2023 Best Suburbs to Live in the Los Angeles Area

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  152 reviews

Current Resident: Santa Monica is a very peaceful coastal city. It has extensive beautiful beaches, a pier, a boardwalk, and borders the neighborhood of Venice. Santa Monica is a great place to walk with spacious parks, cafes, galleries, and restaurants. We have a unique school system with an abundance of options depending on which part of the city you occupy. I give it four stars because Santa Monica lacks diversity and is very expensive. Because of skyrocketing rent prices, small and historical businesses are shut down left and right and replaced by luxury and novelty goods shops that most cannot afford.... Read 152 reviews

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• Population 92,828

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  92 reviews

Current Resident: What I like about Manhattan Beach is the connected community that we live in. It is a safe environment for kids to be able to exist in, and overall it is a very chill beach town where anyone that comes to visit would enjoy their time. Although there is not much to do, and most activities in MB are expensive, it is still nice to be able to drive around at night, and have fun down at the beach with your friends. What I would fix about Manhattan Beach would be some issues with the publuc education system. While academics are high, social issues are still relevant in our high school and middle school. Other than that, I think that Manhattan Beach is a great place to live, other than the price to live there.... Read 92 reviews

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• Population 35,585

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  94 reviews

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 94 reviews

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• Population 26,837

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  54 reviews

Nearby Resident: Hermosa Beach is a quaint beach town with tons to do. It has both a great day and night life. There are significant shops to visit and restaurants to eat at. Overall, I would recommend visiting!... Read 54 reviews

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• Population 19,787

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  203 reviews

Current Resident: Redondo is such a beautiful place to live. I am very blessed for being able to call this city my home. I grew up here my whole life and I wouldn’t change a thing! The people here are so welcoming and friendly. Our community feels so close together, and everyone knows everyone. There are so many different “mom and pop” shops that are all so unique. The beach is just a nice little drive away. There are so many different things to do here I never get bored! I am always discovering new places down here with friends and family! I hope that one day I too will be able to raise my kids down here so they can experience what I did. I am forever grateful!... Read 203 reviews

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• Population 70,998

• City in California

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  580 reviews

Nearby Resident: I love Irvine! I went to UCI for my bachelors degree and it was a beautiful area. There are many activities to do beyond campus life. My friends and I would ride our bikes in the park and then get food from the University Town center. Irvine became a second home for my friends and I. We would study all day and night in the library and then we would go to the movies in the town center. On the weekend, when we did not have much studying to do, we would go to university town center to interact with other college students. Irvine is not only a great place to raise a family, it is also one of the safest neighborhoods around the area. Additionally, because Irvine is a college town there are many job opportunities If I could, I would live in Irvine to pursue my future buying a house and raising children. To add the cost of living in Irvine is high and over the years has gone up; however, I believe that the cost of living is worth the amazing lifestyle one with achieve by living in Irvine.... Read 580 reviews

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• Population 297,868

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  91 reviews

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 91 reviews

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• Population 20,613

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  196 reviews

Current Resident: Culver City is an inclusive city that cherishes diversity and welcomes all kinds of people! Although we could take better care of our environment by stopping loitering in some places, many of us care for our town and strive to make it a more sustainable place. The weather is always beautiful and the city is close to the beach. Neighbors and other citizens are friendly and many of us feel safe in this area. At the same time, there are many students and adults who continue to fight for issues like gender and racial equality to make this city a better place for everyone.... Read 196 reviews

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• Population 40,640

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  50 reviews

Nearby Resident: The only way to tell where Alhambra ends and San Marino begins is the color of the street signs because both cities are gorgeous. San Marino has ordinances that keep it very safe. The city has no bars/convenience stores/ liquor stores, no fast food restaurants, no retail chain stores, no supermarkets, no hotels, no theaters, and only one 24-hour gas station. All other businesses close no later than 7:30pm, and the parks close no later than 8:30pm. There are also very few apartments/condos. There are no public activities in the evenings which eliminates most reasons for non-residents to be in the city after dark. It's a guarantee that the only vehicles you will see on the streets in the late evening/early morning hours are the police. If you desire to live in a city where an assortment of restaurant/bar/shopping options are convenient or within walking distance, then this is not where you would want to live. Residents need to venture to neighboring cities for such options & amenities.... Read 50 reviews

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• Population 12,620

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: Palos Verdes Estates showcases bucolic scenery with palatial homes. Abundantly verdant! Whether you're walking or driving, Palos Verdes Estates exudes an Edenic vibe. The previous statement doesn't qualify as an exaggeration. Some gardens match Versailles in the precision of manicure; others resemble evergreen forests unsullied by human efforts. All in all, this suburb stands as a bedroom community. Nightlife must be obtained off the hill. Any attempts towards noise pollution will be harnessed. Quiet entrances merit quiet exits. A sweet life to be felt in Palos Verdes Estates.... Read 34 reviews

