2024 Best Suburbs to Live in the Los Angeles Area

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  163 reviews

Works Here: Santa Monica is one of the more chill cities in LA County. Right by the beach, a majority of this surfer town is covered in Palm Trees and boba shops. Great eats and it's very easy to commute. Like most of Los Angeles, during traffic hour, it becomes impossible to navigate however a majority of neighborhoods and streets are within walking distance to grocery stories and little shopping centers. There's a variety of green spaces around (some a little hidden) however just like the rest of Los Angeles, you need money and a lot of it to afford the rental prices in the area!... Read 163 reviews

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• Population 92,168

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  58 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here for 20+ years and love calling this city home. I am a young female and have never felt unsafe being in this area or walking alone. The city is small and walkable, there are however, a lot of hills. Great active town by the beach.... Read 58 reviews

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• Population 19,551

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  205 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here my whole life and I hope to never leave. This is a wonderful town and I love everything it has to offer.... Read 205 reviews

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• Population 70,620

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  95 reviews

Nearby Resident: Everyone at Manhattan is extremely kind, there is never a dull moment. If you love having lunch with friends, spots near Manhattan are probably perfect for you.... Read 95 reviews

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• Population 35,123

• City in California

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  615 reviews

Nearby Resident: I've been in Irvine for 9 months now and I can say that Irvine is a wonderful city. It is very clean here, there is no crime or robbery, very nice and friendly people, many work and career opportunities. Lots of cultural shops, especially Asian ones with various products from Japan, Korea and so on. Many beaches are close, 30 minutes drive to be exact. Recreation for every taste, a 40-minute drive away there are hills where you can retire to nature, go camping with your family, or just take a walk.... Read 615 reviews

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• Population 304,527

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  98 reviews

Current Resident: It's a nice community and town, and is overall very walkable, safe, and family friendly. Although, due to its nature of being a small city, some may find neighbors to be clique-y and even overly friendly. There isn't too much to do in South Pasadena itself, but many interesting places are an easy drive from there. Housing/living prices in general are high in South Pasadena, but at least it's a very beautiful city. The schools are also pretty, good. However, they are academically competitive, and can tend towards having cliques.... Read 98 reviews

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• Population 26,583

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  92 reviews

Current Resident: The community in La Canada is very close due to it being a small town. Neighbors know neighbors and everyone is friendly to each other. Although it is a small town, there are still many activities to do and places to eat.... Read 92 reviews

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• Population 20,378

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  201 reviews

Current Resident: We moved to Culver City from Berlin, Germany in 2005. Our kids were age 1/2 and 5. The community has been very welcoming and safe. We moved into a townhouse complex near an elementary school. The school experience here has been great. Good teachers, and more importantly very engaged parents. All events for children are well attended and supported by parents. This is also a very diverse community. As this is a very liberal community, progressives will feel right at home here. On the other hand, conservatives will find themselves in the strong minority. Culver City's weather is also fantastic. Due to the ocean being only 5 miles away, it is roughly room temperature all year round. This also makes it easy to pursue outdoor endeavors such as team sports and beach activities. Culver City also is the home of high tech firms such as Sony Studios, Google, YouTube, SnapChat, Apple TV and Amazon Studios. We love it here and plan to stay!... Read 201 reviews

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• Population 40,357

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  62 reviews

Current Resident: I love the small town vibe it gives off, especially when raising children and growing a family. El Segundo is a semi unknown town in the greater LA area, and I would definitely say growing up in ES, the community feeling is so overwhelming that you would not feel alone. Furthermore, working in ES and for the City, I can say the organization and the care for workers felt through ES is extremely good. Nevertheless, I want ES to become more diverse rather than secluded and for people to reach out more rather than judge from the inside... Read 62 reviews

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• Population 17,081

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  87 reviews

Current Resident: Newport Beach is one of the most interesting, entertaining, and beautiful places in my opinion. The summer is incredible, with the beautiful beaches and amazing entertainment. I love being able to meet new people who are just visiting for a vacation as well as exploring new stores and restaurants. Then in the winter during the holidays, the Boat Parade is something I look forward to every year. The Boat Parade is when different baot owners in the community decorate their boats with festive lights and colors. For multiple nights boats drive around the bay in a line spreading joy to everyone.... Read 87 reviews

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• Population 85,159

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  74 reviews

Current Resident: The people are very nice and respectful in general. The only complaint really is the drivers. A lot of the times drivers disregard other cars by speeding past them with zero concerns. Apart from that everyone is very welcoming and very healthy. People here love to walk their dogs every where and enjoy buying natural smoothies near by. Lots of coffee shops near by also encourage the small coffee shop vibes. Pretty good parking overall too with all of the garages being 2 hours free.... Read 74 reviews

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• Population 32,406

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  51 reviews

Nearby Resident: San Marino is where the uber wealthy residents and old money of the SGV call home. There are no condos or apartments. This is by design. It is also the most white and a touch more conservative. Not a good or bad thing, simply an observation. People here can seem a bit entitled. Good schools. Not a lot to do outside of going to the parks, the library, garden, and a handful of restaurants, mom and pop shops, and boutiques. Though, it is not too far from nice hiking trails in neighboring areas and downtown LA. San Marino and South Pasadena feels like old school America. Like a ritzy small town. It is pretty and clean. The tree-lined neighborhoods are pristine. The main road, Huntington, is a bit bumpy and needs some upkeep. Kind of surprising for being such an expensive area. Gas here is $7/gal. I think it is the most expensive I have seen. San Marino is a great place to raise kids, if you can afford it.... Read 51 reviews

