As the nation’s second most populous city, Los Angeles has long attracted people from all parts of the world who want to experience the laidback Southern California lifestyle — and perhaps find stardom or see some stars. This diverse and cultural city, brimming with the performing arts, fine dining and world-famous sports arenas, offers plenty of opportunity for residents, both within LA proper as well as the broad expanse of its surrounding communities.
If you find yourself California dreaming, check out the 10 best suburbs in Los Angeles. You’ll also see why people of all ages, including retirees, are flocking to the Golden State, and while you’re at it, take a look at California’s safest cities.
10. Redondo Beach
- Population: 67,412
- Median Home Value: $875,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,452
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 171
Redondo Beach is a coastal suburb adjacent to Los Angeles. It’s where the salty sea breeze meets sun and sand. The beach lifestyle makes the relatively short commute to downtown LA worth it. Plus, Redondo Beach is a hub for those immersed in the arts and media. Find your dream home here!
9. El Segundo
- Population: 16,719
- Median Home Value: $969,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 714
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 62
Bordering the Santa Monica Bay, as well as the Los Angeles International Airport, is the small suburb of El Segundo. It is a welcome respite to those who want to enjoy entertainment venues without traveling into Los Angeles. Residents are proud of the top-tier educational system and its exceptional graduation rate. Check out the idyllic beach living by touring some of the new construction homes that are available.
8. Beverly Hills
- Population: 34,183
- Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,757
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 106
Beverly Hills is best known for its ultra-high-end lifestyle, including Rodeo Drive, famous for its luxury goods stores. Split by Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrities at their favorite hangouts. This playground of the rich and famous offers exquisite, opulent homes for discerning buyers.
7. Torrance
- Population: 145,182
- Median Home Value: $724,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,702
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 267
Located along Santa Monica Bay is Torrance, the second largest suburb on our list. You can experience fine art and culture here, as well as the beauty of the outdoors, including an urban wetlands, the Madrona Marsh nature preserve. Find your new home in Torrance!
6. San Clemente
- Population: 64,857
- Median Home Value: $881,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 900
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 114
Located south of Los Angeles, San Clemente is a rare jewel known for its sundrenched beaches and friendly residents. Surfers flock to this popular beach mecca for the abundant surfing opportunities. A major bonus is the low crime rate—40 percent less than the U.S. average. Which of the new homes in San Clemente will be your serene escape?
5. Agoura Hills
- Population: 20,472
- Median Home Value: $772,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 274
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 27
Agoura Hills is located on the outskirts of three state parks and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It’s a place where you can get away from it all, and if you need a little surf and sand, Malibu is close by. Come check out Agoura Hills and find your new hometoday.
4. Mission Viejo
- Population: 95,202
- Median Home Value: $668,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 937
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 113
Located 49 miles southeast of Los Angeles in Orange County is the charming suburb of Mission Viejo, considered one of the largest master-planned communities in the United States. Scenic trails wind through beautiful neighborhoods, and residents can take advantage of the three local golf courses. Come explore the new home communities in Mission Viejo and find the perfect match for your family.
3. Newport Beach
- Population: 85,326
- Median Home Value: $1,787,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,073
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 124
In this sanctuary anchored alongside the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach is home to one of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast. The city offers top-rated schools and a good safety record as well. High-end homes are distinct and add sophisticated charm to this suburb.
2. Thousand Oaks
- Population: 127,690
- Median Home Value: $695,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,480
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 126
Nestled above Point Mugu State Park is the city of Thousand Oaks. Worlds away from the busy streets of downtown LA, this city offers plenty of year-round recreational and outdoor activities, such as the Gardens of the World and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Homes are appreciating fast in this growing, family-friendly community, so browse these new home communities to find your next home.
