Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis, filled and surrounded by diverse neighborhoods and suburbs, each with its own unique character and charm. If you’re considering a move to the LA area in 2024, you’ll want to explore some of the best cities nearby that offer a high quality of life and great amenities and are close enough to the City of Angels that you can access all that it has to offer.
The best cities near Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
- Pasadena
- Burbank
- Irvine
- Newport Beach
- Arcadia
- Torrance
- Fountain Valley
- Redondo Beach
- El Segundo
1. Santa Monica
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 15.9 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 29 min
- Population: 89,947 (2022)
- Median household income: $107,926
- Median rent: $4,200, up 115% higher than the national average, as of the July 2024
- Best for: Beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a vibrant, walkable community
- Attractions: Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica State Beach
Why Santa Monica is a great place to live
Santa Monica sits directly on the coastline and borders multiple neighborhoods of LA so closely that you’d think it was part of Los Angeles itself. However, it’s a separate municipality in Los Angeles County that offers residents a perfect blend of beach living and urban amenities. With its iconic Santa Monica Pier, bustling Third Street Promenade, and miles of sandy Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica is a haven for those who love the outdoors and appreciate a laid-back lifestyle. The city also boasts excellent public schools, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of dining and shopping options.
2. Pasadena
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 10.5 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 23 min
- Population: 134,211
- Median household income: $142,697
- Median rent: $2,630, +35% higher than the national average, according to July 2024 rental data
- Best for: Architecture buffs, college students, and those who enjoy a slower pace of life
- Attractions: Old Pasadena, the Rose Bowl, Norton Simon Museum
Why Pasadena is a great place to live
Pasadena, located just northeast of Los Angeles, is known for its stunning architecture, tree-lined streets, and world-famous Rose Parade. The city has an intellectual energy; it’s home to several prestigious colleges and universities, including Caltech and Art Center College of Design. Pasadena also offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Norton Simon Museum and the Pasadena Playhouse, as well as excellent shopping and dining options in Old Pasadena.
3. Burbank
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 11.5 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 26 min
- Population: 103,920
- Median household income: $126,868
- Median rent: $2,805, +44% higher than the national average
- Best for: Entertainment industry professionals, families, and those who want easy access to LA without the hustle and bustle
- Attractions: Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Griffith Park, Magnolia Park
Why Burbank is a great place to live
Burbank, just next to LA in the San Fernando Valley, is known for its strong ties to the entertainment industry. Many major studios, including Warner Bros., Disney, and Nickelodeon, have their headquarters in Burbank, making it an ideal location for those working in film, television, and media. The city also offers a variety of parks and recreational activities, excellent public schools, and a diverse selection of restaurants and shops.
4. Irvine
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 43.0 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 1 hr 13 min
- Population: 313,685
- Median household income: $114,027
- Median rent: $3,785, +94% higher than the national average (as of July)
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a safe, well-planned community
- Attractions: Irvine Spectrum Center, Orange County Great Park, Irvine Regional Park
Why Irvine is a great place to live
Irvine is a master-planned city in Orange County, consistently ranked as one of the safest and most livable cities in the United States. The city is known for its excellent public schools, beautiful parks and open spaces, and thriving business community. Irvine is also home to the University of California, Irvine, which contributes to the city’s diverse and educated population. With its convenient location near beaches, mountains, and major attractions, Irvine offers opportunities for entertainment and recreation and is a great option for those renters looking for a high quality of life.
5. Newport Beach
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 43.8 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 1 hr 23 min
- Population: 83,993 (2022)
- Median household income: $153,990 (2021)
- Median rent: $6,495, +233% higher than the national average, as of July 2024
- Best for: Beach enthusiasts, boating and water sports lovers, and those seeking a luxurious coastal lifestyle
- Attractions: Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, Fashion Island
Why Newport Beach is a great place to live
When you think of Southern California, something akin to Newport Beach might come to mind. Sitting right on the coast in Orange County, residents benefit from its stunning beaches, upscale shopping and dining, and luxurious lifestyle. The city is home to Newport Harbor, which offers a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. Newport Beach also boasts excellent public schools, a thriving arts and culture scene, and various beautiful parks and open spaces. With its perfect weather and breathtaking ocean views, Newport Beach is a dream destination for those seeking a sophisticated, sun-soaked lifestyle.
