Big city perks with space, safety, and coastal charm
Los Angeles suburbs offer a rare combo: top-rated schools, scenic beauty, and proximity to the entertainment capital of the world. Whether you’re after ocean views, safe streets, or strong community vibes, there’s a fit for every lifestyle.
Why it matters: Living near LA lets you enjoy world-class culture, beaches, and jobs—without sacrificing safety, schools, or space.
What’s ahead: A look at 10 standout suburbs around Los Angeles, each offering a different slice of the California dream.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT LOS ANGELES |
|---|
| The “City of Angels” has the only solar-powered Ferris wheel. |
| It’s known for the iconic hillside Hollywood sign measuring 45 feet high. |
| There are over 2,800 stars embedded in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. |
1. Irvine
Innovative, safe, and family-focused
Population: 318,683 | Median Home: $1.12M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Master-planned communities, modern condos, family-friendly suburbs
Education: Excellent Irvine Unified School District, University of California Irvine (UCI)
Safety: One of the safest in the U.S. (Property: 4,904 | Violent: 274)
Perks: Jeffrey Open Space Trail, Irvine Spectrum Center, Bommer Canyon, near Disneyland, hub for professional services and manufacturing
Why it’s #1: Master-planned perfection with top schools, tech jobs, and endless green space
2. Thousand Oaks
Leafy, peaceful, and family-first
Population: 124,229 | Median Home: $951K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 25 min
Housing: Spacious single-family homes, ranch-style houses, upscale suburbs
Education: Award-winningConejo Valley Unified School District; nearby Cal Lutheran University
Safety: Very low crime (Property: 1,378 | Violent: 134)
Perks: Wildwood Park, Point Mugu State Park, Civic Arts Plaza, Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, strong biotechnology, healthcare, and government job opportunities
Why it’s noteworthy: Safe, scenic, and family-centered with room to breathe
3. Newport Beach
Upscale, coastal, and endlessly sunny
Population: 82,970 | Median Home: $2M+ | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Oceanfront estates, luxury condos, bayfront homes
Education: Top-tierNewport-Mesa Unified School District; near UC Irvine
Safety: Low crime (Property: 1,684 | Violent: 172)
Perks: Balboa Island, Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Pier, vibrant economy fueled by tourism and finance
The draw: Coastal elegance with world-class beaches, boating, and shopping
4. Mission Viejo
Safe, serene, and nature-filled
Population: 91,601 | Median Home: $946K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 27 min
Housing: Lakefront properties, single-family homes, quiet neighborhoods
Education: Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified School Districts
Safety: Among the lowest crime in SoCal (Property: 1,148 | Violent: 128)
Perks: Scenic trails, golf courses, Lake Mission Viejo, The Shops at Mission Viejo, outstanding healthcare
Why it’s great: Pristine, peaceful living with lake life and easy amenities
5. Agoura Hills
Laid-back, scenic, and adventure-ready
Population: 19,429 | Median Home: $1.07M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 29 min
Housing: Custom hillside homes, gated communities, suburban ranches
Education: Excellent Las Virgenes Unified School District
Safety: Exceptionally low crime (Property: 263 | Violent: 34)
Perks: Paramount Ranch, Chesebro Canyon, Malibu Creek State Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, notable for entertainment and tourism
Why it’s appealing: Small-town charm with mountain trails and Malibu beaches nearby
6. San Clemente
Beachy, mellow, and surfer-approved
Population: 62,627 | Median Home: $1.22M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 29 min
Housing: Spanish-style homes, beach cottages, ocean-view condos
Education: Outstanding Capistrano Unified School District
Safety: Very safe (Property: 896 | Violent: 93)
Perks: San Clemente Pier, Trestles Beach, San Onofre State Park, Avenida Del Mar shops, biotechnology and sustainability focus
Why it’s wonderful: Surf, sun, and small-town charm on Orange County’s southern coast
7. Torrance
Coastal, convenient, and community-driven
Population: 139,576 | Median Home: $1.04M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 27 min
Housing: Classic mid-century homes, townhomes, quiet neighborhoods
Education: Highly-regarded Torrance Unified School District
Safety: Safe for its size (Property: 3,653 | Violent: 367)
Perks: Madrona Marsh, Torrance Beach, Del Amo Fashion Center, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, big player in automotive research and aerospace manufacturing
Why it’s special: A beachside suburb with big-city conveniences and top schools
8. Beverly Hills
Iconic, glamorous, and globally known
Population: 31,027 | Median Home: $2M+ | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 25 min
Housing: Mansions, luxury condos, historic estates
Education: Exceptional Beverly Hills Unified School District, private school options
Safety: High-end safety with low violent crime (Property: 1,553 | Violent: 150)
