It’s a minority opinion because the majority of Americans are both rock-dumb-stupid, and deathly afraid of the wrong things. Kid is more likely to be squished by a car than hurt by any of the “colorful characters.”

Were I to drop $1.5 mil on a house, it would probably be in a part of Brooklyn, NY that’s remarkably similar to the way you describe OB. Minus the pretty cliff views, sadly.

15% of families with kids in school means 1 or 2 per block, probably 10+ within walking distance. What’s the problem? And what’s wrong with renters — they don’t do a criminal background check when you buy a home, y’know? Last I checked, home ownership isn’t a criterion for being a decent member of society.