Need to pick an area to buy a townhome

[Alice Yoon]

I am familiar with LA areas but I don't know them in REI perspectives

I work in Los Angeles downtown area so currently living in apt in downtown.

I was thinking about buying a townhome price around 500k - 600k. It could go little higher but need some help to pick a city

I care about schools mostly because of my kids in the future, traffic, capital gain and neighbors.

I used to live in Glendale good place but I don't like schools in the city.  

I was thinking about La Crescenta because that's the place my husband used to live. I know CV is good school. 

But I like to have some other options near to downtown Los Angeles.

Thank you for help!