Suburban Cities With Easy Commutes to Los Angeles

We all know that traffic can sometimes be extremely annoying, and Los Angeles is notorious for this. Although its commute is not the longest one, it certainly can be pretty stressful. If you happen to be one of those people who find this city’s traffic incredibly tiring, you may want to consider moving to one of the suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles. Today, we are going to list some of these so you can have an easier time choosing a new place to live. Let us also mention that if you are planning your move, you have to do your research and hire reliable movers Los Angeles locals rely on to help you relocate.

Why choosing between suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles is important

You may wonder if searching for your perfect suburban city around Los Angeles is even worth it. The relocation process is already complex enough, and now you also have this to consider. However, let us explain why making informed decisions about a place to move to is so important and why moving to a less crowded area is well worth the hassle.

  • You get everywhere faster.
  • You do not have to constantly worry about being late for your job.
  • There’s more time on the table that you can use to spend with friends and family.
  • Easy commutes are more relaxing (this is especially important after your move).

As you can see, these are a few important reasons to do proper research when choosing your suburban city close to LA. Remember that you have to give yourself time to inform yourself of everything properly. So, make sure you start doing this on time.

A man researching suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles.
Do your research when choosing suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles.

Suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles to consider

Without further ado, these are the best suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles:

  1. Alhambra
  2. Burbank
  3. Covina
  4. Glednalde
  5. San Marino
  6. Monterey Park
  7. Santa Monica
  8. Pasadena

Alhambra is a great choice for those who want to live near LA

This suburban city is located just 10 miles from Downtown LA. The good thing about this area is that an average car trip to Los Angeles is only around 30 minutes. What’s more, Alhambra has easy access to LA’s metro system. It is going both to and from downtown. When talking about Alhambra in general, you will have a lot of great career opportunities, especially if you are a teacher due to its large school district. Numerous different restaurants and shopping centers are also available.

However, potential residents should weigh the higher cost of living against these benefits. Alhambra’s dynamic real estate market, with a significant increase in homes listed for sale, reflects its desirability and vibrant community life. The Alhambra housing market has homes like a recent sale at $1,731,888 for a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath property. Prices vary widely, with smaller homes like a 2-bedroom selling for $645,000. The market is competitive, with properties often selling above the list price, reflecting Alhambra’s appeal as a residential area close to Los Angeles​. However, if the real estate prices are worth the money so that you move here, hire the best moving company Alhambra CA offers and move like a pro.

a couple searching the net
Consider all factors before choosing the best suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles

Burbank is one of the best Suburban Cities With Easy Commutes To Los Angeles

Burbank is located around 12 miles from LA. Although it is not the closest suburban city, getting to it from Los Angeles and vice versa is relatively simple. It is a straight trip down the Interstate 5 freeway. So, lengthy commutes are avoidable, but you do have to take into consideration the fact that this freeway can get slightly busy sometimes. Burbank is known for its movie studios and business districts. In fact, it’s regarded as the Media Capital of the World! If this is something that you are looking for alongside many other career opportunities, then Burbank is right for you.

However, the cost of living in Burbank is notably higher than in Los Angeles, with Burbank housing costs being 21.6% more expensive. Despite this, Burbank offers a shorter average commute time than Los Angeles, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in a suburban setting with convenient access to urban amenities.

Covina

This city is located around 22 miles east of Downtown LA. The traffic to LA can be bothersome. However, you can adjust your time and take the highways when there is less traffic. Covina has great diversity and nightlife and is overall good for families. If you are looking to relocate here, be sure to contact professional movers in Covina CA, to help you out.

A freeway.
Freeways make it easy to commute, and Glendale has a perfect one.

Glendale is a great option

Glendale is a city on its own. It has excellent career opportunities as well as a large community. It is located just 10 miles from LA. The city lies between two valleys and is frequently visited by movers in Glendale CA, due to many relocations locals book. Some advantages that make it a desirable place to live include numerous shopping malls, around 50 parks, and, of course, several different options for public transportation. Glendale has a good and easy commute to Los Angeles, thanks to the California State Route 2 highway and Interstate 5. The great thing is that the cost of living in Glendale, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, is very similar, with no significant difference in disposable income for individuals moving between these two cities. This means that the expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other essentials are nearly the same in both locations. The median home cost is a notable factor, being 12.8% cheaper in Los Angeles compared to Glendale. This suggests that while the overall cost of living is closely matched, those looking to purchase a home might find Los Angeles slightly more affordable​​​​​.

San Marino is also a great choice due to the similar cost of living

San Marino is a residential city in LA. County. This city sits just 12 miles from Downtown LA. and is north of Alhambra. It is a top-rated site for filming studios. It also has many amenities to look forward to. The most important thing for this list, however, is its commute. Both the California State Route 110 and Interstate 10 are accessible from the city.

Comparing the cost of living between San Marino and Los Angeles shows no overall difference in expense. However, housing costs in Los Angeles are significantly lower, being 64.3% less expensive than in San Marino. Conversely, health-related expenses in Los Angeles are slightly higher by 3.8%. San Marino’s median home cost is notably higher at $2,232,300 compared to Los Angeles’ $912,500, reflecting San Marino’s more exclusive housing market​​. If you want to relocate here, you can rely on movers San Marino CA newcomers have already relied upon that have experience in local relocations.

a couple looking at a map searching for the Suburban Cities With Easy Commutes to Los Angeles
San Marino may be a good choice.

