There are good Schools in Valencia/Stevenson-ranch and Simi Valley, from these areas you can catch the Metro train direct to DT as well.

600K will get you a very nice place in either location.

As someone who has grown-up in the North L.A. area I can tell you the above is much better than the SFV these days especially.

I don’t like the SFV but to each their own.

Pasadena and Arcadia are nice and have Metro access as well.