Always laughed at these threads, now I feel dumb.. lol

Thinking of moving back to the LA area... Need advice.

I was born in burbank, grew up in Santa Clarita.. moved to seattle 8 years ago. Work may bring me back and if so I would be working in Hermosa Beach.. I would want to live within 30 minutes to Hermosa and looking for opinions on towns to live and rent a home. Looking to spend up to $1200 monthly on rent, 1 or 2 bedroom, driveway, garage.. nothing special. ( just me wife and baby ) Just need a bit of space and garage for cars ect. Ive seen a ton of stuff in this price range on CL.. but i have no context for neighborhood ect. Ill be making around 65k... if thats helpful to know... and still own a house in Seattle.

Looking for locals to this specific region.. opinions ect. Do it? dont do it? Whatever you want to say. I need some noise to break me out of my own head. lol.

Thanks!