it sounds like you're looking to buy a place? if that's the case, LA and OC are pretty much out unless you want to live in a dangerous neighborhood which it sounds like you don't or you can put like 50% down. even a place like the previously mentioned Echo Park (which is still sketchy in some spots) has homes averaging around 500K.
but if you're talking rental, your salary should get you into one of the many beach communities along the coast. i'd probably starting looking in Santa Monica and head south from there. Marina Del Rey is probably doable. Manhattan Beach is too expensive. Redondo in the inland part is doable. the Peninsula is out and too isolated anyway. i also think San Pedro is too isolated. Long Beach is definitely doable. the OC i'm not too familiar with.
-Jeff
but if you're talking rental, your salary should get you into one of the many beach communities along the coast. i'd probably starting looking in Santa Monica and head south from there. Marina Del Rey is probably doable. Manhattan Beach is too expensive. Redondo in the inland part is doable. the Peninsula is out and too isolated anyway. i also think San Pedro is too isolated. Long Beach is definitely doable. the OC i'm not too familiar with.
-Jeff
