10 Best Suburbs of Los Angeles to Live In

To start with, moving to Los Angeles is a great idea considering how much this metropolis has to offer. Hollywood and the world-famous Hollywood sign probably first come to mind, but there’s so much more to this place than its central and most popular and extravagant region.

No matter how amazing the City of Angels is, you’d rather stay away from the very heart of it and find peace and tranquility in one of its suburban parts, leaving Hollywood to tourists. But which one?

We understand that you want to know what makes these top-rated suburban areas so good, what are the main reasons to move there, what amenities they have to offer, how good quality of life is there, and what each has to offer to meet your requirements and expectations. You would also like to know about the average income, how much you need for rent, what transportation is like there, etc. Don’t worry, you’ll get all the answers here.

Whether you’re looking for the best places to live in Los Angeles for singles or you’re searching for the best places to live in California for young adults, the chances are you’ll find what you need in one of LA suburban parts. To help you make the right decision and avoid getting relocation depression, we have singled out some of the top areas to consider.

Have You Always Wanted to Live in LA?

Beverly Hills, just south of the Valley is one of the most popular parts of LA, one that counts more than 34,000 people living there. This luxurious suburb offers its residents a mix of urban and suburban feeling. It is suitable for those moving with kids, but it’s also an excellent choice for young professionals looking to pursue their career. The unemployment rate is only 5.6%.

The cost of living in Beverly Hills is somewhat high, but with the average household income of about $103,600, that’s not that much of a problem for the population there.

When it comes to housing, most people opt to rent their homes in Beverly Hills. The current average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $2,500, while this number goes up to $3,300 for a two-bedroom apartment. So if you’re on a budget, consider moving into a smaller home and checking out some moving tips on how to reduce costs when moving.

Beverly Hills is full of extravagant bars and restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about the nightlife – there’s a variety of places where you can have a fantastic time and taste delicious food, too. In addition to vibrant nightlife, this suburb also boasts quite a few beautiful parks and other green spaces where you can spend quality time in nature.

This is a safe, affluent suburb close to LA downtown, as well as to the beaches, the Pacific, and mountains in the surrounding area. It borders West Hollywood, a part packed with world-class restaurants and high-end boutiques. So, the opportunities for a variety of activities are numerous.

Hermosa Beach

This is a small beachfront suburb of Los Angeles with less than 20,000 residents. Just like in most of California, the weather there, too, is pleasant all year long, so the best time of the year to move here is anytime. The people living there are known for the laid-back lifestyle. So, if you’re looking for a casual place where you can enjoy surfing among many other activities, you’ve found one.

Hermosa Beach is a good choice for families, singles, and couples, as well. No matter if you are moving for a relationship or in pursuit of your dreams and whatever preferences and interests you might have, you’ll fall in love with Hermosa from the very first day there. This suburb offers a lot of exciting things to do and it hosts the “largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California” – Fiesta Hermosa.

More than 50% of its residents rent their homes in Hermosa, with the median rent of about $2,000, while the median household income is over $120,000.

If you’re moving with children, you can rely on a high-quality school district there, too. The crime rates are rather low, so there’s no need to worry about safety in Hermosa.

Manhattan Beach – A Gem of LA

Manhattan Beach is a residential area offering a suburban feel to a population of about 35,600, along with lots of job opportunities and excellent schools for the children. The median monthly income is around $169,00 if you own your own home, which is the case with most of the locals. The average rent here is over $2,300.

As a place with low crime rates, Manhattan Beach is one of the best places to raise a family in California. But note that it’s just as great for young people looking for fun, too. There are many bars and world-class restaurants for a perfect Saturday night to relax after a long week at work.

Speaking of work, we should mention that Manhattan Beach ranks quite high based on job opportunities, with Skechers USA being one of the largest employers there. This place is ranked No. 11 out of 525 top suburbs for young professionals in California, so you’ve made the right choice if you’re looking for a career to pursue. Make sure to try to find a job here before moving.

Hyde Park – the Best Place in the City for Pets

Located in the south region of LA, Hyde Park is home to over 36,600 people. Most of them use their car to get around, which means you might need auto transport services to ship your vehicle to the new address, but before that, make sure that you understand how car shipping works to avoid some of the common moving mistakes. The suburb is reportedly quite dog-friendly, so this is good news for those of you planning to move with dogs – your furry friend will be welcome there.

The locals say that you can feel the holiday spirit in Hyde Park, so this magic will make your relocation even more enjoyable if you’re moving during the holidays. This charming suburb has many cafes where you can spend a pleasant evening upon your arrival.

