Redondo Beach Is Tops Among SoCal Cities

I've been up since 3 a.m., and I really just want to sit on the couch and close my eyes for minute -- just a minute. But I need to write to you, my gentle Redondo readers. Delirious writing may perhaps be the best kind. I'm sure you'll let me know. 

We yesterday, and it was a long flight. And then Smith woke up at 3 a.m. 

I have just come back from an hourlong web surfing adventure (shopping for panoramic sugar eggs) that led me nowhere but at an empty screen (and a decision to make my own panoramic sugar eggs). I have decided to write about why I like living in Redondo Beach, and I hope it doesn't come out like a fifth grader's essay on the solar system. 

We have lived in various part of Los Angeles for nearly eight years. Between my husband and me, we have lived in the Valley (aaaahhhhhrrrggh), Westwood, Pacific Palisades and, finally, Redondo Beach.

When we lived in the Valley, I wanted to leave every day. Some people love living there, and some people want to start making citizen's arrests when they look at the amount of garbage someone has strewn on their lawn (not you, Toluca Lake). There are some charming places to visit, and some nice homes in certain areas, but I no longer travel there unless absolutely necessary. 

Westwood was terrific; I loved the fact that so much was within walking distance, and you weren't the only person in your pajamas waiting in line at The Coffee Bean. The problem with Westwood? It's not close enough to the water, there are never any parking spaces, and you are paying a lot to live there. 

Next, we hitched our wagon to Pacific Palisades. I loved living in the Palisades for many years, and it will always hold a special place in my heart, but it's so expensive to live there. I would show up to playdates in my postpartum wardrobe by Target (I refused to spend a lot of money on a size that I refused to accept) and chat with moms wearing designer clothes who had night nurses for their 5-month-olds.  They were nice, but I just couldn't relate (that, and I don't own a pair of black yoga pants). 

Another issue with the Palisades? The schools. If you want to send your child to school, you are going to pay for it. With money. Not your soul, life, or sock monkey collection.

And then we found Redondo Beach. It was also the home of one of Joe's co-workers who has young children, and they were big fans. We have more space for the money; we have a yard; we have neighbors with whom we can relate; we are close to the water; Target, and Costco are around the corner; and the school system is terrific. Sure, you might find the occasional "redneck" (I use quotes because I'm from the South where rednecks truly exist, including people who have jackalopes on their walls and Big Mouth Billy Bass plaques), but you are more likely to meet a helpful stranger who can tell you where you can find the nearest park or the best place to find fresh seafood.

I'm glad we moved, Redondo Beach.