12 Most Affordable Places To Live Near LA
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Pomona
- Victorville
- Santa Clarita
- La Puente
- Cudahy
- Carson
- Norwalk
- Baldwin Park
- Lakeview Terrace
- Panorama City
Lancaster
Lancaster, nestled in the Antelope Valley, beckons with its high desert beauty and surprisingly low rents. Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,863, a fraction of LA's sky-high prices. Hike in Joshua Tree National Park, catch a concert at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center or explore the fascinating aerospace history at Edwards Air Force Base.
Palmdale
Lancaster's neighbor, Palmdale, shares its desert charm and affordability with the added bonus of a growing urban center. Find trendy restaurants and art galleries amidst family-friendly parks and community events.
Rents average around $1,884 for a 1-bedroom, making it a steal compared to LA's coastal enclaves. Explore nearby Antelope Valley College's planetarium, unleash your inner child at the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, or take a scenic drive through the Angeles National Forest.
Pomona
Venture east to Pomona, a vibrant city brimming with cultural diversity and artistic flair. Home to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona offers a youthful energy and plenty of affordable housing options.
Rents for a 1-bedroom average around $2,143, and the Pomona College Museum of Art, the Civic Center's public market, and the historic Fox Theater provide endless entertainment. Hike in nearby Claremont Wilderness Park, grab a bite at one of the many international restaurants, or cheer on the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens college sports teams.
Victorville
Nestled at the high desert's edge, Victorville offers stunning mountain views and a surprisingly active arts scene. Rents for a 1-bedroom average around $1,596, making it a haven for budget-conscious adventurers.
Explore the Mojave National Preserve, catch a concert at the Civic Center Amphitheatre, or visit the California Route 66 Museum for a retro trip down memory lane. Victorville is also a convenient jumping-off point for day trips to Las Vegas or Death Valley National Park.
Santa Clarita
Craving a suburban escape without breaking the bank? Santa Clarita welcomes you with open arms and wallet-friendly rents averaging around $1,795 for a 1-bedroom. Hike through Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, discover the history of the Chumash people at the Tataviam Heritage Center, or enjoy a picnic in Central Park.
The Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park and Valencia Town Center offer thrills and retail therapy, while nearby colleges and universities keep the atmosphere vibrant.
La Puente
Nestled in the east San Gabriel Valley, La Puente boasts a rich history dating back to Spanish missions. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages around $1,748, a welcome respite from LA's sky-high costs.
Explore the Puente Hills, home to the Puente Hills Mall and the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. La Puente offers easy access to freeways and Metrolink trains, making commuting to LA a breeze.
Cudahy
Just south of Los Angeles, Cudahy packs a punch when it comes to affordability. Rents for a 1-bedroom typically hover around $1,332, making it a haven for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Don't let its small size fool you – Cudahy offers plenty of conveniences, including grocery stores, parks, and even its own casino. Neighboring Downey provides access to major airports and the bustling commerce of South Bay.
Carson
Craving beach vibes without the beach house price tag? Look no further than Carson. Situated near the Port of Los Angeles, Carson offers affordable rents averaging around $2,300 for a 1-bedroom.
Enjoy the sun and sand at nearby beaches like Cabrillo Beach and Will Rogers State Beach. Home to the StubHub Center and the Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson provides ample entertainment options. Plus, its proximity to freeways and the Los Angeles International Airport makes it a convenient hub.
Norwalk
Escape the urban sprawl and discover the friendly, family-oriented community of Norwalk. Rents for a 1-bedroom typically fall around $2,215, making it a haven for growing families.
Enjoy picnics in Cerritos Park, catch a concert at the Norwalk Civic Center Theater, or explore the Discovery Cube Los Angeles with the kids. Norwalk offers a plethora of schools, parks, and community events, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Baldwin Park
Embark on a culinary adventure in Baldwin Park, a diverse community brimming with delicious international eats. Rents for a 1-bedroom average around $1,923, making it a budget-friendly foodie haven.
From authentic Mexican fare to mouthwatering Vietnamese pho, Baldwin Park's streets tantalize your taste buds. Explore the Montebello Country Club Golf Course, cheer on the local high school sports teams, or participate in the Baldwin Park Harvest Festival.
Lakeview Terrace
Tucked away in the San Fernando Valley, Lakeview Terrace might not be on everyone's radar, but for budget-conscious Angelenos, it's a hidden gem.
With median rents for a 1-bedroom apartment hovering around $1,676, it's significantly cheaper than its LA counterparts. The neighborhood itself exudes a friendly, small-town vibe, with its tidy streets, community parks, and vibrant local businesses.
Panorama City
Neighboring Lakeview Terrace, Panorama City, is another San Fernando Valley haven for affordable living. Rents for a 1-bedroom apartment average around $1,867, making it a budget-friendly alternative to pricier LA neighborhoods.
Unlike the more suburban Lakeview Terrace, Panorama City offers a touch of urban buzz, with supermarkets, retail chains, and diverse restaurants within walking distance.