Relocating to LA? How to Choose the Right Neighborhood for Your Family
If you’re considering relocating to LA, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is where exactly to live. With so many neighborhoods across LA, each different from the last, it can be difficult to figure this out, especially since a neighborhood that’s right for one may not be right for the other. That’s why choosing the right neighborhood for your family is important—one that fits your lifestyle, meets your needs and makes settling in seamless.
This guide is here to help. We’ll discuss the most important factors when picking your new neighborhood. We’ll also provide practical tips to help you make the right choice so you can move on to creating a pre-relocation checklist.
Why Relocating to LA?
Los Angeles is a lot more than just beaches and movie stars. It’s an enormous city home to around 4 million people across over 80 unique neighborhoods. Whether relocating from a nearby city or making a cross-country move from a place like Miami, planning is necessary. In truth, it’s smart to rely on experienced interstate movers to help make the transition as smooth as possible, especially when moving such a long distance. Professional interstate movers can handle the logistics and heavy lifting and ensure your belongings arrive safely, reducing the stress of moving from a city like Miami to Los Angeles. With their expertise, you can focus on settling into your new neighborhood rather than worrying about transportation and timing.
But why are so many families relocating to LA? Aside from the sunshine, there are some compelling reasons:
For starters, the LA Unified School District (LAUSD) is the second-largest school district in the U.S., serving over 600,000 students. That’s a lot of kids!
And while public schools vary by neighborhood, many highly rated options exist. In fact, according to GreatSchools.org, areas like Silver Lake, Westwood, Brentwood, and Pasadena have schools that score 8/10 or higher, which is great if quality education is high on your priority list.
Another major draw? Jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the city’s economy is massive, with a GDP of $1.1 trillion (yep, trillion with a T). That makes it the third-largest metropolitan economy in the world, so whatever industry you’re in, chances are there’s an opportunity waiting for you in the city of angels.
And let’s not forget the lifestyle. LA enjoys an average of 284 sunny days a year—no winter
blues here! Outdoor enthusiasts can hike in Griffith Park’s hills, hit Malibu’s beaches, or take the kids to a local park. Plus, there’s always something to do with family-friendly attractions like museums, zoos, and amusement parks, no matter your family’s interests.
So, why LA? It’s a city of opportunity, education, and sunshine. Not to mention, it’s a place where your family can thrive in both work and play.
Actionable tips to help you choose the right neighborhood for your family in LA
Now that you’ve got a sense of what LA offers, let’s dive into the specifics—how do you choose the right neighborhood for your family?
In the next sections, we’ll explore factors you should consider so you can narrow down your
options and find the perfect place to call home.
1. Consider school districts
If you’ve got school-aged kids, education is probably a top priority. Some LA neighborhoods are known for their highly-rated schools, while others might fall short. Areas like Westwood,
Beverly Hills, and La Cañada Flintridge are known for having top-notch schools, so if education is a deal-breaker, these neighborhoods might make your shortlist.
Either way, websites like theGreatSchools.org mentioned above can help you check ratings and reviews for both public and private schools.
2. Think about your commute
LA is famous—or maybe infamous—for its traffic. You don’t want to spend hours on the freeway, so consider how close your potential neighborhood is to work, school, and other places.
For example, Culver City or Sherman Oaks offer a good balance between proximity to business districts and family-friendly amenities. Nonetheless, you can use apps like Waze or Google Maps to test commute times during peak hours to get a real feel for the daily grind.
3. Think about safety
No one wants to compromise safety, especially when moving with a family. That said, make it a priority to research crime statistics for each neighborhood using resources like NeighborhoodScout or City-Data to understand how safe the area is. But if you want specific examples, some areas like Pacific Palisades, Palos Verdes Estates, and South Pasadena have lower crime rates and are known for their community-focused environments.
4. Factor in your budget
LA is known for its pricey real estate, meaning you must know the budget you can work with.
Venice and Santa Monica are examples of neighborhoods with steep price tags, but there are more affordable (and still awesome) options like Burbank and Northridge.
Don’t just look at home prices, though. Factor in:
● HOA fees
● Utility costs
You can also use tools like Compass.com or Trulia to understand the current housing market in different areas.
5. Explore the vibe of the neighborhood
Do you want a quiet, suburban feel with tree-lined streets? Or are you more drawn to the urban living that neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Echo Park can satisfy the need for? Spend a weekend exploring different areas—walk around, visit local parks, and check out nearby restaurants—to ensure the neighborhood matches your family’s lifestyle.
6. Check access to amenities
Think about what’s important for your family’s day-to-day. Is being close to parks, grocery stores, or medical facilities necessary? How about access to public transportation or proximity to cultural spots like museums or theaters? Make a list of amenities you can’t live without, and prioritize neighborhoods that give you easy access.
7. Examine future growth potential
LA is constantly evolving, and some neighborhoods are booming with development. If you’re looking to invest for the long term, consider areas that are up-and-coming but still relatively affordable. Places like Highland Park, Glassell Park, and Frogtown are seeing a surge in popularity and development, making them potential hotspots for future growth.
Your perfect LA neighborhood is within reach
As you are relocating to LA and trying to choose the right neighborhood for your family, know that the ultimate choice boils down to understanding your priorities, researching, and trusting your instincts. The good news is that LA neighborhoods offer a bit of everything—so there’s bound to be a spot that aligns perfectly with your family’s needs but also makes Los Angeles feel like home.