Los Angeles neighborhood guide
La Mirada
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in La Mirada
Rent control: La Miradahas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How La Mirada scores for you
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La Mirada is a city of about 48,000 in southeast Los Angeles County, just on the border with Orange County. It's a residential community known for Biola University, the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, and the Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center. The city sits in a car-dependent part of the region, with modest walkability and virtually no rail transit nearby.
Day-to-day life in La Mirada is oriented around driving. You'll find essential services and dining options scattered throughout the city, but you will need a car for most errands and outings. The local shopping and restaurant scene is practical rather than trendy, with chains and established spots serving the community's needs.
Living here
La Mirada offers a quieter, suburban rhythm compared to denser parts of LA County. Parks like La Mirada Community Regional Park provide recreational space, and the city's performing arts venue attracts regional events. Traffic exposure is above average for the region, and air quality ranks in the moderate range for California, so outdoor activities are fine but not exceptional.
Getting around without a car is difficult. The city ranks 173rd out of 319 for walkability in the region, and transit ranks 316th out of 319, making public transportation essentially unavailable. This is a place where a personal vehicle is strongly recommended for any renter. Shopping and dining options are spread across the city rather than clustered, though groceries, coffee, and casual restaurants are within short driving distances.
Who it's for
La Mirada suits renters who work locally or don't mind a daily commute by car, and who prioritize a quieter, family-oriented suburban setting over walkability and transit access. It's a good fit if you want affordable housing in southeast LA County without the density of closer-in neighborhoods, but less suitable if you rely on public transportation or want to minimize driving.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in La Mirada
Population
40,609
Renters
22%
of households rent
Median age
39
Median income
$116k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in La Mirada
10 public schools sit inside this area · 10 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastwood Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 48% | 47% |
| Escalona Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 55% | 47% |
| Foster Road Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 39% | 36% |
| Gardenhill Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 64% | 66% |
| John Foster Dulles Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 46% | 39% |
| La Pluma Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 47% | 36% |
| Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 65% | 52% |
| Rancho-Starbuck Intermediate Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 7-8 | 66% | 44% |
| Reginald M. Benton Middle Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 58% | 33% |
| La Mirada High High School | 9-12 | 71% | 54% |
Source: California Dept. of Education (directory) and CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2025. We publish these figures as the state reports them and show the same table for every neighborhood. Saktoo does not rate schools, and school data is never part of a neighborhood match score. Attendance boundaries change — confirm the assigned school with the district before relying on it.
Around La Mirada
Albertsons · Grocery Outlet · H Mart · Hannam Chain Super Market
85°C · Blackstone Cafe · FoamLabs Coffee · Starbucks
Baekjeong Korean Barbecue · Baja Grill · Burger King · Carl's Jr.
Anna J. Martin Park · Blackstone Courtyard Grasses · Creek Park · Frontier Park
Crunch Fitness · UFC Gym La Mirada
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What the census says about La Mirada
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe La Mirada; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 36 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 78%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1960
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 6%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 2%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 95%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 85%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 10,505
- total housing units
Averaged across 21 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Finding a place in La Mirada
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in La Mirada?+
Yes, a car is essential. The city has virtually no rail transit and ranks very low for walkability, so you'll need to drive for most errands, work commutes, and outings.
What's the restaurant and shopping scene like?+
La Mirada has practical dining and grocery options including chain restaurants and supermarkets like Walmart Neighborhood Market and H Mart, but not a vibrant or diverse food culture. Most amenities are automobile-accessible rather than within walking distance.
Is the air quality good?+
La Mirada has moderate air quality for California, ranking in the middle of the region. It's acceptable but not outstanding, so it's worth considering if outdoor air quality matters to you.
What are the main attractions and activities?+
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts regional events, Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center offers recreation, and Biola University brings some cultural events. Parks like La Mirada Community Regional Park provide local outdoor space.
Is La Mirada walkable?+
La Mirada ranks #219 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in La Mirada?+
Current residents of La Mirada pay a median rent of about $2,343 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in La Mirada?+
La Mirada has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 53 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to La Mirada?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to La Mirada are West Covina, Charter Oak, North Orange and Irvine.