2023 Safe Places to Live in the Los Angeles Area

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  91 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 91 reviews

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• Population 35,585

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  93 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 93 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

• City in California

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  Rating 4.37 out of 5  572 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 572 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 4.4 out of 5  194 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 194 reviews

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• Population 40,640

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 3.9 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 4 out of 5  26 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 26 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

• 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

• Neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  26 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve lived here for three years now and love it! This is a very walkable neighborhood with lots of shops, restaurants and other amenities near by. I know so many of my neighbors and nearly all their dogs! I feel safe at night walking to and from my car or even taking the dog out. This area has a mix of single family homes, small older apartment buildings, and larger newer complexes.... Read 26 reviews

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• Population 2,929

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  156 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 156 reviews

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• Population 51,943

• Neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

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• Population 4,037

• Neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Beverlywood for almost three years now and it has been a wonderful experience. The community is warm and inviting; when my family first moved in, we received invites and welcome baskets from people in the neighborhood. No one failed to introduce themselves.... Read 7 reviews

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• Population 6,156

• Neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: Palms is a fairly quiet, West Los Angeles community consisting mostly of small to medium sized apartment buildings with an ethnically diverse mix of professionals and families. It is located between Culver City, Mar Vista, Century City and Cheviot Hills. The Metro stop at the Palms/Exposition/National intersection is a convenient transportation option for heading west to Santa Monica or east to Downtown L.A. and beyond. There are some buildings where you can still find rent control, if anyone will ever move out. Many new residential buildings and businesses have popped up in Palms since 2013. I recently went to a community event to paint a large mural along Overland Avenue where many of the local residents came out to help. The Palms Neighborhood Council was pleasantly surprised with the turnout and the event finished hours before expected! The longer I live in Palms, the more I love the neighborhood and I do not plan on leaving anytime soon.... Read 14 reviews

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• Population 15,553

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  153 reviews

Current Resident: Living in the land of gracious living is a blessing! Very clean and safe for families, with very little crime happening. Housing is pricy here, but if you are able to afford living here, then please do! People here are mostly conservative, but still warm and welcoming for everyone.... Read 153 reviews

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• Population 68,319

• Neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Great restaurants, nice neighborhood and convenient location. There are many new buildings that offer modern amenities and comfort.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 23,117

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  184 reviews

Current Resident: I really like Rancho. It's a great place to have a home, people are friendly, and the area is super nice, visually and in other ways. The schools are pretty good, but they do have things like bullying, etc. that essentially all schools have. Safety wise, I think it's very safe, although the apartments near RSM are a little shady, so I would suggest living in one of the neighborhoods instead! Though keep in mind that homes are very expensive here. A single story, 3-bedroom home can be expected to cost around $800,000! But I think it's worth it :)... Read 184 reviews

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• Population 48,190

• Neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Comfortable & safe middle- & upper-middle class community, with amenities close by. Only negative is lack of community parks.... Read 3 reviews

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• Population 6,918

• Neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.49 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: I am new to the California area and have only so much to say. I am a student commuting up to an hour a day to get to school and attend my classes. The area in the city is absolutely beautiful and such an upgrade from where I used to live. The transportation and the convince of it are incredible. All the people and neighbors are lovely people, very sweet and generous. I am quite in love with the area already, I am planning on staying here. This is perfect as I am very comfortable living here.... Read 35 reviews

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• Population 21,596

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: LOS ALAMITOS HAS THE SMALL TOWN FEELING THAT WE ALL YEARN FOR. IT IS 20 MINUTES FROM SURF CITY USA AND ABOUT 2 HOURS FROM SNOWY BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN. CRIME IS LOW AND IVE NEVER FELT UNSAFE. AS FORMER MISS LOS ALAMITOS USA 2004, I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD TO RAISE MY DAUGHTERS HERE, HAVING THEM ATTEND THE SAME SCHOOLS AS I.LOS AL IS THE BEST!... Read 38 reviews

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• Population 11,780

• Suburb of Irvine, CA

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  131 reviews

Current Resident: I love being so close to the beach but away from the big cities. I especially love being so close to laguna beach which has GORGEOUS beaches! I also like that you are only 5 minutes away from the grocery store and it is also only 5 minutes away from Hidden Hills Elementary School and around 10 minutes from Niguel Hills Middle School. Dana Hills High School is only around 15 minutes at most away from the area so schooling is very close by. I also like the people in the town who are friendly and welcoming. I especially love all the nearby hikes and activities to do outside as well. Another benefit is the weather is always nice the coldest it get is like 55 degrees at night and the hottest temperatures can be 87 degrees in the summer time. It doesn't get too hot so an air conditioner is not necessary but a heater is recommended if you get cold easily in the winter nights. One downside is it quite pricey to live here and there is not really any night life.... Read 131 reviews

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• Population 64,608