Perks: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Gardens Park, Franklin Canyon hikes, strong presence of tourism and luxury retail
Why it’s alluring: Prestige, privacy, and proximity to the best of LA
9. El Segundo
Chill, coastal, and career-ready
Population: 16,544 | Median Home: $1.52M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Craftsman homes, modern townhomes, walkable neighborhoods
Education: Top-notchEl Segundo Unified School District
Safety: Very low crime (Property: 1,081 | Violent: 74)
Perks: Dockweiler State Beach, Smoky Hollow District, Clutter’s Park, Santa Monica Bay, aerospace and tech hub
Why it’s appealing: Small-town vibes with thriving economy and beach access
10. Redondo Beach
Vibrant, breezy, and beach-forward
Population: 68,075 | Median Home: $1.23M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 29 min
Housing: Oceanfront condos, beach bungalows, suburban homes
Education: Highly-rated Redondo Beach Unified School District
Safety: Low crime relative to size (Property: 1,666 | Violent: 310)
Perks: Redondo Pier, Veterans Park, Redondo Beach Marina, Hopkins Wilderness Park, tourism and scientific and technical services-driven
Why it works: Sand, surf, and a strong sense of community by the sea
Bottom Line:
The best suburbs of Los Angeles combine safety, schools, and lifestyle—whether you want beaches, mountains, or city access. From Irvine’s master-planned innovation to the timeless glamour of Beverly Hills, LA’s suburbs offer something for everyone chasing the California dream.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
| Culver City | 39,883 | $1,126,900 | 27 min | A | 2,620 | 306 |
| Santa Monica | 90,729 | $1,810,200 | 26 min | A+ | 4,271 | 774 |
| Manhattan Beach | 33,453 | $2,000,000+ | 29 min | A+ | 928 | 84 |
| Yorba Linda | 66,489 | $1,091,700 | 31 min | A+ | 752 | 31 |
| Palos Verdes Estates | 12,668 | $2,000,000+ | 32 min | A+ | 166 | 1 |
| Calabasas | 22,256 | $1,453,900 | 34 min | A+ | 321 | 40 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes | 40,064 | $1,541,400 | 34 min | A+ | 338 | 47 |
| Malibu | 10,298 | $2,000,000+ | 33 min | A+ | 424 | 60 |
| Lake Forest | 87,159 | $876,300 | 25 min | A | 847 | 113 |
| Tustin | 78,863 | $890,600 | 24 min | A | 1,755 | 177 |
| Redlands | 74,279 | $583,000 | 25 min | A | 2,096 | 266 |
| Moorpark | 35,621 | $852,800 | 29 min | A | 241 | 26 |
| Glendale | 187,823 | $1,043,900 | 27 min | A | 4,187 | 422 |
| Burbank | 103,533 | $1,041,100 | 26 min | A | 3,300 | 377 |
| Huntington Beach | 193,151 | $1,047,300 | 29 min | A | 3,948 | 416 |
| Alhambra | 80,279 | $812,700 | 31 min | A | 2,010 | 195 |
| Santa Clarita | 229,159 | $721,000 | 35 min | A | 2,690 | 389 |
| Hermosa Beach | 18,687 | $2,00,000+ | 29 min | A+ | 539 | 53 |
| Murrieta | 112,539 | $606,900 | 37 min | A | 1,412 | 191 |
| Temecula | 112,431 | $640,400 | 36 min | A | 2,368 | 189 |
| Costa Mesa | 109,131 | $1,054,700 | 22 min | A- | 3,792 | 344 |
| Buenaventura City (Ventura) | 109,831 | $778,700 | 24 min | B+ | 2,338 | 475 |
| Simi Valley | 125,778 | $753,500 | 29 min | A | 1,201 | 150 |
| Garden Grove | 172,361 | $765,500 | 29 min | A | 2.430 | 309 |
| Westminster | 89,537 | $820,000 | 28 min | A- | 2,464 | 382 |
| Fullerton | 140,054 | $859,600 | 30 min | A | 3,039 | 528 |
| Downey | 109,368 | $728,500 | 31 min | A- | 3,126 | 475 |
| Upland | 79,684 | $688,800 | 31 min | A- | 1,630 | 283 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 176,675 | $694,400 | 32 min | A | 3,854 | 290 |
| Corona | 161,540 | $656,500 | 35 min | A- | 3,469 | 366 |
| Chino Hills | 77,418 | $830,000 | 36 min | A | 1,079 | 77 |
| Carpinteria | 12,876 | $965,200 | 23 min | B+ | 192 | 21 |
| Ojai | 7,563 | $947,000 | 27 min | B+ | 67 | 9 |
| Camarillo | 69,881 | $766,100 | 23 min | B+ | 893 | 57 |
| Pasadena | 137,195 | $1,045,000 | 27 min | A- | 3,466 | 699 |
| Lakewood | 78,494 | $774,100 | 29 min | B | 1,735 | 274 |
| Monterey Park | 57,966 | $818,300 | 29 min | A- | 1,330 | 191 |
| Long Beach | 459,901 | $762,200 | 30 min | B | 13,439 | 2,782 |
| Riverside | 323,757 | $542,100 | 32 min | B+ | 10,960 | 1,762 |
| Buena Park | 82,611 | $771,900 | 29 min | A- | 2,338 | 232 |
| West Covina | 106,920 | $712,300 | 34 min | A- | 2,442 | 357 |
| Lomita | 19,841 | $792,100 | 33 min | B | 335 | 82 |
| Orange | 137,941 | $900,700 | 26 min | B- | 2,478 | 160 |
| Anaheim | 344,561 | 4$771,700 | 28 min | B+ | 8,465 | 2,260 |
| Bellflower | 75,716 | $661,100 | 30 min | B+ | 1,641 | 452 |
| West Hollywood | 34,371 | $969,900 | 28 min | B | 2,133 | 311 |
| Chino | 102,911 | $641,500 | 17 min | B+ | 2,566 | 318 |
| Indio | 94,275 | $424,700 | 23 min | B+ | 1,683 | 376 |
| Lawndale | 30,160 | $726,000 | 25 min | B+ | 644 | 187 |
| Santa Ana | 316,184 | $657,800 | 25 min | B | 6,186 | 1,711 |
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
Best Suburbs Surrounding San Francisco Bay Area of California
Your Complete San Francisco, CA Relocation Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving to Bakersfield, CA
Best Suburbs Surrounding Santa Barbara, California
The Best Suburbs in Bakersfield, CA
Your complete guide to moving to Santa Barbara, CA
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Top Master Planned Communities near Sacramento
Top Master Planned Communities near Riverside, California
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.