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2020 Best Suburbs to Live in the Los Angeles AreaAbout this List

Explore the best suburbs to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 221
Best Places to Live
221 results

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  1. Santa Monica

    • Town in California
    • 109 reviews
    #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Santa Monica is marvelous! I was born, raised, and am currently living here, and it just keeps progressing. The eco-friendly transportation is remarkable - and it's right on the beach. The neighborhood is cordial and helpful, full of art and music, and the FOOD IS ASTONISHING. The best bakery is Sweet Lady Jane.
    Read 109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 92,078 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Manhattan Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 81 reviews
    #2 Best Suburbs to Live 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 81 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 35,573 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Hermosa Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 47 reviews
    #3 Best Suburbs to Live 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 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 19,650 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 392 reviews
    #4 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Irvine, ranked one of the safest cities in America, is also a master-planned community, which allows all residents easy access to parks, hiking trails, and shopping centers. Furthermore, Irvine has seen an increase in new developments in the past decade, so most houses that are being sold are recent constructions. It also boasts an education system that prides itself on rigor and quality. Living in Irvine means everything is nearby, usually within walking distance, which promotes developing a healthy lifestyle and attending all the exciting community events that Irvine has to offer.
    Read 392 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 265,502 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. South Pasadena

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 84 reviews
    #5 Best Suburbs to Live 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 84 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 25,824 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Culver City

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 157 reviews
    #6 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Culver City is a family-friendly city in the greater city of LA, and it is an amazing place for everyone. Not only do we have amazing schools and parks, but we also have the world famous Sony Studios and FOX Productions in our backyards! We are very diverse, our school district is recognized as one of the most diverse in the country, and our high school graduates have a very high rate of graduating and becoming very successful in the future. Our city is open to everyone, and is filled with just the most pleasant people and places!
    Read 157 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 39,295 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. La Cañada Flintridge

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 83 reviews
    #7 Best Suburbs to Live 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 83 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 20,374 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Redondo Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 170 reviews
    #8 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: I really love my community and my city. However, it is not perfect. The biggest problem to me is the homeless people. There are two churches where many homeless people and drug addicts flock to, and they can cause disturbances. One other thing I would change is the pier. I feel as though it is the reason the nightlife is worse than that of Hermosa Beach or Manhattan. However, the Riviera is always super fun to visit at night. Overall, though, I love my city!
    Read 170 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 67,700 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Rolling Hills

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 2 reviews
    #9 Best Suburbs to Live 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
    • 1,630 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Palos Verdes Estates

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 29 reviews
    #10 Best Suburbs to Live 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 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,523 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. San Marino

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 42 reviews
    #11 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: San Marino is great! Nice weather, people, and lots of things to do in the neighboring county! There are trees and bushes! Cement is nice and solid!
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,285 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Beverly Hills

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 67 reviews
    #12 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: I've lived in Beverly Hills for about 6 months now. I attend Beverly Hills High School, which is an excellent public school with friendly staff, accomplished teachers, and an abundant amount of opportunities. Also, the general energy of Beverly Hills promotes a healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of restaurants with fresh ingredients, and almost everything is within walking distance.
    However, to live in a place with such history and reputation comes with it's setbacks. The commute time to places that are just 2 miles away may be anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day. It is not a very safe place either. My apartment building had a robbery about a month back, and it's very common for people to sneak in and steal items from the parking garage. Other than these flaws, Beverly Hills is a great place to live.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 34,362 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Newport Beach

    • Town in California
    • 59 reviews
    #13 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Newport Beach is a great city that seems as if you are in the game Wii Resort. You see people riding their bikes, rollerblading, running, walking their dog, and many other activites throughout the day. There is always a fun event happening near the beach. Not to mention the weather is always 75 degrees which is something out of a dream. I am a young college student so I do not have the luzury of going out to eat all the time, but the restaurant life is impeccable. There are endless options when it comes to restaurants and they all have a special character to them. During the day I enjoy going to the island or the peninsula to rollerblade. This is such an amazing experience because you can look at the different houses, meet new people, and watch beautiful sunsets while doing so.
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 86,280 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Rancho Palos Verdes

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 96 reviews
    #14 Best Suburbs to Live 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 96 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 42,271 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Seal Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 45 reviews
    #15 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Seal Beach is a small, quaint city on the border of Orange County and Los Angeles, and it is my absolute favorite place to live thus far! The people here are incredibly friendly and inviting, the Main Street restaurants and shops are local and crime is almost non-existent. There are several delicious restaurants to try on Main Street Seal Beach as well as off of Pacific Coast Highway. I always feel so welcomed and happy no matter where I step foot in this city. In addition, there are many families that live here, which makes it a wonderful place to raise kids. I would like to see more community events throughout the year. I think that adding more events in Seal Beach would bring us all closer together. Other than that, this city should be more on the map! It's been life changing living here, and I cannot wait to see how Seal Beach grows!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 24,364 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Ladera Ranch

