Millennials Are Flocking to These 6 Los Angeles Suburbs

Even though there have been rumblings that Los Angeles is becoming a buyer’s market again, with more homes on the market and fewer selling above asking price, home prices in the city are still steadily increasing.

Although real estate professionals have divisive opinions about the future of the city’s housing market, Nuveen Real Estate recently released a report analyzing the housing trends of millennials and middle-income households in the United States. The report revealed that while some millennials have little option but to continue renting in cities with more job opportunities, other millennials—those who are ready for homeownership—are starting to move out of the city and into the surrounding suburbs.

The exodus from LA doesn’t seem like much of a surprise, especially because home mortgages in the city are now the sixth most unaffordable in the world. But which where are people moving to? Here are six LA suburbs that are attracting more millennial homebuyers. 

North Hollywood

Located north of LA County in the San Fernando Valley is the booming suburb of North Hollywood. There are several reasons why moving to North Hollywood might be appealing for millennials, one of which is its suburban environment. Although it’s become more city-like throughout the years, it’s basically a suburban version of Downtown Los Angeles.

Compared to housing prices in DTLA, which go up to $8 million for a condo, homes in North Hollywood are still relatively more affordable (and spacious) in comparison, with prices capping around $1.2 million, according to Neighborhoods.com.

North Hollywood’s eclectic and diverse community features a growing downtown area, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, easy transit access, and the popular NoHo Arts District—making it a cultural hub in the Valley. Residents also don’t need to leave the neighborhood because it was built for all-around live, work, and play. However, a trip to Los Angeles is about a 25-minute drive away, if you want more entertainment options and attractions.

Sherman Oaks

Another popular Valley suburb that’s attracting UCLA students and working professionals alike is Sherman Oaks. Tranquil and filled with plenty of parks and greenspace, Sherman Oaks is considered by some locals as one of the best places to live in California.

This suburb is a bit farther away from LA’s Eastside, but it offers convenient access to the Westside. Homebuyers can find a few affordable options like a charming one- or two-bedroom condo priced in the mid $300s to low $500s. Sherman Oaks appeals to millennials due to its central location within the Valley and convenient freeway access to the 405, 134, and 101. The suburb is also teeming with shopping, restaurants, and bars along Ventura Boulevard.

South Pasadena

South Pasadena is a residential suburb physically located in the Valley, but it’s technically part of LA County. Because of its top-rated public schools, this quiet and affluent suburban city tends to attract millennials and families looking to settle down. Schools like Marengo Elementary School, South Pasadena Senior High School, and South Pasadena Middle School all received 10 out of 10 ratings from GreatSchools.org.

In addition to quality educational options, South Pasadena also offers homebuyers small-town charm. From wine bars and a farmers market to charming shops and friendly neighbors, residents enjoy the community’s laid-back atmosphere that provides a tranquil retreat from the noise of LA.

The city was also listed as one of the best cities in Southern California to raise a family, according to the Pasadena Star-News.

Glendale

Another LA suburb that millennials can’t help but flock to is the amenity-filled community of Glendale, located in the Valley near the Verdugo Mountains. It’s not news that Glendale is considered one of the most expensive places to live in SoCal, but millennials don’t seem to mind moving to this suburb.

Glendale is home to numerous community parks and greenspaces as well as several popular fixtures, including The Americana at Brand, Glendale Galleria, and Forest Lawn Cemetery. The downtown area is also filled with eclectic restaurants, cafes, and bars, which can be found along Brand Boulevard. This means that residents in Glendale have plenty to choose from in terms of shopping, entertainment, nightlife, and daytime activities—all within walking distance.

Hermosa Beach

While oceanfront communities like Santa Monica and Venice are both great options for millennials who want to live near the beach, they’re also the most expensive in the nation and often crowded with visitors and locals. Hermosa Beach, located in the South Bay region of LA County, is a haven for millennials, and more are moving to the area.

The community is laid-back with a classic California surfer vibe, and it’s not overrun by tourists and large crowds. Hermosa Beach also hosts regular AVP Beach Volleyball tournaments and is home to The Strand Bike Path—a pristine bicycle and pedestrian trail that runs parallel to the beach all the way to Santa Monica Pier.

The most expensive homes in Hermosa Beach tend to be ocean-facing properties along The Strand with prices well over $2 million; however, the neighborhood also features a variety of more reasonably priced single-family and attached homes. Homebuyers can find charming condos and townhomes priced starting in the low $600s.

Irvine

Perhaps it’s the reputable schools, loads of street parking, or the wide selection of parks available, but more millennials are leaving LA County and heading to the suburban Orange County—specifically Irvine. 

In the past, the city was known as a great place to raise a family, and though it’s still family-friendly, Irvine is evolving due to the construction of new residential developments, mixed-use retail centers, and master-planned communities. Today, it’s considered one of the “Best Places to Live,” according to Livability because of its robust employment opportunities, especially in the field of technology and engineering.

Millennials are also making their way towards Irvine because of the higher education opportunities. There are several popular college campuses in Irvine, including the UC Irvine, Irvine Valley College, and Concordia University Irvine.