Commute is an integral part of everyday life in the USA. Did you know Americans waste around 54 hours each year stuck in traffic? That’s a lot of missed family dinners and Netflix episodes. Verified Movers is here to help you reclaim that time. One smart move you can make is picking the right place to live. Especially if you’re working in LA, choosing from the best commuter towns to Los Angeles can be a game-changer for your daily routine.
The Appeal of Working in Los Angeles
Why is LA such a big deal? Aside from the sandy beaches and Hollywood glitz, it’s a city of opportunity. The tech sector, tourism and entertainment offer job openings that seem endless. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in LA is around $70,000, which isn’t too shabby. Yet, you don’t have to reside in the heart of LA to benefit from its perks.
But Los Angeles is a mixed bag of experiences. While it’s the land of opportunity, it also has its drawbacks. Traffic is a notorious issue; the city consistently ranks among the worst in the U.S. for congestion. Also, the cost of living can be sky-high, especially when it comes to housing and dining out. Air quality isn’t great either, due to pollution. But here’s the silver lining: living in commuter towns to Los Angeles can give you the best of both worlds. These nearby areas often have more affordable housing, less traffic, and cleaner air. You can still commute to the city and have fun with your new LA friends, but you get to escape the city’s downsides when you head home.
Top Commuter Towns to Los Angeles: A Quick Overview
Here are some awesome towns that offer a great lifestyle and are a hop, skip, and a jump away from LA.
- Thousand Oaks
- Orange
- Moorpark
- Claremont
- Garden Grove
- Glendale
- Burbank
- Placentia
- Westminster
- Lakewood
- Palmdale
- El Segundo
Choosing any of these towns can mean less time on the road and more time doing things you love. Whether you’re a beach bum, a hiker, or someone who enjoys a quiet evening at home, there’s something for everyone. And guess what? LA top movers can help make your relocation process a breeze.
So, let’s dig into the details about each town. Each town offers its own unique mix of affordability, community vibe, and proximity to the big city. For parents, great schools are often a deciding factor. Young professionals might care more about the local nightlife and weekend activities. And let’s not forget about safety; no one wants to live in a town with high crime rates. Whatever your priorities, one of these towns is bound to be your perfect match.
The goal here is to help you find a town that checks all your boxes, without making you dread the daily drive to LA. So, grab a cup of coffee and stick around. We’re diving into each town’s cost of living, housing options, and so much more. This is your chance to make your LA work-life balance a little more balanced, and a lot more fun!
Thousand Oaks is where suburban comfort meets convenience
Thousand Oaks is a community located about 40 miles from downtown LA. Getting a home here means you’re signing up for a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population stands at roughly 127,000. While the median home price is around $794,000, many consider it a fair trade for the amenities and great schools you get. So, if you’re thinking of making a move, California long distance moving companies can help you out. They’ve noted an uptick in folks relocating here, especially those seeking top-notch schools and low crime rates.
Orange is a historic gem minutes from LA
Orange offers a perfect balance of the old and the new. Just a 30-mile drive from LA, it’s famous for its preserved historic district. In Orange, the historic district is a true gem. If you take a walk there, you’ll find yourself surrounded by well-preserved homes dating back to the early 20th century, antique shops, and charming cafes. It’s a different world that lets you step back in time. There are also seasonal events like vintage car shows and open-air markets that make it a unique spot in the area. For those considering relocating to this place, you should reap the benefits of moving during spring and enjoy this move during this season.
Stats from these companies indicate the town’s increasing appeal to both families and young professionals. The population is around 140,000, and the median home price hovers at about $712,000. The cost might seem high, but you’re also paying for an incredibly safe environment and excellent public services.
Moorpark offers quiet living close to nature
Moorpark is one of the underrated commuter towns to Los Angeles. Situated 50 miles away from LA, it has a smaller population of nearly 36,000 people. But don’t let the size fool you; Moorpark offers a quiet life close to nature. According to AreaVibes, the town is pretty safe with a crime rate 52% lower than the national average. The median home cost here is about $684,000. For those keen on a more natural setting that can’t yet afford a home, professionals suggest renting, since the rent prices are somewhat affordable, at $2,200. In the end, even if you change your mind about this place after the relocation, it’s quite easy to conduct a local move in LA afterwards. The important thing is finally reaching the City of Angels.
Claremont is the intellectual hub
Claremont is a place that is a treat for the mind. Situated about 30 miles from downtown LA, it’s home to the Claremont Colleges and other educational institutions. According to U.S. Census data, around 36,000 people call Claremont home. The median home price is approximately $711,000. Known for its college-town vibe, the area also boasts high-rated public schools. If education is a priority for you, Claremont could be the place to be. Our partners, various long distance movers from the area, have observed that many academics and students are choosing this town for its intellectual environment, as one of the top reasons to move to this place nowadays.
Garden Grove is family-friendly and affordable
For families with children, it’s comforting to know that schools like Garden Grove High School and Pacifica High School have good reputations. The median home price in the area is $601,000, while rent sits at an affordable rate of $1,700 a month.
