Go an hour south of Los Angeles, and you’ll find yourself in Orange County. The “OC” is known for great neighborhoods and excellent quality of living, no matter what city you choose. Fountain Valley, known for being extremely family-friendly, offers plenty of recreational opportunities, as well as all the shopping you’re looking for. Just south in Irvine, you’ll find outstanding schools and neighborhoods that locals call “villages,” with homes surrounding neighborhood parks, playgrounds and pools, plus more than 350 miles of on- and off-street bike lanes. Further south, the Laguna Hills area offers majestic views, warm ocean breezes, and quiet neighborhoods.

Just over the hill from Hollywood, you’ll find lots to do and experience in the Valley. Burbank and its surrounding areas offer great living, shopping and entertainment options for just about every taste. From hiking in the foothills, to picnicking in nearby Griffith Park, to abundant bike-friendly paths, there’s plenty to do outdoors. Across the Valley, Woodland Hills, Northridge, and Porter Ranch offer welcoming neighborhoods and, of course, easy access to all that Los Angeles has to offer. Further west, Simi Valley has wide-open spaces and tremendous views of the mountains. It was also recently selected as a “Best City to Work In”. North of the Valley, Valencia is home to a wealth of dining and shopping spots, not to mention Six Flags Magic Mountain. Simply put, Valley living is a great choice for professionals looking for a little more space – and all the comforts of suburban living.

When you venture east of downtown toward Pasadena, you’ll find beautiful views – and exceptional quality of living. Home to the Rose Bowl, the Norton Simon Museum of Art, and beautiful Old Town Pasadena, the city enjoys a thriving arts and culture scene, with endless dining, shopping and nightlife possibilities. Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, it offers easy access to plenty of mountain adventures, from hiking trails to camping and rock climbing. The same can be said for the surrounding areas. Arcadia, home to the Santa Anita Race Track, is right next door. Alhambra offers excellent neighborhoods and amazing restaurants, with quick access to all that downtown LA has to offer.

Just a short drive south of UCLA, the neighborhoods of the South Bay offer something for just about everyone. Ranked one of the nation’s most livable cities, Torrance is known for quality education and a sprawling park system. And just to the west, with miles of beautiful coastline from Manhattan Beach to Redondo Beach, locals enjoy surfing, beach volleyball, and biking and roller blading along paved paths on the sand. These quaint beach towns offer inspiring views of the ocean from your neighborhood, with great dining and nightlife in walking distance. Keep going south and you’ll find yourself in Palos Verdes, where breathtaking bluffs overlook the Pacific. Known for superb neighborhoods and world class views, it’s truly an unforgettable place to visit – and live.

LA’s Westside is comprised of some of the most charming neighborhoods in Southern California. Westwood is home to the UCLA campus, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, the Hammer Museum and the Geffen Playhouse. It offers a vibrant cultural scene with plenty of entertainment and nightlife possibilities for all ages. Beverly Hills offers beautiful neighborhoods stretching from the mid-city area all the way to the hills and beyond. It borders Century City to the north, also known for its plentiful shopping and dining opportunities, as well as great neighborhoods. And if being close to the water is on your to-do list, head a little south to Marina Del Rey. Adjacent to the funky neighborhoods in Venice, Marina Del Rey offers a laid back atmosphere with running and bike paths that lead to beaches on either side. Just west and reaching right up to the Pacific Ocean is Santa Monica, known for its beaches and boardwalk, not to mention the world famous Santa Monica Pier, with its signature ferris wheel you can see for miles. Take a stroll down to nearby Venice Beach, or jump on the bike path that stretches for miles in both directions. Just north, you’ll find Pacific Palisades, a beautiful area in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, with a wide waterfront that encompasses Will Rogers State Beach. And if you follow the Pacific Coast Highway a little bit west, you’ll arrive in Malibu, known for its amazing views and famous surfing beaches.