    • Suburb of Irvine, CA
    • 53 reviews
    #16 Best Suburbs to Live 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 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 30,288 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Arcadia

    • Town in California
    • 218 reviews
    #17 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: The neighborhoods are quiet and safe and the people are nice. Nearby there are many events and things to do. We have a large mall next to a racetrack with seasonal races. The mall has a Dave & Busters, a move theater, a gym and well known and delicious restaurants such as CPK and Woodranch. There are a variety of shops for all ages and interests. The food court also has a variety of foods such as asian, pipster, mexican, mongolian, japanese, italian, america, and much more! And things are constantly changing so there are always new restaurants popping up. Dessert is also abundant here from pop bar to sweet factory to boba! The mall is definitely a main attraction but outside of that, we have an arboretum, many more restaurants on Baldwin Ave. and the Huntington Library is just around the corner. Location is great and its nearby many things to do so you never get bored!
    Read 218 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 58,207 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Aliso Viejo

    • Suburb of Irvine, CA
    • 126 reviews
    #18 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: My family (wife, 6/8yr old boys) were looking to escape the reclusive Chicago lifestyle and start fresh in SoCal. Knowing ONLY the names of all the suburbs that are most visible in entertainment media(Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, etc), we were pleasantly surprised to see that Aliso must have been spared the reality TV advertising because it was a hidden gem that seemed to have been overlooked (thankfully). We bought in Glenwood (surrounding the Aliso Country Club). Greeted with a block of outgoing neighbors with elem/middle sch children, the Country Club social membership (included with your assoc. dues) gives ample opportunity for transplants to assimilate into friends/other families. The pools are always jumping and the golf course is great for friends/family that come into town. the community always has pre-planned events for the Glenwood residents. Trail biking! People are just starting to discover this amazing suburb. Glad we already here :)
    Read 126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 50,925 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Rossmoor

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 10 reviews
    #19 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Small community, public parks, good schools. Right next to shops and restaraunts. Beach is nearby, everyone is friendly.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 11,160 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 229 reviews
    #20 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: The city of Torrance has an amazing feeling of home to it. Due to it being a smaller city, it is very easy to meet the people around you and live in a very connected community. Its location in comparison to other areas of Southern California is considered convenient and "in the middle of everything" by many. Although there isn't much to nightlife, the city has many beautiful and restaurants and places with unique qualities to them so one could still have an amazing night out. The city overall is a perfect place for families and even young individuals. Torrance has something to offer, no matter who you are!
    Read 229 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 146,392 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Rolling Hills Estates

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 22 reviews
    #21 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Rolling Hills Estates is truly a great spot to raise a family. With so many great parks, hiking trails and amazing restaurants. Being a senior in high school, I can personally say us kids receive a great education. Everybody is always greeting each other and helping out one another. The volunteer service is top notch and help wanted signs are not out to regularly but down the hill in nearby Redondo Beach or Torrance, you can easily find a job. The number 3 biggest mall in America is just 7 miles from the hill and has so many amazing shops and restaurants. Rolling Hills Estates is truly an amazing place.
    Read 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 8,187 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Laguna Beach

    • Suburb of Irvine, CA
    • 30 reviews
    #22 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: I live there, and I can say it is one of the most friendly communities I've been to. I'm speaking of the places on the Canyon, not the beachside properties where all of the rich people live. I will say one thing that has bothered me lately is all of the new 'development' downtown. An example being the new parking area they renovated. It may look more attractive, but it eliminated a large amount of parking space, which is something that is very hard to come by in Laguna. I simply disagree with the city's use of tax dollars to turn parking spaces into weird and unnecessary design platforms.
    Read 30 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 23,147 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. North Tustin

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 31 reviews
    #23 Best Suburbs to Live 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 31 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 24,736 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Cerritos

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 193 reviews
    #24 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Cerritos is a very Asian dominant filled city. That being said it is a very quiet city, which is good for families and elderly. Cerritos is very strict with its cleanliness but overall well kept. There is no overnight street parking allowed, if you're planning to have people over the weekend you do need to display an overnight parking permit provided by community safety department by the Sheriff's Station. Overall the city is very community orientated and is well kept. But don't just take my word for it, drive through the city yourself and see!
    Read 193 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 50,172 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Claremont

    • Suburb of San Bernardino, CA
    • 119 reviews
    #25 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    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 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 36,025 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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