VNY
flydog,
Worked out of VNY for a while back about 10 or 12 years ago. A friend worked for Spirit back then and didn't have good things to say. (Of course, it could be much different now).
I don't think you want to live in the general vicinity of the VNY airport. (Unless you like wearing Kevlar). Try looking North over the mountains. Acton, Simi Valley, etc... There are some nice areas in that direction but you will spend lots of time on the road.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.