A gateway city between Los Angeles and Orange County
Known as one of Southern California’s Gateway Cities, La Mirada is a sleepy, community-oriented city of about 45,000 just south of Los Angeles and just north of Orange County hotspots like Disneyland in Anaheim. Its central location is close to major freeways and provides easy access to significant employment hubs. “The city is defined by a strong sense of community, family-friendly atmosphere and an excellent quality of life,” says City Manager Jeff Boynton. “La Mirada offers a unique blend of suburban charm and accessibility. Our clean, well-maintained neighborhoods, excellent schools and safe environment are major draws.” The city promises relative affordability, with home prices below the state average. “There is a more attainable price point here, but inventory does generally stay light because people tend to live in La Mirada long-term,” says e-Homes Realtor Jordan Partida, who grew up nearby.
East Whittier boast miles of extra wide sidewalks and walkable neighborhoods.
Parnell Park in East Whittier is a great place to shoot hoops or explore the small zoo.
Larger homes with distinctive styling near the park in East Whittier, La Mirada.
Walk alongside ducks and geese at the park at the La Mirada Aquatic Center.
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Housing costs on par with the broader California average
La Mirada's median home price was around $850,000 in late 2024, more than double the national average but on par with the broader California average of $900,000. According to Partida, the average home will have three bedrooms, two baths and about 1,500 square feet. There is a mix of architecture on the city's tree-lined streets, including traditional, midcentury and ranch-style homes. "There is also a small neighborhood with equestrian properties, and on any given day, you can see people riding their horses at Oak Creek Park, which is also popular with dog owners," Partida says. There has been little housing development in La Mirada in recent years because the city is largely built out, but Boynton says some potential projects may be on the horizon. "The city has experienced interest from some housing developers that are focused on infill and redevelopment sites. Efforts are being made to balance maintaining the city's character with meeting the demand for modern housing options."
View of ranch houses in La Mirada, California.
Beautiful ranch homes are the norm in La Mirada.
A split-level gabled home in East Whittier.
Spanish style and ranch style homes on a quiet street in East Whittier, La Mirada, CA.
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Norwalk-La Mirada Unified serves over 15,000 students
The city is served by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, graded B by Niche. “The district is recognized for strong academic programs and extracurricular offerings,” Boynton says. The district serves over 15,000 students in 26 schools, including 16 walkable community elementary schools. "La Mirada High School is known to be an athletic powerhouse in multiple sports," Partida says.
La Mirada is also home to Biola University, a private, nonprofit, nondenominational Christian University. Enrollment is about 5,000 — a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. Biola ranks among the top Christian universities in the country. “It’s a nationally recognized institution for higher learning,” Boynton says.
Biola University, a renowned Christian school, is a key landmark in the city.
La Mirada High School is one of the best high schools in the area.
Eastwood Elementary is a California Distinguished School.
Los Coyotes Middle School's flags are unfurled.
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Direct access to I-5 without highway noise at home
Straddling the border of two counties, La Mirada is about 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 15 miles northwest of Santa Ana. The city has direct access to Interstate 5, though it’s on the more industrial side of town, so highway noise does not impact residential properties. “We’re considered both a commuter town and a bedroom community,” Boynton says. “This is a highly desirable location for professionals who work in Los Angeles or Orange counties. Residents appreciate the convenience of living close to major urban centers while enjoying a quieter, suburban lifestyle.” The city is close to hotspots like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Angel Stadium, Honda Center, and the beaches of the OC. The population is mainly car-dependent, but there are some public transportation options. There are a handful of bus routes operated by the Norwalk Transit System, a dial-a-ride service operated by the city and two nearby Metrolink stations in Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs and Buena Park. To catch a flight, Los Angeles International Airport is about 25 miles west, and John Wayne Airport is about 25 miles south.
La Mirada Regional Park is the city’s crown jewel
La Mirada offers seven parks, two athletic fields, a community gymnasium and a senior center. La Mirada Regional Park is the city’s crown jewel and the location of multiple annual events. “Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center is another popular destination for families, offering year-round water activities and recreation and seasonal waterpark fun,” Boynton says. The complex has two year-round pools, a summer water park with slides and a lazy river. “It’s pretty sizable and brings in families from many surrounding areas. It doesn’t generally feel super crowded, but it does attract a crowd in the summers,” Partida says. La Mirada Golf Course is a public par-70 offering at the same park location. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the course at an affordable price compared to the broader Southern California average cost for a round.
La Mirada Golf Course features rolling fairways and a welcoming clubhouse.
Fish alongside ducks and geese at the park at the La Mirada Aquatic Center in La Mirada.
Take a dip at Splash at La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center in La Mirada, CA.
A frisbee golfer teeing off at the La Mirada Aquatic Center's frisbee golf course.
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Independence Day brings out thousands each year
“The city puts a big emphasis on coming together, and people who want to move to or stay in La Mirada appreciate that it’s tight-knit, with a small town feel and an emphasis on community events,” Partida says. La Mirada Regional Park hosts popular annual events like the summer Concerts under the Stars series and the Independence Day celebration. “They actually do it on July third, not the Fourth of July, and they’ve got live music, food trucks and this great fireworks show,” Partida says. The Independence Day event brings out thousands each year.
Taylor Swift tribute band, "True Romantics" drew a large crowd at La Mirada Regional Park.
The Taylor Swift tribute band performed live at the La Mirada Regional Park.
The La Mirada Farmers Market takes place every Saturday at the Civic Center.
Pick up delicious specialty pastries with the kids at the La Mirada Farmers Market.
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Catch a show at the La Mirada Theatre for Performing Arts
The city's primary commercial center is the Albertsons-anchored La Mirada Theater Center along La Mirada Boulevard. The shopping center has some independent and chain dining, multiple retail stores, a movie theater and the 1,251-seat La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The theater was opened in 1977 by award-winning performer Tony Bennett. "It's a venue that is widely recognized as one of the most enjoyable places to attend live performances, including award-winning plays and musicals," Boynton says. In terms of the local restaurant scene, Mr. V's Bar and Grill is the city's premier upscale fine dining venue. "If someone wants a good meal without having to leave town for Whittier, Brea or La Habra, they're going to Mr. V's," Partida says. "It's a traditional steak and seafood place with live music on the weekends."
Lining up for tickets to "Jersey Boys" at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
La Mirada Theatre is home to many great Broadway shows.
AMC Cinemas offers a smaller theater in La Mirada.
Shabuya La Mirada is a popular spot to grab all you can eat hot pot next to La Mirada Theater
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Low crime rate and warm, dry summers
Crime in La Mirada is low by any standard. In 2023, according to the FBI statistics, violent crime happened at below one-third the rate as it did nationally and in broader California. However, property crime numbers are much closer to the state and national numbers. "Public safety is a top priority. Neighborhood Watch programs, community outreach and investments in public safety technology have all contributed to maintaining La Mirada’s reputation as a safe and secure place to live," Boynton says.
The weather in La Mirada is mild year-round, with warm, dry summers in the mid-to-upper 80s and cooler, rainy winters with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. There are about 280 sunny days annually, compared to about 205 nationally. Fire risk is low, except for a very small at-risk residential section in the city's northeast area.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
