Considering a move to the suburbs? If you're fed up with city chaos and daydreaming about a more chill, roomy place to call home, the suburbs might just be your thing.
We've compiled a comprehensive overview of the best suburbs in Los Angeles, drawing on our years of experience helping countless individuals and families move to their dream homes in the City of Angels.
Join us as we guide you through the diverse neighborhoods of LA, offering insights and recommendations to ensure you discover the perfect suburban oasis amid the glamour of Los Angeles.
The Appeal of LA's Suburbs: Why the Suburbs?
The city of Angels is renowned for its bustling city lifestyle, but many of our clients decided that the quieter suburbs were the most attractive option. There are a few reasons why the suburbs of LA are so popular:
● Space: One of the main advantages of suburban living is the abundance of space. Suburbs typically offer larger homes with bigger yards for the same money, compared to the limited space available in the central area. Though in LA this is not true of all suburban areas with many exclusive suburban neighborhoods commanding sky-high real estate prices. The extra space also means more green space and outdoor amenities such as biking and hiking trails are usually plentiful in the suburbs.
● Community: Suburban neighborhoods often have closer-knit communities where residents have more opportunities to interact with their neighbors. This greater sense of belonging can contribute to a higher quality of life.
● Reduced hustle: Living in the suburbs allows residents to experience a more laid-back lifestyle in a more relaxed and peaceful environment. Many suburban areas are much quieter and suffer less from the noise and congestion of LA traffic.
● Proximity to the vibrant LA Lifestyle: Suburbs can offer peace and tranquility while at the same time being within a reasonable distance of the vibrant heart of LA.
● Family-friendly: Many suburbs are family-focused and offer a range of desirable amenities such as parks, playgrounds, schools, medical facilities, and community centers.
Key Suburbs of Los Angeles to Consider
Los Angeles is a sprawling city in California with numerous suburbs that offer a range of unique lifestyles and amenities. Here's an overview of some key suburbs to consider:
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a popular beach town thanks to the beautiful Pacific beaches and lively community vibe. Local highlights include the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Santa Monica State Beach, and the Third Street Promenade.
Commute options are good and include the Metro Expo Line, several bus routes, plus bike-friendly streets for zero-carbon commuting. The average driving time to downtown LA is just 30-40 minutes.
According to many of our clients, Santa Monica is a great place for families due to its safe neighborhoods, great schools, and plenty of family-oriented amenities such as parks, playgrounds, and community centers. Outdoor activity options are fantastic too courtesy of the Santa Monica mountains. But there is also plenty of entertainment for adults after dark with a lively nightlife scene.
On the downside, the cost of living is much higher compared to downtown LA as this is one of the most sought-after locations in southern California. The prices for family homes are amongst the highest in California. Parking can be challenging at times in certain areas too.
Pasadena
Situated Northeast of downtown LA in Los Angeles County, Pasadena is a charming neighborhood with many cultural and architectural highlights such as the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena City Hall, Norton Simon Museum, Old Town Pasadena, and the Huntington Library.
This neighborhood is full of great shopping and dining options and is a safe place for families. Commuting options include the Metro Gold Line, plenty of connecting bus routes, and handy freeway access. Average driving time to downtown LA is 20-30 minutes outside of peak commuting times and parking is generally pretty good though there are some problem areas.
We have moved many clients to Pasadena as it is home to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and many tech and biotech firms. This means plenty of career opportunities in science, technology, and education. The cost of living in Pasadena is lower than downtown LA in some areas, but not by much, whereas in other areas it is slightly more expensive.
Burbank
Burbank is situated in the San Fernando Valley (aka the Valley), home to Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood.
There is a traditional farmers market which is popular and transport options are good with Metrolink and Amtrak train services, several bus routes connecting to Downtown LA and surrounding areas, plus easy freeway access.
Downtown is only 20 minutes away by car and the cost of living is comparable to downtown LA, perhaps slightly more expensive. But Burbank is a cheaper option for those thinking of moving to Hollywood as it's close but the cost of living is considerably cheaper.
Long Beach
Located south of downtown LA, Long Beach offers a more relaxed but still vibrant coastal lifestyle. Local highlights include the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and a bustling waterfront area.
Commuting options include the Los Angeles Metro (Blue Line) and the average driving time to downtown LA is around 30-40 minutes. Long Beach is generally cheaper in terms of rentals and real estate prices than downtown LA, with more affordable housing options available for first-time buyers and popular with families.
Glendale
Glendale is well known for its vibrant community and beautiful neighborhoods. Highlights of Glendale include Griffith Park, Brand Library and Art Center, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, and the Glendale Galleria.
Well served by transportation, the Los Angeles Metro operates several lines that connect Glendale to downtown LA and the local bus service also connects to the city and neighboring areas. If driving it takes around 20-30 minutes to downtown LA. The cost of living in Glendale is higher than in downtown LA thanks to its desirable location.
Making Your Move: Tips to plan your relocation to a Los Angeles suburb effectively
Create a Budget
Relocating can be costly, so it's important to create a tight budget when planning to move. Consider all expenses including hiring movers, other transportation costs, packing supplies, storage, and any additional fees.
Plan Ahead
If moving to Los Angeles, you need to start planning well in advance. Create a timeline, and hire a Los Angeles Moving Company in plenty of time with no rushing around at the last minute.
Pack Efficiently
Proper packing is crucial to an efficient and relatively stress-free move. If doing the packing yourself, make sure you use sturdy boxes and label them clearly. Consider using our professional packing services to ensure your belongings are packed safely and professionally.
Notify Important Parties
Don't forget to notify everyone about your move. Update your address with the post office, utility companies, banks and credit card companies, schools, and healthcare providers.
Which suburb offers the best schools near Los Angeles?
Feedback from previous clients suggests that Pasadena and Santa Monica are the two best LA suburbs for schools. Pasadena has highly regarded public schools consistently ranking among the top in the area. While the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is recognized for its high-quality education plus several top-rated private schools.
How do commute times vary among the different suburbs?
All the suburbs featured are less than an hour of commuting time to downtown LA by car even in bad traffic. Typical driving times:
● Burbank: 20 minutes
● Pasadena: 20-30 minutes
● Glendale: 20-30 minutes
● Long Beach: 30-40 minutes
● Santa Monica: 30-40 minutes
What's the average cost of living in these suburbs compared to downtown LA?
The only suburb featured where the typical cost of living is appreciably lower than downtown LA is Long Beach. This is because most LA suburbs are highly desirable. Glendale living costs are much the same as Downtown whereas Pasadena and Burbank are slightly higher. Santa Monica costs are much higher as this is an exclusive neighborhood.
Related article: How Much Money Should I Save Before Moving To LA?
Which suburb is ideal for young professionals vs. families?
Burbank and Pasadena are ideal suburbs for young professionals due to their proximity to major entertainment and tech industry hubs. For families, Long Beach is a great option being more affordable with a strong sense of community and good schools.
Ready to Move to LA?
If you are planning to move to the LA suburbs, get in touch for assistance with your relocation. We have moved thousands of clients safely and efficiently from across the USA to LA neighborhoods and have outstanding customer satisfaction ratings across all platforms, including an A+ rating from the respected Better Business Bureau.
About the author |
Nancy Zafrani | General Manager |
Nancy Zafrani is the experienced General Manager of Oz Moving & Storage, with 30 years in the industry and a lifetime of knowledge as a New Yorker. She helped grow the company from 3 employees to 200 with 50 trucks and locations across the US. Her experience and organizational skills have led to over 500.000 successful moves. She is proud to lead a company that provides the best possible moving experience
