5 Affordable Places to Live In California With Easy Access to Los Angeles
Written by
Stacy Sare Cohen
Edited by
Angela Corry
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Los Angeles, California, is home to beautiful year-round weather, pristine beaches and mountain views, not to mention Hollywood entertainment and attractions. However, the City of Angels is also the second most expensive city in the U.S. to live, according to U.S. News and World Report.
The steep cost has led Southern Californians to seek cheaper housing outside the city limits. Here are some affordable Southern California communities with easy access to Los Angeles.
Desert Hot Springs
- Median home listing price: $449K
- Median home selling price: $375K
- Average price per square foot: $263
Desert Hot Springs is located in the Coachella Valley in Riverside County and is approximately two hours from Los Angeles by car. Popular neighborhoods include Desert Hot Springs Highlands, Wardman Heights and Desert Springs Estates. The area is popular for its hot springs, hence the name. Home prices range from $9.5K to $25M.
Lancaster
- Median home listing price: $485K
- Median home selling price: $464K
- Average price per square foot: $273
Lancaster is about an hour away from Los Angeles by car and offers public transportation to LA by bus or train. The supply is greater than the demand, according to Realtor.com, so you might get a great deal. Homes in Lancaster range from $3K to $34M.
Palmdale
- Median home listing price: $550K
- Median home selling price: $512.5 K
- Average price per square foot: $280
Situated in the Antelope Valley, Palmdale is about 1.5 hours away from Los Angeles. Popular neighborhoods to consider include Rancho Vista, Joshua Hill and Anaverde. Home prices range from $6K to $442M.
Idyllwild
- Median home listing price: $525K
- Median home selling price: $509K
- Average price per square foot: $394
Nestled among the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County, California. Idyllwild is a two-hour car drive from Los Angeles. Desirable neighborhoods in this unincorporated community include West Ridge, Idyllwild Mountain Park and Forest Lake Estate. Home prices range from $3K to $2million.
Fontana
- Median home listing price: $670K
- Median home selling price: $653K
- Average price per square foot: $359
A 59-minute drive to Los Angeles, Fontana is located in the Inland Empire. Rumor has it that Al Capone had a secret hideaway there. You can take a day trip to Santa Monica for $92 per person, according to Trip Advisor. Popular attractions in Fontana include the Auto Club Speedway and Fontana Park. The area features a rich cultural heritage. Home prices range from $3.9K to $17.5M, according to realtor.com data.e Auto Club Speedway and Fontana Park. The area features a rich cultural heritage. Home prices range from $3.9K to $17.5M.
Financial data is from Realtor.com
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