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2020 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the Los Angeles AreaAbout this List

Explore the best suburbs to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Public Schools Grade

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Crime & Safety Grade

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

1 – 25 of 221

Best for Families

Best Places to Live
Most Diverse
Best to Buy a House

221 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

Rolling Hills
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
2 reviews
#1 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Niche User: It is an excellent gated equestrian community to raise a family.
Read 2 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
1,630 Population
View Nearby Homes
La Cañada Flintridge
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
89 reviews
#2 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Nearby Resident: Lovely neighborhood with amazing houses and people! Palm trees are a cool addition. Safe environment, farmer's market on the weekends, streets that are clean and nicely paved...

One thing I would change: La Canada has a very bubble-like quality. Because it is such a middle-upper class suburbs, many people are dissociated from the "real world." This can be both beneficial and harmful, but I would love for residents to go out of their comfort zone a little more. Explore!
Read 89 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
20,374 Population
View Nearby Homes
Manhattan Beach
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
91 reviews
#3 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Manhattan Beach is amazing! There are many types of restaurants to go, activities to do, etc. The only downside is that it is expensive to live in Manhattan Beach (not everyone can afford to live in Manhattan Beach).
Read 91 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
35,573 Population
View Nearby Homes
San Marino
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
45 reviews
#4 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: San Marino is a very small suburban town near Los Angeles, CA. Its population mainly consists of Asians. The housing can be quite expensive, but the commute is extremely short. The people of San Marino are extremely welcoming and open minded individuals. The schools provide a great amount of education for incoming students as well! Overall, San Marino is a great place.
Read 45 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
13,285 Population
View Nearby Homes
South Pasadena
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
87 reviews
#5 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: I love to take walks here because it is safe, the weather is fantastic, and there are so many trees! I love the cute shops on Mission and Fair Oak. Sometimes, the mansions here make you feel like you're walking in the Loire Valley.
I have heard that locals are slightly racist towards Latinx people. I have not noticed it, but I can believe it. The stories I have heard about include rude looks and demeaning remarks. Latinx students also are not encouraged to do well in school.
South Pasadena's property values are partially due to the public schools. They are safe, and the students here usually do very well academically. However, the schools do not look after students' mental health. The high school counseling department turns away students when they come with issues, and the academically competitive atmosphere is often very tense.
Overall, the stores and the vibe of the town are great, but you might have trouble with the social structure.
Read 87 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
25,824 Population
View Nearby Homes
Santa Monica
Town in California
128 reviews
#6 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: I absolutely love living in Santa Monica! The beach is beautiful, streets are clean and full with life. People around here are very kind. There’s an abundance of nice restaurants, bars, and stores. It is definitely filled with tourism but other than that, Santa Monica is the perfect spot to settle in!
Read 128 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
92,078 Population
View Nearby Homes
Palos Verdes Estates
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
33 reviews
#7 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Nearby Resident: It's hard to rate this one, on one hand, it is stunning beautifully situated scenic area, ocean views cliffs, the list goes on. A fantastic school district I think its one of the best in the country. But then town itself, almost no restaurants, zero nightlife, one road to get in and get out, traffic like hell because of that. No access to the beach. Older established successful crowd. Very private.

This is a very place for someone who made it big, doesn't need to go to work anymore, or they run their successful business from their home. Speaking of homes. Amazing. Big (OLD) money town. Properties with land! That should give you a clue. Beautiful but isolated.
Read 33 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
13,523 Population
View Nearby Homes
Irvine
City in California
473 reviews
#8 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Visitor: I really enjoy this city because of how clean and open the roads are; overall the city feels breathable due to the low amount of tall buildings and offers several places to surround yourself with nature on a hike. One of my favorite places to visit is the Irvine Spectrum mall because of the many places to shop, eat and socialize. I love coming with my friends and family to take the day off and simply enjoy each others company watching a movie or racing a competitive match on Mario Cart at Dave and Busters! The Great Park also has many fun activities like hopping onto the carousel or (my personal favorite) viewing the whole city and become mesmerized by the landscape from a hot air balloon. This city is truly one of my favorites and holds many dear memories of me and my loved ones.
Read 473 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
265,502 Population
View Nearby Homes
Ladera Ranch
Suburb of Irvine, CA
57 reviews
#9 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Ladera Ranch is a great place for families! Accordingly, the statement made by "Niche" that most of the families in Ladera Ranch tend to be liberal is totally false. I've lived in the area for 20 years and I'm very politically active, so I've seen the voter registration lists. It's more like 75% conservative and 25% liberal.
Read 57 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
30,288 Population
View Nearby Homes
Rancho Palos Verdes
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
104 reviews
#10 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: The city of Rancho Palos Verdes is quite beautiful. When you are at the top of Hawthorne boulevard and driving southbound down the hill, you can view the ocean from the right hand side and in front of you.

