Los Angeles is popularly known for its never-ending sunshine, recreation, entertainment, and glamorous yet laid-back lifestyle. When considering a move to California, these qualities might trick non-locals into believing that LA is the only place to live, work, and play. 

However, there are plenty of other cities nearby that serve as great alternatives with just as many benefits—sometimes even more. Not to mention, all the cities on this list are still close to LA amenities, offer plenty of employment opportunities, have reputable education systems, and feature a variety of nightlife and entertainment options.

Here are five of LA County’s best cities to live, work, and play.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier 

Santa Monica sits at the far western section of Los Angeles County, and it’s included in the region that locals refer to as, “The West Side.” This community is so enmeshed in LA life that many visitors often mistake Santa Monica as a neighborhood of LA rather than its own standalone city. 

Santa Monica sits by the coast, so residents can experience LA’s quintessential beach and surf lifestyle that’s often portrayed in the media, while also being steps away from high-end shops, fine dining, and trendy bars and clubs.

Along with new development and improved infrastructure over the past decade, Santa Monica seems to have stepped out of LA’s shadow. It’s now known as one of the fanciest places to live in LA County.

Long Beach

Long Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles

Located towards LA County’s southeast section is the eclectic city of Long Beach, which is currently going through a development boom on par with the construction happening in DTLA. As a great alternative to living in Los Angeles, Long Beach offers many perks to new homebuyers because of its distinct seaside neighborhoods, variety of restaurants, proximity to Long Beach Airport, and its central location between LA County and Orange County.

The Long Beach Unified School District is also among the nation’s best school systems, and its home to several reputable schools, ranging from elementary to high school level. This city also offers residents a more tranquil and laid-back community compared to the fast pace of Los Angeles.

South Pasadena

Residential homes in South Pasadena

South Pasadena is a family-friendly and diverse city that sits towards LA County’s northeast side, approximately 10 miles from DTLA. It’s near popular attractions such as The Americana, the Rose Bowl Stadium, and the Kidspace Children’s Museum.

South Pasadena is considered one of the most desirable cities to raise a family, likely because the city houses top-rated schools, some of the best places to eat, and is filled with culture and history. 

For those who enjoy living near historic architectural homes, South Pasadena is the place to be, especially because many of the residences boast century-old Craftsman, California Cottage, and Bungalow-style architecture. Many homeowners proudly describe South Pasadena as a charming and historic place to live that’s filled with character, often referring to it as “a modern city with a small-town attitude.”

West Hollywood

West Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles

West Hollywood is so central to Los Angeles, that even locals confuse it as a neighborhood within the city. However, the bright and colorful incorporated community is actually its own separate city. 

This pedestrian-friendly city is a perfect place to live, work, and play for homeowners who want to be near entertainment, casual and trendy restaurants, and an overall festive environment. Home to the breathtaking Pacific Design Center and the amenity-filled Santa Monica Boulevard, everyone around the city of LA—from celebrities to fresh-out-of-college students—tend to gravitate towards West Hollywood.

According to Glassdoor, there are over 300 companies in the area, which makes it a great place for working professionals to both network or start a new career. West Hollywood is also a great place to live for many pet owners because the city is filled with pet-friendly parks, restaurants, and neighborhoods that welcome furry friends.