Buying property in California

Hi,


Am an Australian living in HK. No plans to move back to Australia, and want to buy property somewhere for a nest egg. Can't afford here and feel is a little bubbly.


My daughter will be starting University in Uni of Southern California later this year,and her younger brother will likely start in 3 years. I am considering buying a aprtment there, that they could live in while at Uni, and we could use when visiting them, and for family holidays. Maybe eventually we might move there as wife is ABC.


I know areas like Redondo beach are about 30 minute drive from the university, but can get quite nice 3 bed places in good areas.


Wondering if any US locals, or people with experience of doing similar property purchase in the area have advice for me?


thank you for any sensible replies.

If you can afford, I would buy in Manhattan Beach (beach side of PCH). I use to live there and it was very safe! In 5 years there was 1 serious indecent in the area. It has lots of shops(on PCH) , food ect near by and the Manhattan police are well financed and do a fairly good job. 0.8 to 1.2 million USD will get you something ok.


If you look at www.southbayresidential.com you can do a search and see the various suitable areas around the South Bay.


Be careful when deciding as some areas can change a lot just by travelling a few hundred meters. My general rule was stay South of Imperial Hwy, West of the 405 and North of Torrance Blvd.


Be careful of the termites!

Thank you - will check it out.

If they are gonna go to USC, then I would suggest you look into cities like Santa Monica, Studio City/ West Hollywood. I used to live in Santa Monica before moving the the valley * Sherman Oaks ( Near Studio City). And I loved it there. Santa Monica is safe and surrounded by nice cities like bentwood, Pacific Palisades. There are lots of foreigners in Santa Monica, and it's more family oriented than cities like Studio City ( the Valley). So it really depends on what you are looking for! One thing for sure tho is stay out of downtown LA!