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2019 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
    • 100 reviews
    #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Santa Monica is fabulous! I've lived in or around this neighborhood for nearly 7 years and it just keeps getting better. The bike/scoot/walkability is phenomenal - and it's only steps to the beach. The community is warm and friendly, full of art and music, and the FOOD IS AMAZING. Seriously, you've got some of the best food in some of the most beautiful locations to be found anywhere. 10/10 love my home.
    Read 100 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 92,495 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Manhattan Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 78 reviews
    #2 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: There is an excellent school district in this city, MBUSD provides great opportunities for K-12 students. The beach is beautiful and the strand is always well taken care of. The small community allows for a great social aspect too! It's very safe and provides a great location for opportunities.
    Read 78 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 35,698 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 358 reviews
    #3 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 358 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 256,877 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Hermosa Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 45 reviews
    #4 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 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 19,750 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. South Pasadena

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 80 reviews
    #5 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: South Pasadena has been my home for fourteen years, and I am so grateful to have grown up in such an amazing community. This town is extremely appealing, family friendly and filled with afternoon activities. Some of these activities and places include three public parks with playgrounds, a golf course, skate park, dog park, a children's indoor playground, antique/thrift stores, restaurants, coffee shops, a Fourth of July Parade and a weekly Farmer's Market. South Pasadena is highly rated for its education system, and it has three Elementary Schools, a Middle School and a High School. Also known as the "City of Trees," South Pasadena is filled with life and culture, and I would never have wanted to grow up anywhere else.
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 25,974 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. La Cañada Flintridge

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

    Current Resident: Not too much happens in La Cañada Flintridge and it is a very peaceful town. What makes it special is the safety and friendliness of the community, the school in the area, and the convenient location. Little to no crimes occur in la Cañada, and the ones that happen are small and rare burglaries. The community funded school in the area is La Cañada high, a public school in the top 150 public schools in America. The town also contains Saint Francis and Flintridge Prep, two great private schools. La Cañada is extremely close to Pasadena and Glendale, meaning fun activities and good quality places are only a few minutes away! Overall, La Cañana Flintridge is not only my city, but my home.
    Read 79 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 20,474 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Culver City

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 145 reviews
    #7 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 145 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 39,432 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Beverly Hills

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 67 reviews
    #8 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
    • 34,506 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Redondo Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 156 reviews
    #9 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 156 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 67,950 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. San Marino

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

    Current Resident: I would like to see more businesses/restaurants enter San Marino. We do not offer a wide range of restaurant choices as of now, and are lacking especially in Mexican and Asian foods. Furthermore, although we do not have much of a night life, there are many cities nearby that offer a wide range of options, so it is nice to be in the middle of everything. This city is relatively safe, and has a great public education program, so it is a wonderful place to raise kids (if you can afford to live here - the real estate is very expensive).
    Read 41 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,331 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Palos Verdes Estates

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 27 reviews
    #11 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 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,591 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Rolling Hills

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 2 reviews
    #12 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
    • 1,684 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Newport Beach

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

    Current Resident: I’ve lived in Newport Beach all my life and I love it a lot. From the beach never being further than a bike ride away or any store/restaurant in a reasonable distance, life has never been so easy. All the schools I went to were public and I got a wonderful education from them also!
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 86,793 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Aliso Viejo

    • Suburb of Irvine, CA
    • 112 reviews
    #14 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 112 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 50,691 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Seal Beach

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 41 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 41 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 24,510 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Arcadia

    • Town in California
    • 207 reviews
    #16 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 207 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 58,156 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Rossmoor

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 10 reviews
    #17 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
    • 10,920 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Rancho Palos Verdes

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 92 reviews
    #18 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 92 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 42,463 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Ladera Ranch

    • Suburb of Irvine, CA
    • 49 reviews
    #19 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 49 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 28,769 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. North Tustin

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

    Current Resident: North Tustin is a great place to live! Safe, good schools, beautiful houses, nice parks and walking trails, unincorporated so fun pets are allowed
    Read 30 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 25,364 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 212 reviews
    #21 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: I love the diversity in Torrance. I also like the safety and the public schools in the area. Torrance is not as expensive as other cities nearby, but it would be better if the houses cost a little less. The location of the city is great. It is next to the beach and not very far from the airport. There are great libraries, restaurants, and most importantly shopping centers! There are several job opportunites for everyone especially teens.
    Read 212 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 147,190 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Claremont

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

    Current Resident: Claremont is a very nice area to live in. As a college student I fell very safe. It is a great location for attending either of the surrounding colleges nearby due to the fast commute. The town has a nice atmosphere to it, and it is very cute. There are plenty of great shopping centers to go to. I live in a very convent location to two Starbucks, Target and animal hospitals. There are plenty of great restaurants to eat at too! The atmosphere of the town is very peaceful and quiet. The people are very friendly and neighborly. Out of all the towns in the surrounding area, Claremont is the best one I have lived in since moving to the county in 2014.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 35,949 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Oak Park

    • Suburb of Thousand Oaks, CA
    • 54 reviews
    #23 Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area

    Current Resident: Oak Park is the perfect place to raise a family. It is an extremely safe, well-rounded environment with fantastic public schools. The high school is very well respected as a public school, and students often go on to very good colleges that are very selective. The real estate prices reflect what a sought-after district this is to live in, and how much people will pay to raise their kids here. Oak Park is small, and relatively far from the city, but has things to do and perfect activities for families of all ages. It is a scenic, extremely clean, and safe environment. With hiking trails and parks abundant, it is a dream for an outdoor runner or biker. You drive around Oak Park and see kids safely walking alone with their friends, and many people walking dogs in the early morning.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 14,440 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Laguna Beach

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

    Current Resident: Laguna Beach is where I was blessed to be born & raised! Being an outdoorsman, Laguna Beach was perfect because it lends Itself to canyon hikes, surfing, tennis, & beach volleyball. It's also known for its art culture like Pageant of the Masters, Sawdust Festival, art galleries, Museums & Theatres.Though it possesses charm & character, Laguna is a bit of a " bubble." The average home price is $1.5M, kids drive exotic cars to school, have easy access to drugs/alcohol & the sense of entitlement runs rampant. It's a culture shock to people who visit from other areas! This is what I'd change about Laguna Beach. Laguna's youth are living with "checked out parents" that are trying to be their friends rather than parents. As a young man who was raised by a single mom,this was not my reality. My goal was to find a place where I could still enjoy the outdoors & experience diverse cultures yet get away from so much of the "Orange County Stigma."
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 23,224 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Rolling Hills Estates

    • Suburb of Los Angeles, CA
    • 22 reviews
    #25 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
    • 8,229 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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