Best Master Planned Communities in Los Angeles

The bustling city of Los Angeles has earned a reputation for its Hollywood glamor and beautiful beaches. Adventure waits around every corner, whether you’re catching a meal at one of its excellent restaurants or checking out the art scene downtown. With a strong economy and many exciting destinations just a short drive away (Universal Studios, anyone?), Los Angeles is a beacon of light that draws in new folks every year. Ready to move to the City of Angels? Take a look at these popular Los Angeles master planned communities.

Great Park Neighborhoods

Located just outside of Irvine and 45 miles south of Los Angeles, Great Park Neighborhoods offers a life of luxury. Well-known builders such as Lennar offer a variety of floor plans with features such as two-car garages, four bedrooms, and up to three stories. Prices start in the low $1.1s and range up to $1.8, which is consistent with housing prices in the area. Each neighborhood has its own unique park in its center, and residents are encouraged to experience each one. Not only is the neighborhood “great”, but the schools are too; students attend schools in Irvine Unified School District, which is a top-ranked, nationally recognized school district.

Porter Ranch

Located 28 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, Porter Ranch is a master planned community tucked along the Rocky Peak Park. With several different house collections, such as Hillcrest by Toll Brothers, folks have over 10 different floor plans to choose from. Prices start in the early $1.3s and boast features such as a three-car garage and up to six bedrooms. Families with children will discover that Porter Ranch has its very own school, Porter Ranch Community School, which has received several awards since its construction in 2012. Other community highlights include a country club, town center, and several surrounding parks.

Rancho Mission Viejo

For folks looking to escape the big city, the ranch lands of Rancho Mission Viejo in the Los Angeles suburbs may be for you! Located 22 miles south of Irvine, Ranch Mission Viejo contains a cattle ranch, nature reserve, and a residential community all in the same land. Builders like The New Home Company construct beautiful, modern houses; The New Home company offers three different floor plans starting in the low $1.2s, all with expansive views of the surrounding nature preserves. Are you 55 years or older? Rancho Mission Viejo has a community specifically for you! With features such as cabanas, pools, spa, and an easy walk to the other neighborhoods, get ready to live your golden years in paradise!

Skyline

Skyline is a master planned community located 10 miles northeast of downtown Santa Clarita. With stellar builders like Tri Point Home and prices in the low $600s, residents will enjoy the affordable prices without any sacrifice in quality. Tri Point Home offers four different floor plans, all with opens spaces where you can let your creative side shine. The Lookout is the hub of activity in the community, featuring fitness centers, spas, and playgrounds. Feel like going outside your community? The restaurants and stores of Santa Clarita are a short drive away!

Playa Vista

For those interested in living close to Los Angeles without being in the city proper, Playa Vista is your future destination. Located 14 miles away from downtown Los Angeles, Playa Vista contains both luxurious single-family houses and senior living. Taylor Morrison leads the way in developing the community and has a rule of three: three floor plans, three stories, starting at $3 million. The community itself is a short drive away from features such as Loyola Marymount University and Los Angeles International Airport, making travel a breeze. Students here are zoned into Los Angeles Unified School District, which is the nation’s second largest public school district.

First foray into homeownership in the Golden State? Check out these California first-time homebuyer programs!