I second Culver City. Cheaper option compared to Santa Monica and yes, you are out of LAUSD. I’ve taken the Expo line myself and it is a great way to get into DT. Plus you just can’t beat the weather. South Pas has great schools but very pricey. What about Toluca Lake? It isn’t quite as bad as North Hollywood, not sure about schools though. He’ll be able to take the red line at Universal to DT. Another enclave to consider within the city would be Hancock Park.
Then there’s more working class Asian enclaves of Alhambra and Monterey Park, still very close to DT and because of the Asians, schools are good.
Traffic in LA is absolutely horrendous, so I would throw out Woodland Hills and Santa Clarita. Yes these are excellent communities with great schools, but the commute will get really old really quickly for your husband. Metrolink from Santa Clarita to union station is 1 hour. Keep in mind he would have to drive to the station, then somehow get to his office from union station, would not be surprised if you are looking at 1.5 hour each way. The same goes for North OC. With 2 kids, especially one with special needs, you can’t afford to have your husband waste 3 hours everyday on the commute.
Lastly, consider town homes instead of just SFR, you’ll have more opportunities open up for you.
