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20 Best Places to Live in Los Angeles

La Canada Flintridge

As the second-largest city in the United States, Los Angeles is a diverse city that offers different living experiences depending on which of the many neighborhoods you are living. Which are the best areas to live is a matter of personal opinion, as it depends on the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy and which factors are important to you when deciding where to live. The common factors that people consider when choosing where to live include crime rates, public school, employment opportunities, outdoor spaces, house prices, the cost of living, and the amenities in the area. Taking these factors into consideration, the following are the 20 best places to live in Los Angeles in 2019.

20. North Tustin

North Tustin is an area in Orange County that has a population of around 26 thousand. The main demographic attracted to this area is retirees, although the community is diverse. The reason why more retirees live in this area than any other group is possibly due to their disposable income as the house prices and cost of living are both high. It is also good for families with great schools and lots of family activities. There are good transport links and employment opportunities are great in this area.

19. Ladera Ranch

Ladera Ranch in Orange County is an area that many people should consider, although it is particularly well-suited to families. This is because there are highly rated schools in the area, some beautiful outdoor spaces, and lots of family-oriented activities. There are exceptionally low crime rates, so it is a safe place to raise children. Other good features of the area include job opportunities, diversity, nightlife, outdoor activities, and health and fitness facilities.

18. Rancho Palos Verdes

Many of the 43 thousand residents of this area describe it as being a beautiful place to live and it has a diverse community. The area has outstanding public schools and plenty of activities that are perfect for family life. However, it is not only families that want to live in this area as it has many great features. It is a safe place with low crime rates, good nightlife, and plenty of leisure activities. The downsides are the poor transport links, the high house prices, and the cost of living.

17. Rossmoor

A smaller suburb of Los Angeles, Rossmoor has a population of under 11 thousand. It is described as having a sparse suburban feel, although there are plenty of activities and amenities in the area for the pleasure and convenience of the area’s residents. Crime rates are virtually non-existent in this area, so it is a very safe place to live. Some of the best features of Rossmoor include great schools, ideal for family life, excellent outdoor activities, reasonable job opportunities, decent transport links, and the area’s diversity.

16. Arcadia

Young professionals are attracted to Arcadia, and this is probably because the area is known for its bars, restaurants, nightlife, and health and fitness facilities. These are all factors that tend to attract that demographic. There are also a reasonable number of job opportunities and the transport links are good. This diverse area will also suit family life as the schools are excellent and there are some lovely outdoor spaces for families to enjoy.

15. Seal Beach

Niche describes Seal Beach as being a quiet suburb of Los Angeles with a population under 25 thousand. Its attractive setting and the mix of suburban and urban life are what makes this suburb one of the best places to live in Los Angeles. It scores highly in many sectors, such as public schools, family life, nightlife, diversity, and outdoor activities It is worth noting that the house prices in this area are significantly lower than in many of the other good areas of Los Angeles. However, the cost of living is still high. There are job opportunities and good transport links in this area.

14. Aliso Viejo

Aliso Viejo is a suburb of Irvine in Orange County that has a population of around 50 thousand. Some parts of this area have a busy urban feel, while other parts have a quieter suburban vibe. The range of benefits of living in this area lead to many people believing that this is one of the best areas to live in Los Angeles. The areas in which it is considered excellent are the public schools, the nightlife, diversity, health and fitness facilities, and outdoor activities. It ranks reasonably well in terms of job opportunities, commuting, and crime rates.

13. Newport Beach

Suited to people who want to live as close to the beach as possible, Newport Beach has a population of around 87 thousand people and the vibe is a mix of suburban and urban. The demographics in this area is diverse, as it attracts families, young professionals, and retirees alike. This is because the area has features that will appeal to each of these groups of people. The surroundings are pleasant, there are lots of amenities, and the crime rates are relatively low. There are also good leisure options, work opportunities, and transport links.

12. Rolling Hills

Located in Los Angeles County, Rolling Hills is one of the smallest suburbs with fewer than two thousand residents. This means that it has a quiet rural feel that suits those who do not enjoy the urban buzz. The low population and rural feel mean that this area is one of the best in terms of safety and low crime rates. Families are attracted to the highly-rated public schools in this area and the excellent outdoor spaces. This area is also diverse and has reasonable employment opportunities. The downside to living in Rolling Hills is that the transport links are not great.