The city is clean. The fire department is awesome. Be careful not to speed because the sheriff's will definitely catch you and give you a speeding ticket. The downside is the fact that many of the drivers in this city drive poorly. There is a reason automobile insurance is higher here than off the hill.

Due to the close vicinity of the post office, mall, grocery stores, large parks with playgrounds, gas stations, and five different Starbucks within a five mile radius, there is really no reason to leave the city. The neighborhood is very safe.
Read 104 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
42,271 Population
View Nearby Homes
Redondo Beach
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
177 reviews
#11 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Redondo Beach is absolutely amazing! The city is extremely clean with many places to dine in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The beaches are extremely clean, and the pier is filled with fun activities. There are many places to take photos, enjoy the beach, get food, and spend quality time. The schools are also amazing, the district provides students with the necessary resources to help them succeed and prepare them for the future. The city itself is pretty safe, and if there were anything, local authorities are always on top of it. Redondo is also close to the freeways which allows you easy access to get where ever you desire to go. Although the property is on the more expensive side, the views, people, and cleanliness make up for it.
Read 177 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
67,700 Population
View Nearby Homes
Culver City
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
168 reviews
#12 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: A former diamond in the rough, home to movie studios, manufacturers, great schools, parks and unwelcoming to outsiders. Culver City shines with brilliance. No longer a hub city you pass through on your way somewhere else. While not perfect, it's a destination city for living, shopping, dining, recreation,education etc. It always had a small town feel where you know one another. It has become more diverse and open to people of color, if thats a concern. The city takes pride in being clean and safe. City officials and services are reachable and responsive. Unfortunately, no longer one of LA County's best kept secrets, overrun by new york style high rises, the cost of living has skyrocketed. With this comes the loss of quiet, quaint suburbia to traffic jams and an influx of unwanted elements. Yet, it remains a desirable place to live, work, play and call home.
Read 168 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
39,295 Population
View Nearby Homes
Rolling Hills Estates
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
23 reviews
#13 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Growing up here, I have experienced many different cultures and benefitted from above-average schools. I have been extremely blessed to experience this place that I will always call home; however, there is called a "bubble" because it is so different from places around it.