1. Irvine
- Population: 282,572
- Median Home Value: $797,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,659
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 160
Sitting southeast of Los Angeles is Irvine, the No. 1 suburb on our list and the largest in the top 10. With an excess of 16,000 acres of different types of parks, it’s a goldmine of hiking and biking trails, and is also a natural habitat for local wildlife. It also offers outstanding secondary educational opportunities as home to the University of California, Irvine campus. You really can have it all here — big city amenities and simple things, like the nearby beaches and surfing of Newport Harbor. Plan today to visit the new construction homes in Irvine.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culver City | 39,214 | $801,200 | 27 minutes | A+ | 1,756 | 188 |
| Santa Monica | 91,411 | $1,242,100 | 26 minutes | A+ | 4,732 | 797 |
| Manhattan Beach | 35,532 | $1,947,900 | 31 minutes | A+ | 844 | 57 |
| Yorba Linda | 67,787 | $829,700 | 34 minutes | A+ | 812 | 44 |
| Palos Verdes Estates | 13,404 | $1,680,600 | 35 minutes | A+ | 104 | 6 |
| Calabasas | 23,954 | $1,042,000 | 34 minutes | A+ | 363 | 26 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes | 41,928 | $1,114,800 | 35 minutes | A+ | 389 | 32 |
| Malibu | 12,777 | $2,000,000+ | 34 minutes | A+ | 380 | 37 |
| Lake Forest | 85,623 | $621,000 | 26 minutes | A | 761 | 159 |
| Tustin | 79,795 | $618,500 | 24 minutes | A | 1,874 | 122 |
| Redlands | 71,586 | $372,600 | 23 minutes | A | 2,491 | 264 |
| Moorpark | 36,576 | $621,200 | 29 minutes | A | 261 | 33 |
| Glendale | 201,361 | $724,800 | 29 minutes | A | 3,110 | 202 |
| Burbank | 103,695 | $688,500 | 28 minutes | A | 2,625 | 229 |
| Huntington Beach | 200,641 | $728,200 | 30 minutes | A | 3,993 | 429 |
| Alhambra | 84,649 | $582,600 | 30 minutes | A | 1,930 | 193 |
| Santa Clarita | 210,089 | $497,500 | 36 minutes | A | 2,437 | 292 |
| Hermosa Beach | 19,465 | $1,357,300 | 34 minutes | A | 477 | 30 |
| Murrieta | 114,985 | $390,800 | 36 minutes | A | 1,412 | 92 |
| Temecula | 114,742 | $424,100 | 35 minutes | A | 2,711 | 139 |
| Costa Mesa | 113,615 | $707,600 | 23 minutes | A- | 3,792 | 344 |
| Buenaventura City (Ventura) | 109,106 | $537,200 | 26 minutes | A- | 3,482 | 445 |
| Simi Valley | 125,851 | $553,800 | 30 minutes | A- | 1,491 | 214 |
| Garden Grove | 172,646 | $519,600 | 28 minutes | A- | 4,040 | 507 |
| Wesminster | 90,643 | $581,900 | 28 minutes | A- | 2,433 | 286 |
| Fullerton | 139,640 | $625,800 | 30 minutes | A- | 3,660 | 332 |
| Downey | 112,269 | $525,500 | 31 minutes | A- | 2,615 | 367 |
| Upland | 77,000 | $489,600 | 31 minutes | A- | 2,072 | 290 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 177,751 | $473,800 | 33 minutes | A- | 3,854 | 290 |
| Corona | 168,819 | $444,200 | 37 minutes | A- | 3,264 | 263 |
| Chino Hills | 83,447 | $597,400 | 40 minutes | A- | 1,079 | 77 |
| Carpinteria | 13,457 | $671,300 | 24 minutes | B+ | 212 | 22 |
| Ojai | 7,496 | $693,400 | 25 minutes | B+ | 68 | 6 |
| Camarillo | 69,888 | $578,100 | 25 minutes | B+ | 841 | 78 |
| Pasadena | 141,371 | $737,100 | 29 minutes | B+ | 2,928 | 547 |
| Lakewood | 80,140 | $524,600 | 31 minutes | B+ | 1,848 | 270 |
| Monterey Park | 60,401 | $593,300 | 31 minutes | B+ | 1,589 | 124 |
| Long Beach | 467,354 | $519,300 | 31 minutes | B+ | 11,922 | 3,284 |
| Riverside | 330,063 | $344,700 | 31 minutes | B+ | 10,226 | 1,686 |
| Buena Park | 82,421 | $540,200 | 31 minutes | B+ | 2,583 | 257 |
| West Covina | 106,311 | $490,000 | 34 minutes | B+ | 2,513 | 292 |
| Lomita | 20,521 | $586,200 | 26 minutes | B | 312 | 66 |
| Orange | 139,484 | $635,500 | 26 minutes | B | 2,478 | 160 |
| Anaheim | 352,005 | $538,700 | 29 minutes | B | 8,702 | 1,192 |
| Bellflower | 77,131 | $436,200 | 30 minutes | B | 1,688 | 335 |
| West Hollywood | 36,854 | $729,400 | 28 minutes | B | 2,100 | 301 |
| Chino | 91,583 | $433,700 | 34 minutes | B | 2,216 | 259 |
| Indio | 91,240 | $267,900 | 22 minutes | B- | 2,242 | 495 |
| Lawndale | 32,754 | $476,500 | 27 minutes | B- | 348 | 129 |
| Santa Ana | 332,725 | $455,300 | 25 minutes | B- | 6,390 | 1,571 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other California Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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