Born and raised in L.A. I lived everywhere in the main city and then in high school, I moved to Culver City by the Fox Hills Mall. That area was so quiet but I didnt appreciate it enough because I was so use to the city noise. So I moved back to L.A. when I graduated from college.
Looking back at it now, I think that if anyone wants to move in L.A., to try to move west of the 405 freeway around the 90 freeway. You arent far away from the city, LAX, beaches, but far enough from environmental stress.
Now I live in Covington , Ga. L.A. got old for me and I appreciate where I live now that I am older. It is about 40 min away from downtown Atl on a good day. More adult/retired folks here so cost of living isnt that high compared to the city. Not many teens hang out without an adult or a parent. You get the 4 seasons. The con is that it is only one freeway that goes thru the city. However, i will take that over living between the 110,105,405,10 freeways of L.A. anyday.