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• Population 12,442

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  117 reviews

Current Resident: I did not think I'll like it here when I moved in 2018. In my experience, folks are generous and kind. I have met many good people. It is a bit far from the freeway though so need to add extra 15 minutes if I want to travel anywhere. However, overall, I'm happy here.... Read 117 reviews

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• Population 41,805

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  236 reviews

Former Resident: During my time in Cerritos, I have enjoyed the cleanliness of the area, job opportunities, and the things you can do in the city. The parks are always clean along with the streets, the beautiful landscape and the way it is taken care says it all. Not only is the environment outside is great, but the education is as well. I have attended a middle school and high school in Cerritos and have had nothing, but endless support from the wonderful educators working there.... Read 236 reviews

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• Population 49,016

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: Rolling Hills Estates is a great community and I have lived here for 21 years. However, there are some things I would like to see change. The roads desperately need attention to them. The asphalt has potholes and cracks and in stead of repaving the road they decided patch work was the best option. But more cracks and potholes have developed. Wouldn't the constant patch work be more expensive than just repaving?... Read 28 reviews

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• Population 8,214

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: It is an excellent gated equestrian community to raise a family.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 1,451

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: In Los Angeles, California, there is a charming seaside community called Palos Verdes Estates. Palos Verdes Estates' gorgeous coastline, which offers immaculate beaches and breath-taking panoramic views, is one of its most remarkable characteristics. Both locals and guests can enjoy outdoor pursuits including hiking on picturesque paths, surfing, or just relaxing and watching the sunsets. Palos Verdes has many recreational options, well-kept parks, and well regarded schools, all contributing to its excellent standard of living. There is always something to fit every lifestyle thanks to the luxury country clubs, golf courses, equestrian facilities, and other amenities available to residents. To promote a close-knit sense of community, PV residents actively participate in neighborhood associations, local activities, and volunteer opportunities.... Read 36 reviews

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• Population 13,219

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  256 reviews

Former Resident: Arcadia is the rich Alhambra. At least that's how my friends and I see it. It is predominantly Asian (American or new money from China) with sprinkles of Latinos, whites, and blacks. Overall, it is a nice city with nice parks and trails. There is a good-sized mall and the Arboretum. Schools are great. People here can seem a bit entitled. It is expensive to live here but I think it is worth it. There are a ton of good Asian restaurants and boba shops. When I lived in the SGV, Arcadia would be my dominant hangout area since it feels safe and has access to many things to do. Also, Peacocks! I would hear them all the time when I lived here. I would definitely raise my kids here.... Read 256 reviews

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• Population 56,181

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.45 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: It is a nice place with a clean beach and a friendly community. There is a lot of activities to do, and we are very close to many sports teams and community events. Also, we are local to LA and San Diego, making it easy to get to the big cities.... Read 51 reviews

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• Population 25,046

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Rossmoor my whole life. It is a unique community in that it was all originally tract homes build in the late 50's, but now, almost every home has been completely remodeled, torn down, or renovated. It is much more diverse than it was even 20 years ago in terms of race, Income and politics, which I think is a plus. Every year, more and more affluent people move in and build a beautiful new home and it makes the neighborhood like nicer. There are over 3000 homes here, ranging from modest 1600sf to well over 5000 sf of all styles. It has become a beautiful custom home community. It's in a great public school system and crime is usually not an issue. Freeway noise is not a huge issue for the majority of Rossmoor residents, but it is an issue for the ones that live right next to it. There are over 3000 homes here, so, it all depends on what part you live in. Overall, Rossmoor is a great place to get that suburban feel, if you can afford it...... Read 13 reviews

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• Population 11,742

• City in California

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  330 reviews

Current Resident: Torrance, CA, has been a delightful place to live, offering a blend of urban convenience and suburban serenity that's hard to find elsewhere. The weather here is exceptional, with sunny skies and mild temperatures almost year-round, making outdoor activities a regular part of life. The beaches near Torrance are less crowded compared to more famous Los Angeles counterparts, providing a peaceful retreat without the need to travel far. It's not just about the natural beauty, though; Torrance boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes, from authentic Japanese sushi bars to trendy cafes and international cuisine. The local community is welcoming, with numerous parks and recreational facilities that host family-friendly events throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.... Read 330 reviews

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• Population 145,454

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  165 reviews

Current Resident: Aliso Viejo is a pleasant, quiet neighborhood great for families. I would like to see more interesting stores come in!... Read 165 reviews

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• Population 51,896

• Suburb of San Bernardino, CA

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  138 reviews

Nearby Resident: I like the greenery with all of the trees and the small feeling of the city. The village is full of local shops and hosts a farmers market every weekend which I like because I value supporting local businesses. I would like to see change in the city sports programs. I think they should be more inclusive as I witnessed children being excluded from activities due to their size or mental challenges, which is unacceptable from a city sports team as they are not meant to be as competitive as club sports.... Read 138 reviews

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• Population 36,891

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  160 reviews

Current Resident: I liked the sense of community and connection with others. The library is an especially great place to experience this!... Read 160 reviews

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• Population 68,035

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: It's a very nice, peaceful area. Very Neighborly and quiet. People are very friendly and the neighborhoods have a lot of original owners, most houses were built in the 50's and 60's.... Read 33 reviews

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• Population 25,131