Best place for value and amenities if you work from home?

I travel only once or twice a week for work and its never in the same place (maybe to the airport) so I have no spot I must to live in. That being said, where would it be possible to get the best neighborhood without the highest pricetag if I can live absolutely anywhere in LA. My husband and I don't have any kids (yet) and I value a nicer rental home within some sort of reach of restaurants, etc. So far I'm thinking Pasadena, Altadena, etc. I've seen Irvine has better prices but I have a feeling its more boring.