11. Palos Verdes Estates

There are 13 public schools in Palos Verdes Estates, with some of the best including Palos Verdes Peninsula High School and Point Vicente Elementary School. This means that families find this a desirable area in which to live as they want their children to attend the best schools possible. Crime rates are very low in Palos Verdes Estates compared to other areas of Los Angeles, and this is another huge draw. Many of the 14 thousand residents say that it is a beautiful area with pretty landmarks and stunning views. There are plenty of amenities and job opportunities are plentiful.

10. San Marino

In terms of safety and crime rates, San Marino is one of the better areas of Los Angeles to live as it scores relatively high in these areas. This is possibly because it is a quiet area with a rural feel and less than 14 thousand residents. As this is one of the more peaceful areas, it attracts retirees. It is also an excellent area for family life as there are family activities, nice outdoor spaces, and highly rated public schools.

9. Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach has around 68 thousand people living in the area, and some parts have a suburban feel while other areas feel more urban. Young professionals like living in this neighborhood because there are good job opportunities, commuting is easy, there are lots of restaurants, and the nightlife is good. Families also tend to choose this area because there are great schools and lots of activities that are suitable for families.

8. Beverly Hills

Beverley Hills has a lot going for it, which is why it is so popular with celebrities. It also attracts a lot of retirees and high earners. Thrillist says that it is a beautiful area to live with low crime rates. It offers residents a fantastic lifestyle as it is well-known as a great area to shop and it is also home to some of the best restaurants in California.

7. Culver City

This suburb in Los Angeles County has an urban feel and there are just under 40 thousand people living in the area. The range of things to do means that people can enjoy a good lifestyle if they choose this area There are health and fitness facilities, a vibrant nightlife, a range of restaurants and bars, and nice outdoor spaces This is a very diverse area that has low crime rates, so it is considered a safe place to live. Other good points about the area include the excellent schools, the good transport links, and the employment opportunities.

6. La Canada Flintridge

The highly-rated public schools are a big draw for families, as is the range of family activities in the area. However, this neighborhood is just as popular with retirees and young professionals. Employment opportunities, diversity, and commutability are all good in this area. Those who like eating out and meeting with friends in bars will find that there is an array of options for eating and drinking in the area. There is a population of just over 20 thousand residents and the area is quiet with a semi-rural feel.

5. South Pasadena

Both families and young professionals think that South Pasadena is a great place to live, although both demographics are more likely to rent in this area due to the high house prices. Some of the features of the area that attracts families are excellent public schools, the nice outdoor spaces, and the range of leisure activities there are for families. Young professionals opt to live in South Pasadena because there are plenty of job opportunities, commuting is easy, there is a vibrant nightlife, and the area is diverse. There are approximately 26 thousand people living in this neighborhood.

4. Hermosa Beach

With a population of just under 20,000, Hermosa Beach has some parts that have a suburban feel while other parts feel more urban. Due to the desirability of the area, the cost of living is high and so are the house prices. On the upside, the public schools are good, there are lots of outdoor activities, the area is diverse and both employment opportunities and commutability rank highly in this area.

3. Irvine

Like many areas of Los Angeles, the cost of living and house prices are high in Irvine. This is often the price that people must pay to live in the most desirable areas of a city. Despite these costs, there are plenty of other reasons to consider living in Irvine. For example, there are highly rated public schools, it is a nice area for families, crime rates are low, there are reasonable employment opportunities, transport links are good, it is a diverse area, and there are both outdoor activities and a vibrant nightlife for residents of Irvine to enjoy.

2. Manhattan Beach

Although Manhattan Beach is one of the pricier areas of LA to live, Business Insider says that it is money well spent. Renting and buying property is expensive, and the cost of living is high. However, it is worth the cost to live in an area that is one of the safest in the city and has excellent public schools. The coastal location and outstanding beach with lots of activities is also a draw. People who want a busy lifestyle are drawn to the area because there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and leisure activities in Manhattan Beach.

1. Santa Monica

According to Niche, the best area to live in Los Angeles in 2019 is Santa Monica, although there are some downsides. The astronomic house prices and high cost of living mean that most people who live in this area rent rather than buy a property. The high costs are balanced by the many features that make this a great place to live. With a population of around 93 thousand, this area has an urban feel with plenty of things for people to enjoy in their leisure time. Despite the urban feel, there are also some beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy. It is a good area for families as the public schools in the area are outstanding. Santa Monica also scores highly for job opportunities, transport links, and diversity.

Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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