6. Arcadia
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 17.4 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 36 min
- Population: 54,857
- Median household income: $151,787
- Median rent: $3,345, which is +72% higher than the national average, according to July 2024 rental data
- Best for: Families, nature lovers, and those who appreciate a strong sense of community
- Attractions: Santa Anita Park, Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Westfield Santa Anita
Why Arcadia is a great place to live
Arcadia is a charming suburban city in the San Gabriel Valley with great public schools, parks and open spaces, and a strong sense of community. The city is home to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, a 127-acre historic site that puts on programs and events throughout the year. Arcadia is also known for its dining and shopping scene, diverse population, and thriving Asian-American community. With its convenient location near major freeways and public transportation, Arcadia offers residents easy access to all that Los Angeles has to offer while providing a peaceful, family-friendly environment.
7. Torrance
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 20.2 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 51 min
- Population: 141,126 (2022)
- Median household income: $140,133
- Median rent: $3,097, +59% higher than the national average
- Best for: Families, beach lovers, and those who appreciate a diverse and welcoming community
- Attractions: Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance Beach, Madrona Marsh Preserve
Why Torrance is a great place to live
Head to the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, and you’ll find Torrance: a lovely enclave with excellent public schools, beautiful beaches, and a thriving business community. The city has several major employers, including Honda, Toyota, and ExxonMobil, contributing to its strong and stable economy. Torrance is great for people who love being out and about—you can find opportunities for hiking and biking, golf, and cultural attractions like the Torrance Art Museum. With its diverse population and welcoming community, Torrance is an ideal location for families and individuals seeking a high quality of life in a convenient and accessible location.
8. Fountain Valley
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 34.8 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 1 hr 3 min
- Population: 55,930
- Median household income: $100,271
- Median rent: $2,695, +38% higher than the national average (as of July)
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a quiet, suburban lifestyle
- Attractions: Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park, Boomers! Fountain Valley
Why Fountain Valley is a great place to live
Fountain Valley, located in the heart of Orange County, has everything to offer renters looking for a little more peace than they might find in LA. Mile Square Regional Park is a sprawling 640-acre park in town where residents can golf, play tennis, and fish. Fountain Valley is also a great spot for easy access to shops, with Fountain Valley Shopping Center and the Fountain Valley Plaza. It’s conveniently located near major freeways and attractions like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, making this a great spot for those who want easy access to all that Orange County has to offer.
9. Redondo Beach
- Distance from Downtown Los Angeles: 19.4 miles
- Driving Time to Los Angeles: 56 min
- Population: 68,918 (2022)
- Median Household Income: $177,901
- Median Rent: $3,995, +105% higher than the national average
- Best for: Beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a laid-back coastal lifestyle
- Attractions: Redondo Beach Pier, Seaside Lagoon, South Bay Galleria
Why Redondo Beach is a great place to live
You’ve probably heard of Redondo Beach. It’s got picturesque California beaches and the popular Redondo Beach Pier, a destination for fishing, dining, and entertainment, as well as the Seaside Lagoon, a saltwater lagoon that offers swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities during the summer months. Redondo Beach also boasts a variety of parks and open spaces with hiking and biking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. If you want perfect weather, a friendly community, and a convenient location near major employers and attractions, Redondo Beach is an ideal destination—especially if proximity to gorgeous beaches is high on your list of wants.
10. El Segundo
- Distance from downtown Los Angeles: 19.4 miles
- Driving time to Los Angeles: 44 min
- Population: 16,622 (2022)
- Median household income: $136,933 (2021 data)
- Median rent: $2,985, according to July 2024 rental data
- Best for: Aerospace and tech professionals, families, and those who appreciate a small-town feel with big-city amenities
- Attractions: Dockweiler State Beach, The Point, Automobile Driving Museum
Why El Segundo is a great place to live
El Segundo is a charming coastal city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, and home to aerospace and tech industries, and good schools. The city has several major employers, including Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Raytheon, making it a great place for those who want to live somewhere with a strong and stable economy.
El Segundo also offers easy access to Dockweiler State Beach and numerous parks and sports facilities. With its small-town charm, convenient location, and robust job market, El Segundo is an ideal place for families and professionals alike.
Ultimately, whether you’re seeking a beachside retreat, a vibrant urban community, or a quiet suburban haven, these top 10 cities near Los Angeles offer a diverse array of living options to suit every lifestyle in 2024.
Related content