This is one of the most affordable places to live in Los Angeles when it comes to renting. The average rent is just over $1,000, while houses are somewhat more expensive – the median home value goes up to as much as $340,800. Most of the population there opt for renting homes. As for the income, the average income per capita is about $22,000, which is about 22% lower than the national average.

South Pasadena – Scenic Streets and Large Family Homes

Here we come to yet another suburb which is both a good residential area and an appealing place for youngsters looking for fun – South Pasadena. If you’re relocating with your kid, you can rely on high-quality schools, primarily public. If, however, you’re single and you want to pursue your career and have a good time out when you take a break, you, too, can find what you need in this amazing place.

The average household income in South Pasadena is around $92,700, while the average rent amounts to about $1,500. Still, most people living there rent their homes, given that the median home value goes up to as much as $928,500.

There is a variety of community services and classes to choose from, alongside lots of recreational activities in the open. The weather in South Pasadena is warm and pleasant, so you can enjoy sunny days in charming parks or gardens or even some wildlife areas such as Eaton Canyon.

Santa Monica – As West as It Gets

Santa Monica is an urban place located west of the center and facing the Pacific. It is suitable for young professionals, families, and people in retirement, too. It just has something to offer for everyone. If you’re looking to start a career, this is an excellent choice as you can expect a median household income higher than the national average (over $86,000). If you’re moving with your family or you’re thinking about starting a family there, you’ve made the right choice, too, given that the place is highly family and pedestrian-friendly.

The median rent here is up to $1,700, but it’s even more expensive to own a place, so most people living there choose to rent. Nonetheless, if you have a solid job and you can afford to live here, it’s worth every penny. The district is quite walkable, so you can get pretty much everywhere you want on foot and enjoy stunning views on your way. The suburb is located between the beautiful sandy beach and the Pacific on one side and just as beautiful mountains on the other. So, one thing’s for sure – you’ll be surrounded by stunning nature everywhere you look.

Some consider Santa Monica as a separate town, while others list it among the LA suburbs. Either way, it is located only 15 miles west of the LA downtown (less than an hour’s drive away from it), so whatever you call it, you can be in the center of this bustling city in no time whenever you need so.

Venice is in near vicinity too, and so is Marina del Rey region, in case you feel like taking a scenic stroll. Namely, both Venice and Marina feature beautiful walking and biking routes along the water.

Rolling Hills and the Estates – Just South of LA

With a population of only 1,684 people, Rolling Hills is a small suburb, but still one of the best ones to move to in LA and California altogether. Considering what it has to offer, this suburb is primarily convenient for retirees and families. It offers a rural feel and there aren’t many cafes or bars that would attract the younger population.

Almost all the residents in Rolling Hills own their homes – only 3% of them are renting a place. And no wonder, given that the average rent is as much as $3,500! The median household income is around $206,000.

Rolling Hills is a highly safe suburb. The crime rates are extremely low, especially when it comes to violent crimes – the rate is, in fact, zero. There have been some property crimes registered, but even these rates are negligible compared to the national average.

This is a good suburb if you’re moving with your children, as the public schools there are rated as excellent. Add all the peace and safety and you get the perfect place for families. Even though you currently don’t have kids, if you are moving in together with a partner and planning them, this is a great spot for them to grow up in.

If this doesn’t feel like an exact fit, just north of this suburb you’ll find Rolling Hills Estates. Its population is a little higher – around 8,000. The Estates are slightly closer to the downtown area, which means you’ll be closer to all the amenities. As a bonus, there is the Ernie Howlett Park, the Linden H. Chandler Preserve, a number of golf courses, and a Botanical Garden scattered around the Estates and the surrounding area. If you like peace and quiet, leisurely outdoor activities, and easy access to amenities, the Estates are definitely for you.

San Marino – One of the Wealthiest Cities in the Country

San Marino is another small suburb which counts only just over 13,330 residents. This is a suburb offering a rural vibe, but several coffee shops and restaurants, too. You can try various delicious dishes in these restaurants. Whether you like Asian, Thai, Chinese or, perhaps, Vietnamese cuisine, there will be something tasty for you in San Marino.

The majority of the population (84%) own their own homes there, while the remaining 16% pay quite a lot for rent – the average rent amounts to $3,500. Nonetheless, we should also mention that the median household income is quite higher than the national average – it reaches up to $152,500. This number makes it one of the wealthiest areas nationwide.

The crime rates are low, and the quality of the schooling system is quite high, so there’s nothing to worry about if you’re relocating there with your little ones. There are four public schools in the district, as well as two private ones.