This city is known for being an extremely wealthy area. Just a couple of hundred yards away from the city boundary is one of the poorest government housing blocks in the country. This city could benefit from being more aware of its surroundings and helpful towards others.
Read 23 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
8,187 Population
View Nearby Homes
Rossmoor
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
12 reviews
#14 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: I enjoy the calm cozy feeling that radiates from the neighborhood due to the good weather allowing families to spend time at the numerous parks. Additionally, trees line the streets within Rossmoor creating a sense of protection upon entering the neighborhood. The only downside is the neighborhood can be difficult to navigate if never driven in before; however, this can be solved with a navigational device. Furthermore, bike lanes line most streets within the neighborhood allowing for easy access for bikers as well as runners.
Read 12 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
11,160 Population
View Nearby Homes
Beverly Hills
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
69 reviews
#15 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Overall, I feel that Beverly Hills is often times a very warm suburb when you encounter every day people in the neighborhood and local area. Despite the reputation the city has, people are extremely friendly and welcoming. It is not much different from other suburbs I have lived in before.
Read 69 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
34,362 Population
View Nearby Homes
Oak Park
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
61 reviews
#16 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: The Oak Park, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks area is where everyone came to escape from the decay of the San Fernando Valley. It's great here if you can afford it. A two bedroom condo goes for $600,000 and up. Good schools, low crime, etc. All the things that you used to take for granted in California before it started to go downhill. Great location because It's only a twenty minute drive to Malibu and a little over an hour up to Santa Barbara. High percentage of college educated and professionals. Last stand before leaving the state entirely, especially if they overturn Prop 13.
Read 61 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
13,730 Population
View Nearby Homes
Arcadia
Town in California
242 reviews
#17 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: I grew up in Arcadia and it's very nice and family-friendly. The school system is great because the teachers and administration are all very friendly and always lend a hand to those who are struggling. Arcadia is predominantly Asian because many families move in and it seems like a safe space. However, the pressure to do well inside and outside of school raises the bar for many students and it takes a toll on their sleep schedule and mental health. And around the summer, the 626 Night Market is a big hit. I love it as many people do and on top of that, Arcadia does have a variety of boba stores from Wushuland, Au79, T to Tea, Ten Ren's, Cha Time, and Ding Tea to Tea Brick, Sharetea, Half and Half, Tancca, Nestea and Tapioca Express. I would like to see fewer apartments and condos built for a change because the Arcadia public schools are very packed. Usually, there aren't enough desks or chairs for everyone in the class and we would borrow it from other classrooms.
Read 242 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
58,207 Population
View Nearby Homes
Aliso Viejo
Suburb of Irvine, CA
144 reviews
#18 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Aliso Viejo is a quiet little suburb. While it is not as safe as Irvine, it is still a safe place to raise your children and have a family. There is a fire station practically next door from you! In addition, everything you could want in terms of amenities are all within a reasonable distance from you. From groceries at Costco to food at Chile's and clothing at Vans, this is the place to live. It is ideal for families with children of any age. For those with teenagers, there is a high school embedded in the heart of town. If you are looking for a place that is still attached to the hustle and bustle of the city but retains its peace and serenity, then this is the place for you.
Read 144 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
50,925 Population
View Nearby Homes
Hermosa Beach
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
49 reviews
#19 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Hermosa is a beautiful place to live! The beach community is wonderful and people are laid back. Overall, it is a safe area to live and I am comfortable walking around at any hour of the night. Like any place in Southern California near the beach, the cost of living is very high.
Read 49 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
19,650 Population
View Nearby Homes
North Tustin
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
32 reviews
#20 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: I've lived in the same home my whole life. I've attended all public schools from pre-K to now UCI. Tustin is very family oriented, a safe city and in within proximity of walking trails, shopping, and a short car drive from the beach and Disneyland!
Read 32 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
24,736 Population
View Nearby Homes
Laguna Beach
Suburb of Irvine, CA
33 reviews
#21 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: I love Laguna Beach for its friendly community where the residents are respectful and enjoyable. The location is are extremely safe where you can leave your door unlocked and feel like your neighbors could watch your back. The surrounding area is also extremely beautiful with amazing weather. However, Laguna Beach is quite polarized with its diversity. The area is dominantly white individuals so having more physical diversity would allow a better understanding of other Americans. Another way that Laguna Beach is polarized is through its class status and opinions. The status of most individuals is upper-class which can make individuals ignorant of the intense income inequality of America. The political temperature is conservative and at times it is like being in an echo chamber during debates.
Read 33 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
23,147 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newport Beach
Town in California
68 reviews
#22 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Newport is an affluent town that I could not characterize as urban, suburban, or rural. It has a population of just over 130,000, and is on the most expensive side of the spectrum as far as living conditions. It has beautiful communities and amazing beaches, but doesn't have many centers of culture or diversity. In many ways, living in Newport is like living in a bubble that overlaps with reality. Many residents may deal with what the average person deals with, but so many more never have to worry about financial security or debt, and can simply enjoy themselves. Overall, it is extremely fun in the moment, but unless you are the top one percent of the one percent, this lifestyle may be fleeting.
Read 68 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
86,280 Population
View Nearby Homes
Coto de Caza
Suburb of Irvine, CA
19 reviews
#23 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Coto is a beautiful, master-planned neighborhood. Very safe and very well maintained. Very pricey, but worth the secluded community life.
Read 19 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
14,931 Population
View Nearby Homes
Yorba Linda
Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
135 reviews
#24 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Small community in population and proximity. Great places to eat, lots of dog parks, and nice places to enjoy a drink. There are different areas offering small houses, large houses, small houses with big yards, or small houses with small yards. Similarly, you can find a large house with a small yard, or a large house and a huge yard. There is something for everyone!
Read 135 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Good for Families
67,815 Population
View Nearby Homes
Las Flores
Suburb of Irvine, CA
12 reviews
#25 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Los Angeles Area
Current Resident: Where you come from really affects the kind of person you are- and I am truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to grow here. I feel that I have been given so many opportunities and chances because of Las Flores and its community. Tesoro High School, however, was where I truly was shaped into the person I am today. I participated in many programs throughout high school, such as: Color Guard, Band, and Basketball. The way how the programs correlate with the community, create this perfect formula of support and positivity. This formula helped me gain confidence not only in my self as a person but in my abilities. Because of these programs and the community, I pushed myself to apply to my dream college: Chapman University. With the amazing support and readiness I gained from these three groups, I made it in! I am currently attending Chapman University and am proud to say that I am thriving!
Read 12 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Good for Families
5,877 Population
View Nearby Homes
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About This List

Explore the best suburbs to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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