Newly moved to Los Angeles - where to live and pre-k tips please

[stringhasbean]

We've just arrived in LA for a 2+ year relocation due to DH's work and could really do with some help with understanding how the state pre-k system works (is it worth pursuing at all?), other pre-k tips and tips on good school zones within an hr's commute of Hollywood (for DH's work). DS1 is 4.5 and DS2 7mo. I'm on greatschools and the rental sites daily but there's obv lots of choice out there so going round in circles a bit! Rental budget c$3k for a single family home or town house w large patio. Ideally with a walk score over 60, nearish coast or foothills for some air... AIBU to get any of that for our budget?!

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I would ask MN to move your posting to the Living Overseas forum as you will likely receive more responses that way.

Have you tried the LA forum on Tripadvisor, that would be helpful to you as well.

[stringhasbean]

Thanks Attila I did that straight after posting ( I blame the jet lag and this is my first post - MN newbie too..) so hope it'll be up there again soon. Will check out Tripadvisor - thank you!

[graciedog]

Hi

I can give you some advice if you still need it? We moved to LA a year ago with 2 boys. You may be settled in by now and finding your feet but let me know.

[stringhasbean]

Hi there, great to hear from a fellow Brit mum in LA. We're two weeks in so gathering info and getting a good general picture but any words of wisdom would be welcomed :)

[rootypig]

Hey string, check out our living in the US 2014 thread, there are a few of us in LA

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/living_overseas/2145347-Living-in-America-2014?

Where are you staying?

I'm in Mar Vista - can't help with rental costs as we're in UCLA accommodation - but it's a straightforward commute to Hollywood, close to Santa Monica and Venice, nice quiet neighbourhoods and good elementaries.

[stringhasbean]

Thanks Rooty, we've literally just heard that we've got the first rental place we looked at! Woohoo! In Culver City so not too far away. We're in MDR just now. Liked Mar Vista too but not much on the market in our budget there and as North Londoners are thrilled to have a garden/yard and cafe/arts/shopping and cycle path in close walking distance. Schools look look good too. Phew. Time for large glass of now

[rootypig]

Fab! Culver City was going to be my next recommendation. Are you close to the station?

PM me when you get settled if you fancy a glass of wine. I've only been here a few weeks this time around, am home with my 22mo while I look for work. Ex north Londoner too

[stringhasbean]

[AmericasTorturedBrow]

congrats - I'm in Mar Vista near rootypig too and Culver City is lovely

pre-k is basically nursery, treat it as such. When is your DS 5? If before the end of the year you could apply for TK though it might be a bit late now as the school
s have been back for a while

[SofiaAmes]

Hi. I only just saw this thread. Please feel free to PM me. I am in West LA and can give you lots and lots of advice on schools, places to live, etc. including the issues that come up when you move from the UK (rules on transferring info on jabs and school grades/starting ages etc.).

[SofiaAmes]

ooh me too, was in nw london.

[stringhasbean]

Thanks everyone. Will get PM-ing

[graciedog]

We should arrange a meet up! I'm in Laurel Canyon so close to west hollywood.

[AmericasTorturedBrow]

def should do an LA meet up - will start a thread and see if we can galvanise!

[SofiaAmes]

Please do a link to this thread for the new thread.

[rootypig]

Hi! here you go
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/living_overseas/2191631-London-to-LA-Meet-Up?