My DS18 loves the idea of living near Disneyland. In fact, this is sort of his high school graduation present; it is mostly for his benefit. I have lived in a big city for years myself, taking public transportation and going places at night alone as a young girl, just like all other young girls did there back in the 80s. I've never had a problem, but I knew there was a lot of crime around. Somebody DH knows went to LA for ONE day and got mugged while he was there. (Poor guy.) That's why DH doesn't want to go; he thinks LA is a horrible place.
I appreciate your warnings about safety. I am very concerned about it. Here's my plan for how to cut the risks to a minimum:
1. Go to Disneyland and back by uber 2,3 times a week. The kids won't be allowed to go anywhere by themselves. They can't now, I have to drive them everywhere, so it's no different.
2. Walk to nearby grocery store to buy groceries with DS18. He's 5'11" and weighs 160 pounds.
3. Walk to nearby fast food restaurants and eat out sometimes. Walk to the library, which is around the corner. Go to church across the street. Only during day time.
4. Go to Walmart once by uber in the beginning. Order stuff from
Amazon the rest of the time.
5. Stay home the entire rest of the time. Won't touch LA with a ten foot pole.
I have flown to WDW with 3 kids (8 hours) by myself since my kids were 4, 9, and 11. We stayed for around 2 to 3 weeks. DS20 eventually didn't want to go anymore, and then DS3 came along, so I continued to go with 3 kids by myself starting when DS3 was 8 months old. So I have some experience playing "single parent," though 6 months is a lot longer than 3 weeks, and an apartment with air mattresses is quite different than Pop Century or the Grand Floridian Club Level. And I'm a lot older and more decrepit than I used to be.
So, I'm not completely sold on this plan myself. If I can pull it off, however, it will be a wonderful experience for the kids. I don't have to decide until September, after I get back from WDW.