San Marino also has beautiful parks and gardens to visit. This affluent suburb is perfect for retirees. But given its proximity to the LA downtown, it might be an interesting place for younger people, too. Couples might find it comfortable to live here and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a small town but still be only half an hour away from the busy streets of LA downtown.

Redondo Beach – Is This Your Next Home?

Do you want to join the 67,950 people living in Redondo Beach? This can be an excellent idea as the suburb has a lot to offer to people of all ages, especially families and young professionals. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Redondo where you can spend quality free time with friends and family, as well as spaces suitable for outdoor activities. Of course, there’s the beautiful coastline where you can go swimming or even sport fishing if that sounds interesting to you.

Are you worried about getting a job before you relocate? Redondo Beach is a good suburb to find well-paid employment, too, as the median household income is about $104,500. Half of the people own their own homes, while the other half rent a place, with the average rent being around $1,800.

Redondo is a lovely community where people are friendly and you get a chance to take up all kinds of activities, spend some quality time in nature, or take your kids to one of the playgrounds. The nightlife is quite vibrant, too, so if you’re looking to go out and have an amazing time, you’ll surely have a place or two to visit. If you opt for Redondo you can go out and have fun as soon as you unpack after the move.

Take a Stroll Along the Redondo Beach Pier

Taking a stroll along the Redondo Pier is a must whether you pick this suburb or not. You can go there during the day to enjoy scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and perhaps take part in some of the many activities, go on a harbor cruise or pedal boats. Or you can visit it in the evening when the scenery is even more romantic. Enjoy the beautiful atmosphere in the oceanfront restaurants with the sounds of the Pacific or go to a concert during the Summer of Music festival. The list goes on and on – there are plenty of things to enjoy here, so find the cheapest way to move out of state and relocate here.

Rossmoor – a Gated Neighborhood

Are you looking for one of the top-rated areas to raise a family in the entire LA? Do you want to live in a safe neighborhood in Los Angeles? Look no further than Rossmoor. This perfectly safe district is an amazing place to live in. It offers the real suburban feel, alongside the opportunities you get in a metropolis, such as job openings, good schools for your children, as well as vibrant nightlife and a variety of activities to explore. It is also suitable for retirees, as it’s one of the most “active adult” ones.

Rossmoor is home to nearly 11,000 people. Most of them own their own place, while 13% pay the average rent of about $2,200. The median household income is around $112,200. Should you go there with your children, you can count on high-quality education, with several excellent public schools to choose from within the district, all of which are highly rated.

Another perk of living in Rossmoor is the proximity to the coastline, as well as several parks and opportunities for outdoor activities. You can visit various events there and learn a lot about the arts and the history of the community. Enjoy your free time at the Rossmoor Park Community Center, a great place for indoor activities, meetings, and parties. The center also includes a beautiful picnic area and courts for sports such as soccer, tennis, and basketball, so it’s also an excellent place for outdoor recreational activities.

Move to One of the Best Suburbs of Los Angeles and Enjoy the Rest of the City, Too

Have you decided which of the previously listed suburban areas is the right choice for you? We understand if you’re still having second thoughts because they are all so amazing that it really is difficult to only pick one. Who knows, perhaps you’ll get to explore several of them in the future, or maybe you’ve set your sights on a region we haven’t mentioned, such as Marina del Rey, Venice, or Culver City. For now, when you pick where you’re going to relocate, first make sure you prepare for your long-distance move properly. Figure out how to rent your house when moving to another state and don’t let anything ruin your move. Don’t waste any precious time – get the process of moving to the suburbs started as soon as possible to start enjoying the beauties of the marvelous LA right away. Before you get to your future address, keep in mind some tips to make the transition smoother.

Pick the Suburb Based on Your Personal Preferences

The safest way to make sure you’ve made the right call when considering where should you move, is to rely merely on your personal preferences. No matter how popular a place might be and how many people flock there, if it doesn’t meet your requirements, keep looking until you find the one that does. We’re sure you’ll be able to find your perfect match among the previously listed suburban areas of LA. If you’re concerned about crime rates and safety, keep in mind that there are online tools to help you check how safe is your neighborhood.

Use Navigation Tools to Get Around the New Place

Getting around a new place can be tricky, so it is a good idea to find the most convenient navigation tool to help you out during your first days there. Depending on the suburb you eventually pick, you might need to transport your car across the country in order to work or simply get around the district. If, however, you go to a small walkable place where everything is just a short walk away, you’ll just need to keep some navigation tips in mind to make sure you don’t get lost before you get to know the surroundings.