Monterey Park is one of the best Suburban Cities With Easy Commutes To Los Angeles

Monterey Park is a city situated in the San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles. It is conveniently located only 8 miles away from the downtown area of LA. and is easily accessible via the Interstate 10 freeway. The city has a rich history and has seen significant growth over the years. In the 1970s, middle-class ethnic Asian Americans and Asian immigrants began settling in the west San Gabriel Valley, primarily in Monterey Park. The city has seen many new subdivisions developed over the years, maximizing its growth potential. Additionally, Monterey Park has a range of educational institutions, including public schools under the Alhambra Unified School District, such as Brightwood School and Monterey Highlands School.

Consider Santa Monica

Santa Monica offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with convenient access to downtown Los Angeles. Located about 30 minutes by car from LA’s city center, Santa Monica also connects to the Metro Expo Line, making it easier for commuters to reach downtown without dealing with freeway traffic. Known for its scenic beaches, Santa Monica has a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, appealing to a wide range of residents. Its neighborhoods provide a mix of options, from apartments to upscale homes, catering to professionals, families, and retirees alike. Overall, Santa Monica is a solid choice for anyone looking to live close to LA while enjoying a beachside atmosphere. So, if you want to be a part of this community and still be close to LA, hire movers from Santa Monica and organize your move.

Pasadena is one of the best Suburban Cities With Easy Commutes to Los Angeles

The distance between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles is about 10 miles, which typically translates to a 20-30 minute drive under normal traffic conditions. Pasadena is highly attractive for those commuting to Los Angeles, combining rich cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a manageable commute. Located just northeast of downtown LA, Pasadena is connected by several major freeways—such as the 110, 210, and 134—offering flexible routes for reaching different parts of the city. This connectivity allows residents to commute quickly while enjoying the slower pace of suburban life. So, seize the opportunity to be near LA but enjoy hassle-fre lifestyle and hire Pasadena movers to handle your move.

Pasadena - one of the Suburban Cities With Easy Commutes to Los Angeles
Pasadena is always a good option

What is the best city?

Suburban cities near Los Angeles offer varied lifestyles and easy commutes for those seeking proximity to LA. Alhambra, just 10 miles away, provides good job opportunities, a large school district, and convenient Metro access, though housing is pricey. Burbank, 12 miles from LA, offers a short commute and job prospects in media but has higher living costs. Glendale, also 10 miles away, has numerous parks, shopping, and similar living costs to LA, though housing is slightly pricier. San Marino, a quieter city, offers upscale living but comes with significantly higher home prices. Monterey Park, 8 miles from LA, has a rich history and diverse amenities. Santa Monica provides a coastal lifestyle and Metro access, while Pasadena, 10 miles away, combines cultural attractions with a smooth commute.

Best city? Each city has strengths; Burbank suits media professionals, while Glendale, Alhambra, and Pasadena offer balanced commutes, amenities, and housing options.

How to decide where to move?

Consider the following factors:

  • Commute Time & Ease: How far is it from LA, and what public transit or freeway options are available?
  • Cost of Living: Compare housing costs, property taxes, and general living expenses.
  • Career Opportunities: Consider proximity to relevant job markets or industries (e.g., media in Burbank).
  • Community & Lifestyle: Look for neighborhoods with the atmosphere you want, whether family-friendly, vibrant nightlife, or relaxed beach vibes.
  • Amenities: Check for shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and recreational facilities.
  • School Quality: For families, look at the quality of local schools and district reputation.
  • Real Estate Market: Evaluate home values, competition in the market, and future investment potential.
  • Safety & Cleanliness: Review crime rates and neighborhood upkeep.
  • Outdoor Access: Consider proximity to parks, beaches, and outdoor activities.
  • Cultural Fit: Think about the community’s diversity, cultural offerings, and pace of life
Professional movers.
Hire professional, reliable, and experienced movers to help you relocate.

Ready to move? Hire professional movers to help you out

So, we have listed some of the best suburban cities with easy commutes to Los Angeles. However, the job is not done here. You still have to organize and plan your relocation. We have mentioned already that this is not an easy process and requires a lot of research. With all the moving-related tasks you need to complete, you may feel emotionally and physically drained after the relocation. To avoid this, we strongly recommend hiring professional movers to help you relocate to any area around Los Angeles you set your mind to making your home! Therefore, contact us and move without any stress.

 

References:

Alhambra Housing Market: House Prices & Trends | Redfin. (n.d.). Www.redfin.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024, from https://www.redfin.com/city/208/CA/Alhambra/housing-market

2024 Compare Cities Overview: Los Angeles, CA vs Burbank, CA. (n.d.). BestPlaces. Retrieved February 11, 2024, from https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/los_angeles_ca/burbank_ca/overview

Salary.com, S. built by: (n.d.). Cost of Living Comparison between Glendale, CA and Los Angeles, CA. Salary.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/compare/glendale-ca/los-angeles-ca

2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living: San Marino, CA vs Los Angeles, CA. (n.d.). BestPlaces. Retrieved February 11, 2024, from https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/san_marino_ca/los_angeles_ca/costofliving