I live in Culver City and have access to the L.A. River. It's about two blocks away from me. If you take that bike route west you can then move up north towards Santa Monica or south towards Manhattan Beach. However, if you only consider cycling it sounds like your in an ideal situation. I personally live in Culver City because of my son's elementary school. Its the top school in the area. If you do chose to live in CC, you should consider living east of Sepulveda. And if you want to live near the bike path then stick to Jefferson Blvd.

-JRod