Connect with the Locals

To feel completely comfortable as soon as possible and to tackle any signs of relocation depression, it is advisable to try to connect with the locals right from the start. Only when you blend in with them and perhaps even make some good friends there can you really call a certain place home. Given that you’re about to relocate to a suburb, this shouldn’t be a problem. People are usually more friendly there in a way that they are more open to getting to know you and let you in their own life. Unlike in large cities, people in the suburban parts of the cities usually share their life with their first-door neighbors and are always willing to offer help. After all, you’ll probably be seeing each other every day whether you want it or not.

So, make your relocation to the suburb more comfortable by throwing a welcome party for your neighbors when you settle in. Or just ask them to show you around, point you to some interesting activities, or tell you about the best places to eat.

Whatever you do, just don’t spend time alone in your house being afraid of the unknown. Every big city is there to be explored. Prepare for this situation in advance and be sure you’ll enjoy your new area and its surroundings right from the very first day there.

Popular Places to Visit in LA

Now that you’ve answered the question of where to live in LA, don’t forget that there’s still so much to explore in the rest of the city, too. Whether you’re moving to Los Angeles alone or with your family, this amazing place boasts activities and places worth visiting that you should plan your tour well in advance. With so many tempting opportunities to choose from, you might find yourself completely overwhelmed, so we would like to help you out and mention some of the most popular places worth visiting upon your relocation there.

• Griffith Park– as the largest park in California, Griffith Park is one of the top attractions where you can do much more than taking a stroll down its beautiful paths. You can also go to the LA Zoo or go hiking, as the park is nestled at the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains, which form a natural border between San Fernando Valley (the Valley, as the locals call it) and the LA basin. Other activities include horseback riding, jogging, swimming, playing tennis, soccer, riding a bike, and so on. There’s also the planetarium and the amazing Griffith Observatory sitting on the slope of Mount Hollywood, from where you can enjoy the view at the LA basin and see the iconic Hollywood Sign.

• Santa Monica Pier– even if you don’t opt for Santa Monica to relocate to, you should still at least visit the beautiful Santa Monica Pier. You can rent a bike as there is a 26-mile long waterfront bike path, or just head straight to the sandy beach. Go just a little west of downtown LA via the Expo Metro line to reach this beautiful area. It won’t take you long to get there if you’re coming from the city center.

• The Getty Center– if you’re passionate about art, you shouldn’t miss the Getty Center, one of the most marvelous architectural achievements in the country which hides just as magnificent pieces of art inside its beautiful structure. It’s advisable to book a guided tour if you want to make sure you manage to see everything in one visit or at least the most interesting parts of the museum. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• El Rey Theatre. El Rey is a venue located in Mid-Wilshire, just east of Beverly Hills. It is mostly used for live music events. It is largely a rock-and-roll spot, where you can enjoy some good guitar sounds and a cold beer on a Saturday night. A number of videos, shows, and movies feature sights of the Theatre.
• Irvine Lake. A short drive towards east away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll run into Irvine Lake. It is a great spot where you can get in touch with nature. If you enjoy fishing, you can do so, but only from the shore. It was originally known as Santiago Reservoir, and the Santiago Peak is further east. It is home to species such as bass, trout, catfish, and so on.

This is just to mention a few places you shouldn’t miss when you move to your chosen suburb. There are also some urbanized regions, such as the San Fernando Valley, for instance. San Fernando Valley is often nicknamed the Valley of Stars, too, as many celebrities have lived there. For all movie lovers, Hollywood is, naturally, the first stop. There are plenty more attractions besides the Valley and the Hollywood sign, of course, so check out what else there is to see in case you’re moving to Los Angeles, the City of Angels.

Start From Scratch in Some of the Best LA Suburbs

You’re already in love with this city, aren’t you? If you ever wondered how you’ll know that it is time to move, this will be clear when you finally find the perfect place for you – imagine how much you’re going to love it when you actually get there. The advantages of moving alone are numerous, and we can’t recommend this place enough for singles.

Start from scratch in one of the enchanting Los Angeles suburbs and take advantage of the proximity to one of the most famous cities in the US and worldwide. Don’t trouble yourself with the relocation process itself and moving stress when one of the most attractive cities out there is waiting for you. Leave it to reputable and highly recommended experts to provide you with all the necessary moving services. Starting with packing of your furniture and clothes to providing you with boxes and packing supplies and the storage space.

However, while you are at it don’t forget to make a realistic moving budget based on your household inventory list. If you want to reduce relocation expenses, choose the cheapest time of the year to relocate, find free packing materials for moving, and donate unwanted items. That way you can focus on the more exciting part of your move, like house-hunting, packing tips and tricks, making friends in a new city, and enjoying the great weather that California offers.