tips on where to live in so. cal

Hi there,
I have searched the message boards for a good answer to my question but I have been unable to find it. If it has already been answered, feel free to direct me to the right place, thanks!
Anyhow, I live in the Bay Area (all my life) and want to move to the la area simply because of the amount of colleges I can apply to that offer an RN program so that my chances of getting accepted sooner are increased as opposed to where I live now where there is only 1 college nearby. I am currently working on my pre-reqs but have another year and 1/2 or so to go.
I am divorced with four young children ages 8,7,6,6.
I would like to find a decent town to live in that is centrally located so that when I am ready to apply to a program, I won't have to move again.
For instance, Buena Park seems to be centrally located to places where there are RN programs such as Norwalk, Whittier, Fullerton, Anaheim, Cypress, and Huntington Beach however I know nothing about Buena Park. Obviously, it needs to be a good place to have kids, be safe, and affordable. Alot to ask, I know.
I would like to keep my rent at about $1,000 and we can squeeze into a one bedroom (the kids share a room with bunkbeds now). Of course, a two bedroom would be ideal...but until I am making the big bucks as an RN sacrifices will have to be made!
I appreciate any help you can give!