Good community to buy a home in LA?

Murmaida1

7 months ago, my husbands job was transferred to LA from the east coast. We only had two months to make the move, so we rented a place in Burbank after a 36 hr whirlwind weekend trip. Burbank is OK, but I'm not sure I really want to settle down here. I like suburbia life best for sure. The beach towns are lovely but too expensive. We have two daughters, one 2 and one 6 months. With a budget of 500k, can anyone reccomend a nice place to settle down and buy a house? We want to be in range of an easy commute to downtown (that's one of the perks to living in Burbank). I'm most concerned with good schools, family friendly and a close commute. Any thought/suggestions/opinions?