Garden Grove also has a lively cultural scene. One of the highlights is the annual Strawberry Festival held during Memorial Day weekend, which features a parade, contests, and plenty of strawberries. If you’re a fan of theater, the Festival Amphitheater hosts Shakespeare plays and other performances. As for the population, it’s diverse with a large Vietnamese community, giving the town a rich cultural feel. Health services are robust here, including the highly-rated Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center.
Burbank – The media capital close to LA
If you’re keen on Burbank, you’ll find more than just its media industry appealing. The city is a hub of creativity, offering cultural venues like the Starlight Bowl for outdoor concerts and the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra for classical music lovers. With the Burbank Town Center, shopping and dining options are plentiful. When it comes to education, Burbank Unified School District provides quality education, including standout schools like Burbank High School. Public transportation is top-notch; the Metrolink and several bus lines make getting around easy. For those concerned with safety, Burbank has a crime rate that’s lower than the national average, making it a secure choice for families. The high median home value of $837,000 suddenly seems like a good investment!
Placentia offers suburban living with a twist
Another great pick is Placentia. This town is around 33 miles from LA and has a population of 52,000. The median home price is $698,000. Even though the prices are steep, 63% of 52,000 residents own the homes they live in.
Placentia offers a suburban feel but with plenty of things to do. There are many parks, and according to the FBI’s crime data, it’s a safe place to live. The public schools are also highly rated, adding to the town’s appeal.
Glendale brings a balance of urban and suburban
Beautiful Glendale offers both city life and suburban comfort. Only 10 miles from LA, it has a population of over 200,000. With a median home price of $865,000, it’s a bit on the pricier side. However, you should at least visit this city to see the diverse entertainment options and shopping districts that it offers. Representatives of movers in the area report that people from different parts of California find the city accommodating. Plus, the public transportation here is quite good, making it one of the convenient commuter towns to Los Angeles.
Westminster is a family-centric spot
The average home price in this suburb is $651,000, which is lower than in many of the places we mentioned so far. But this city is more than just a safe space with attractive housing prices; it’s also a hub for various forms of entertainment. For instance, the Westminster Mall offers a range of shops and dining options. For those who appreciate the outdoors, Sigler Park provides a welcoming environment for picnics and playground fun. If you’re into cultural experiences, Little Saigon offers authentic Vietnamese food and shops. The city has a diverse population, with a significant Vietnamese community, adding to the cultural richness. This mix creates an inviting, community-oriented vibe where there’s always something to see or do. And once you relocate, you should enjoy the benefits of hiring a professional organizer while you enjoy your new home.
Lakewood can be your everyday oasis
If you plan on settling and buying a home in Lakewood, you should know that the average home price is $620,000 – well above the national average! But it’s worth noting that the city is home to some highly-rated schools like Lakewood High School and MacArthur Elementary School, making it an excellent spot for families with school-aged kids. When it comes to entertainment, the Lakewood Center Mall is a local favorite, offering everything from retail stores to a range of eateries. The city also boasts beautiful parks like the Del Valle Park, which hosts summer concerts and other community events. For water lovers, there’s the Lakewood Family YMCA, complete with an indoor pool. So, in Lakewood, not only do you get affordability and good schools, but you also have a range of fun activities for the whole family.
Palmdale will provide you with a different pace
Palmdale offers something a little different. Located 63 miles from downtown LA, it has a population of around 157,000. According to Niche, the median home price here is just about $332,000. That’s a steal compared to other commuter towns to Los Angeles. The area is also known for its aerospace industry, giving job opportunities a boost for those that want to commute within the suburb,
El Segundo is the beachy option
This coastal town offers a blend of small-town feel and upscale amenities, making it a dream location for those who love the ocean. But be aware of the steep housing prices – the average home here costs $1.2 million!
Seeing that it is only 18.5 miles away, you can experience the beach and the big city in one day! The beach stretches for several miles, offering tons of space for sunbathing, swimming, and even surfing. El Segundo also houses the Los Angeles Air Force Base, which adds a level of security to the area. Its school system is strong, featuring well-regarded schools like El Segundo High School. For dining, there’s a mix of casual beachfront cafes and high-end restaurants. The town has a business-friendly environment with companies like Boeing and Raytheon having significant presence, making job opportunities abundant. So, while it may be on the pricier side, El Segundo’s blend of career prospects, beachside living, and high-quality schools could make it the perfect spot for you.
Which One of the Commuter Towns to Los Angeles Will be Your Next Home?
The places we’ve discussed offer a range of options to fit varying needs and moving budgets. But even though you might read all the information there is online, it will still be nothing compared to the experiences that you will get once you move. Each person’s perspective on a place is different, so you will never know which one of the commuter towns to Los Angeles will fit you best until you try them. But no matter your pick, you’ll find something that fits your lifestyle near the City of Angels. Happy house hunting!