“The City of Angels,” Los Angeles, CA, is a stellar city with beautiful weather, world-renowned museums, innovative cuisines, top sports teams, and much more. Home to over 4 million people, living in Los Angeles is a truly unique experience whether you grew up in Southern California or recently moved to the West Coast.
Even with everything Los Angeles has to offer, not everyone will like the city. And while people may flock to Los Angeles, the city’s hustle and bustle may detract others. If that’s you, we can help you find the right city near Los Angeles to move to instead.
The following 9 cities near Los Angeles each have their own features and charm that may draw you away from city life.
#1: Bellflower, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 21
Population: 76,500
Median home sale price: $679,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,005
Walk Score: 66
Transit Score: 60
Bellflower is only a 20-mile drive from Los Angeles, meaning that you can quickly check out everything LA is known for. The city is known for its central location and proximity to popular attractions, including Universal Studios and Disneyland. The city also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Liberty Day Parade and Summer Streetfest.
If you’re moving to Bellflower, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of places to visit that will suit your interests. One of the museums in the area includes the Los Angeles County Fire Museum, or you can check out the Hollywood Sports theme park. You’ll also find many parks in Bellflower, such as Ruth R. Caruthers Park, Simms Park, and Riverview Park.
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Apartments for rent in Bellflower, CA
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#2: Fullerton, CA
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Miles from Los Angeles: 26
Population: 141,000
Median home sale price: $862,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,361
Walk Score: 54
Bike Score: 31
Transit Score: 47
Fullerton, another one of the great cities near Los Angeles, is located in nearby Orange County. The city is home to a number of businesses and industries, including aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing.
Some popular things to do in Fullerton include visiting the Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton Museum Center, and attending a concert or show at the Fox Fullerton Theatre. Some top restaurants in Fullerton include the Packing House, the Matador Cantina, the Aloha Café, and the Bootlegger’s Brewery.
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#3: Glendora, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 27
Population: 51,000
Median home sale price: $882,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,250
Walk Score: 47
Bike Score: 32
Transit Score: 42
Known as the “Pride of the Foothills,” Glendora is a fantastic city located along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in San Gabriel Valley.
There are plenty of things to do in Glendora. For starters, you can check out Glendora Village, which is full of shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can also explore the Glendora Mountain Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Glendora is home to some parks, including the beautiful Big Dalton Wilderness Area.
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#4: Irvine, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 40
Population: 273,000
Median home sale price: $1,380,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,912
Walk Score: 43
Bike Score: 26
Transit Score: 69
Irvine is located in Orange County and is home to UC Irvine. It’s a great city to consider moving to if you’re looking for life outside of Los Angeles but want to remain near the city.
There are many things to do in Irvine, including visiting the University of California, Irvine campus, enjoying the outdoors at William R Mason Regional Park, or exploring the Irvine Spectrum Center. Home to Harvard Community Park, Bill Barber Community Park, and Great Park, there are a lot of green spaces where you can spend a relaxing evening. For a quick taste of the town, stop by Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, A & J Restaurant, or Houston’s Restaurant.
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#5: Long Beach, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 24
Population: 462,000
Median home sale price: $8,000,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,797
Walk Score: 73
Bike Score: 49
Transit Score: 70
Long Beach is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, meaning you’ll find plenty of beaches and oceanfront views.
There are plenty of things to do in Long Beach, including visiting The Queen Mary, going to the Long Beach Museum of Art, taking a walk or bike ride along the boardwalk, visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific, and much more.
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#6: Montebello, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 10
Population: 63,000
Median home sale price: $730,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,100
Walk Score: 66
Transit Score: 53
Montebello is a small city with a big heart, another one of the awesome cities near Los Angeles. It’s located just east of Los Angeles and about 10 miles away.
There are many places to visit in Montebello, that will be a hit for anyone moving to the area. Some landmarks in Montebello include the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe and the Montebello Performing Arts Center. In addition, there are plenty of green spaces to be found throughout Montebello. For example, you can enjoy a picnic or stroll through many parks, like Grant Rea Park, Acuna Park, and Rodriguez Park.
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#7: Orange, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 31
Population: 139,500
Median home sale price: $950,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,940
Walk Score: 51
Bike Score: 32
Transit Score: 53
Orange is a vibrant city located in none other than Orange County. The city is known for its beautiful weather and diverse landscape and is a great place to live, work, and play.
There are many things for residents to do when living in Orange. Examples include going to the Orange County Zoo, visiting the Hilbert Museum of California Art, or going on a hike at Santiago Oaks Regional Park. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, some of the top restaurants in Orange are The Crooked Duck, The Quiet Woman, and The Ranch Restaurant.
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Apartments for rent in Orange, CA
#8: Redondo Beach, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 22
Population: 67,000
Median home sale price: $1,511,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,695
Walk Score: 75
Transit Score: 64
Redondo Beach is a coastal city located south of Los Angeles. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing conditions, and lively pier area. Redondo Beach is also home to several small businesses and restaurants.
If you decide to move to Redondo Beach, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Pay a visit to the Redondo Beach Pier and take in the stunning views. King Harbor is also worth a look, especially if you’re interested in fishing boats. If you’re feeling active, take a stroll along the boardwalk or play some volleyball on the beach. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the coastline at your own pace. Of course, you can always just soak up the sun on the sand.
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#9: Santa Ana, CA
Miles from Los Angeles: 32
Population: 333,000
Median home sale price: $694,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,493
Walk Score: 67
Bike Score: 43
Transit Score: 62
Santa Ana is located in between Orange and Irvine, making it another ideal city near Los Angeles to consider living in. The city is adjacent to the Santa Ana Mountains, and you can find the Santa Ana River flowing through the city.
If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Ana, you won’t be disappointed. The Santa Ana Zoo is great to explore and see all the animals. For those looking for a more educational experience, the Discovery Cube Orange County and the Bowers Museum are great options. And for those who just want to relax and enjoy the outdoors, the Santa Ana River Trail is a perfect choice.
Homes for sale in Santa Ana, CA
Apartments for rent in Santa Ana, CA
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Los Angeles. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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