolated and has a similar feeling to San Fernando Valley in that there is no life.
I have recently been spending time in Marina Del Rey, which is what I call "civilization adjacent". There is life there within walking distance. It might just be my next neighborhood. Fun and life is waiting for you, if you have the courage to try.
Find a place that feels more like you and learn to tolerate driving to SFV. It will feel awkward for a short time, then wonderful, because you will be where you want to be.
Sincerely,
3 1/2 years and counting down.
Kudos to you for being so thoughtful for your kiddos -- my parents definitely were the opposite (they went where they wanted to go, we were dragged along). Glad to hear you're close to a place you like tho in the meantime :) And who knows -- a lot can happen in 3.5 years. Maybe the place you're in will transform or you and your daughter will decide it's best to move before then. Then again maybe not :)
I think the "learn to tolerate driving" bit might be key here, for L.A. area people who feel stuck --
I would also suggest Downtown Los Angeles: tons of cafe and breweries, everything is walkable, restaurants new and old, and one of the best indie bookstores in the country. If you can’t find stuff to do in L.A., you just aren’t trying hard enough.
Downtown is great in a lot of ways. Still don't love walking there at night and the homelessness can feel intense but yes, some great bookstores --
I know, even as a guy I was intimidated and I’ve heard the homeless situation has only gotten worse. But I did know women who loved living there. I personally liked Atwater Village where I lived, only a short drive to downtown and very safe.
Thanks for the support.❤️