Looking for a home in the South Bay, foreclosures, Los Angeles?

PoeticDevice asked:


I live in West LA and rent is going through the roof, I work in the South Bay but have no idea about the cities around there.

My wife and I are looking to purchase a home there. I hear Torrance is nice, but too expensive. I also hear “parts” of Gardena, Lomita, San Pedro and Long Beach are nice, but how do I know which “parts?” Any zipcodes would be nice. I also would like a city with decent schools, my wife and I are planning to start a family soon. Thanks for any help.