While there are several perks to living in Los Angeles, many people, especially families, prefer to live a bit farther away to experience a more suburban setting. There are several counties that surround Los Angeles County, including the San Fernando Valley, Orange County, South Bay, and the San Gabriel Valley. The San Gabriel Valley is one of the more popular counties for families because of its proximity to LA, access to a variety of amenities, and unforgettable cuisine. Not to mention, some of the best school districts are located here too.

Here are six family-friendly cities in the San Gabriel Valley. 

Arcadia

Typical neighborhood park

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Considered one of the most affluent cities in the San Gabriel Valley, there are several reasons to live in Arcadia. The city is less than an hour’s drive away from DTLA, providing access to those who commute to work or school on a daily basis. and the city has been recognized for its excellent healthcare, education, neighborhood safety, and community friendliness. It was also previously voted “Best Place to Raise Your Kids” in 2010 by BusinessWeek, “Best Places to Live in 2014” by Money Magazine, and even ranked “23rd Richest Neighborhood in Southern California” in 2014 by Business Insider.

La Verne

California skatepark

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Located a little over an hour’s drive away from Los Angeles is the family-oriented suburb La Verne. This community has a bit of everything for families looking to raise children, from local shopping and entertainment centers to close-knit neighbors, a skatepark, and scenic walking trails. This city is covered by the reputable Bonita Unified School District, which includes many top-rated schools. Neighbors regularly come together for popular community events, such as the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, An Afternoon of Free Music, Concerts in the Park, and its annual 4th of July Celebration.

Pasadena

Child enjoying some yard work

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Pasadena is a whopping 30 minutes away from Los Angeles in traffic, and it’s so close to the city that many locals forget it’s part of the SGV. With never-ending food and shopping options, plenty of job opportunities, a variety of family-friendly events, and a multitude of charming homesfor sale, there are countless reasons to call Pasadena home. Since there are so many walkable neighborhoods within Pasadena, many residents tend to be involved in the community, making it a great place to settle down with kids.

San Marino

Kids playing in their neighborhood

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Arcadia isn’t the only affluent city on this list. The San Gabriel Valley city of San Marino also has several titles to be proud of, including a ranking of “46th Most Expensive City in the US” by Forbes, “3rd Most Expensive Zip Code Near LA County” by LA Weekly, and “78th Richest Places in America” by Bloomberg, which topped neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills and Malibu. Residents living in San Marino describe it as a community where everyone knows your name, and where kids can freely play outside on the street without worrying about cars speeding by.

West Covina

Photo courtesy of Jump ‘n Jammin

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West Covina isn’t just the suburb made popular by the CW series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” it’s also known as a diverse and desirable neighborhood for families seeking a tranquil environment. While this city is a bit further away from the beach, there are still several kitschy outdoor shopping centers in the area, as well as plenty of free parking, which is basically unheard of anywhere near Los Angeles. West Covina also has a seemingly endless number of recreational facilities specifically designed for kids, including Jump ‘n Jammin, Magical Playground, Bumblebee Place, and Dream Big Children’s Center. 

Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy of Diamond Bar Golf Course

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For families looking for a more scenic area to live in away from the city lights, Diamond Bar is a great community to consider. Because it’s located near Brea Canyon with homes overlooking both sides of the surrounding hills, residents in this area can enjoy starlit views at night. Diamond Bar Golf Course, is considered one of the city’s most popular attractions, with both locals and visitors. Although this city a bit further from Los Angeles, locals can easily hop onto interstates 60, 57, 71, 10, and 210 to drive into downtown.