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• Population 13,403

• 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 1,436

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.72 out of 5  71 reviews

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 71 reviews

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• Population 32,903

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: I don't know why this city gets a C+ crime rating. It is safe. There are more families moving in, but still plenty of retirement homes too. The local mall is not worth mentioning, sadly, don't know why businesses have such a tough time up here. Most of the people are friendly and helpful. We have lived here for 20 years. My son has gone to school here. No problems. Diverse community. His friends I call the mini- United Nations congregation! Horse trails, LA city views, close to beaches. Love it. If you are looking for nightlife, this isn't the place, unless you are into wildlife- the 4 legged furry kind. Beautiful place. Safe place.... Read 27 reviews

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• Population 8,305

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in El Segundo for all of my life and I would have to say that its an incredible city to live in. For the families with kids who are looking for a great place to have their kid go through their K-12 years, El Segundo has their Elementary, Middle, and High School all within walking distance. Along with the schools themselves being excellent. El Segundo has some great and original family owned restaurants that have been there for generations. Lastly, El Segundo is a 5-10 minute walk to their named El Porto beach, so it is convenient for beach goers to have a good time in the Spring/Summer. Overall, El Segundo is a great place to live in California because everything is so close to each other and the city is superb. I hope to live here my whole life!... Read 60 reviews

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• Population 17,243

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  84 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful beach town in Southern California! Great place to live or visit. Very safe and “American Dream” nostalgic.... Read 84 reviews

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• grade A

• Population 85,806

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  230 reviews

Current Resident: From starting off in my Montessori School at 5 years old in the Cerritos/Artesia area where I was able to make childhood memories & receive an amazing education, to now attending Whitney High School (the #1 high school in California) where I’m able to expand my opportunities, appreciate my culture & press forward with my passion to be a scholar, oCerritos has been the perfect environment to grow up in. One of the key memories I have from growing up in the welcoming city of Cerritos is waking up in the morning and going to Island Pacific (a Filipino grocery store) with my Papang and picking out snacks, buying adobo, & ordering siopao. Cerritos has exposed all of my family & friends to new cultures, amazing places like restaurants and the beautiful library, & has truly provided an accepting environment for all who come, near and far. So, with the diverse community & the unique sites that surround us, the city of Cerritos has given me and many others a true home.... Read 230 reviews

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• Population 49,630

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  111 reviews

Former Resident: Grew up in Palos Verdes and absolutely loved it! Great schools, big properties/space, safe, quiet and amazing views and activities. Pricier than other South Bay cities but well worth it. I can only dream I’ll end up there again one day! It really does not compare to any other city in LA county.... Read 111 reviews

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• Population 42,316

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: I love the beach! There are lots of opportunities for work and play throughout the neighborhood. I especially like the parks and the libraries and the restaurants.... Read 50 reviews

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• Population 25,216

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: North Tustin is a safe, clean, and beautiful area in Orange County. Public schools in this area are highly rated, which is important for perspective families and good for property values. North Tustin is also conveniently located near Toll Roads and freeways, but not close enough to be disturbed by traffic. It is also a short distance to the gorgeous Orange County beaches!... Read 33 reviews

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• Population 25,708

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

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 13 reviews

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• Population 11,822

• Town in California

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  255 reviews

Current Resident: It's a fairly quiet city, but there's always things to do if you love going out. There's a nearby Arboretum, a large shopping mall center, and lots of restaurants, bakeries, and stores around the area. There are also several parks in the city with tennis courts, pickleball courts, swimming pools, fields, etc. It's mostly safe, and I usually feel comfortable walking outside at night, though there has been a recent rise in theft crimes. The AUSD district is also highly rated and provided a good experience for me.... Read 255 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 56,697

• City in California

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  317 reviews

Niche User: I have had an amazing experience living in Torrance. I've lived in Torrance for most of my life and I have met many nice people. Going to school in Torrance was the best school experience I have ever had. When I first went to Madrona Middle School, I was greeted by many nice and respectful students. I have also met very nice teachers who were always there to help me when I needed help. When I transitioned over to high school, it almost felt like I never left middle school because the students are very nice and caring. Torrance will always have a special place in my heart when it comes to making friends and having an education.... Read 317 reviews

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• Population 147,156

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  157 reviews

Current Resident: Absolutely love this city! I am a young professional and we just moved from Washington DC to Aliso Viejo. We absolutely love the nature, beautiful views, and how peaceful this city is.... Read 157 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 51,943

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  41 reviews

Current Resident: Laguna Beach is NOT a suburb of Irvine! Laguna was incorporated as a city in 1927. Irvine didn’t come into existence until 1971. Laguna was originally known as an artists colony. Today it is a charming beach community of 23,000 residents that supports the arts through the Pageant of the Masters, Sawdust Festival & it’s many art galleries. It’s residents are very involved in civic affairs and preservation efforts. An oasis in the urban sprawl of So Cal surrounded by miles of protected green belt, Laguna Beach is a great place to live.... Read 41 reviews

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• grade A+

• Population 23,121

• Suburb of San Bernardino, CA

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  135 reviews

Current Resident: Claremont is a great city! The people are nice and very eco friendly. There are a lot of vegans and liberals. The down town area called "The Village" is a great place to go on a Friday night to thang out with some friends for drinks or food. The High School and Elementary Schools are great, but the middle school is questionable. Its expensive, but nice.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 36,312