@daoswald, I have lived in Ventura County for over 30 years. I previously lived in LA County and hated every minute of it.

Ventura County is NOT part of the “greater” LA area; it will never be.

[MENTION=211835]chicagogal[/MENTION], if you can, and if it is doable with your work situation, I would look into the Pasadena-Glendale-Burbank area. Nice old neighborhoods with lots of character, generally lower crime rates and safer streets for riding. Drawbacks are smoggy, and generally hotter, summers.

Good luck.