Living in a big city can provide a lot of conveniences, like access to jobs, stores, and more. However, it can also be stressful when commuting long hours, having little access to outdoor spaces, and having a higher cost of living.

When buying a home south of L.A., there are many factors to consider. You need to keep in mind how much you can afford, how long you'll be staying in the home, and whether or not it will be easy to resell when the time comes. You also need to think about local schools, proximity to activities like the beach or hiking, and more. Living within a couple of hours of Los Angeles affords you many benefits, but here’s what you need to consider when you’re looking at homes outside the city.

How close do you need to be to L.A.?

There are many suburbs that are right outside of city limits that offer the convenience of living close to the city, but without as high of costs. Do you need to be near the city to get to work daily or do you simply need easy access to the international airport once or twice a month? This question will help you determine if you should look for houses for sale in Lake Forest CA or if you should be looking at Long Beach, Lakewood, or Norwalk.

How much will it cost?

When buying a house south of L.A., you should take into account the monthly mortgage payment, as it will determine how much you can afford and what type of house you can afford. The more money you're able to spend on a monthly payment, the better house you'll be able to buy, and in a better neighborhood. In addition to your mortgage payments, you should also consider property taxes and homeowner's insurance when determining how much money is needed per month for your new home. These additional expenses are important factors when considering the total cost of owning a home in Southern California.

How close are the schools and public transportation?

When you have kids it’s important to check out local schools when you’re looking for a home south of Los Angeles. There are some great neighborhoods, but there are also some neighborhoods that are not as good. You also want to consider the distance from home to the school and if your child will take the bus or walk every day. Additionally, you might consider public transportation to commute to work so that you’re not spending as much time in traffic and you don’t need to pay as much for gas.

How long is the commute to work?

Commuting to another city near Los Angeles can be time-consuming. You’ll need to consider how long it’ll take you to get to the city from the areas south of L.A. Take a drive from the towns you’re considering to your work destination during normal commute times of day to get a better feel for what the commute is like.

Is there a nice view?

When you live in towns like Lake Forest, you’ll get to see pretty mountains, lakes, and trees. But living near Huntington Beach might give you a great view of the water. For people who work from home especially, a nice view is important. Whether you want to enjoy the ocean, mountains, or other scenic areas, the view can be a selling point for your home.

How much it will cost to maintain the home?

When purchasing a home, you'll want to consider how much it will cost to maintain the property. You can't predict every potential repair that might need to be made, but you can get an idea of what the average monthly costs could be by looking at similar homes in your area. You’ll need to consider repairs and maintenance, utilities, insurance premiums, and more.

What is the neighborhood like at night?

You’ll want to get a feel for the safety of your neighborhood at night as well. If there are a lot of people walking around, lots of broken down cars, and abandoned homes, it may not be the safest area to live in. You can also consider how busy the streets are and if there is good lighting.

Finding the right home south of L.A. means looking at numerous factors. There are beaches, mountains, lakes, and so much more. As you consider your proximity to the city and your personal needs, you’re likely to find a great home if you keep looking.