Southern California is one of the most popular places to buy property in the United States. There are good reasons for it. However, most people choose to move to the same few places. When it comes to Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, they overshadow the other great spots in the area.

Whether you are looking for a quaint mountain town or a cityscape without the pitfalls of LA, below are some of the most overlooked places to buy homes in Southern California.

Northern Los Angeles County

Traveling north, as you get out of the traffic of Los Angeles, there are plenty of great places to purchase property. Here, you have proximity to the city without all the pitfalls. Whether you are looking in the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, or Sylmar homes for sale, there are plenty of options to find the type of home that you love in a great location.

You can still go in and out of the city when you need to without the cost or headache of living there. When you look at homes here, you will have the chance to find a beautiful place to live in a good Southern California area.

Ojai

Located in Santa Barbara county, Ojai is a beautiful little mountain town. It is surrounded by wineries and nature but comes with a bohemian culture. It is a great place for those who like the liberal ideals of Southern California but want to get away from so many people.

It is a unique place where you can find incredible people, awesome scenery, and all kinds of delicious things. When you are looking for a smaller culture in the wider context of Southern California, look no further than Ojai.

The High Desert & Joshua Tree

The California High Desert is legendary. Not only is it beautiful and remote out Southeast of Los Angeles, the property is a lot cheaper. Land is more plentiful. It has a strange culture all its own. Whether you are looking for a place to get away from everyone or want to find your own little community, this area is a great place to buy a home.

Joshua Tree National Park is close by, providing all kinds of amazing opportunities to get out into nature. In Southern California, there are few places more loveable than the High Desert.

Saddleback Valley

Tucked away in Orange County, this mountainous area feels very far away from the reality TV show of the county’s namesake. It is a completely different culture with all kinds of interesting, strange people. It is like going back in time, but it isn’t far from civilization.

Whether you are looking to find a cheap home in Orange County or want to create a compound of your own creation, the Saddleback Valley area is unique. There are all kinds of myths in the area. The Hells Angels were known to frequent the Cook’s Corner Bar & Grill. There is a libertarian streak here that is unlike the rest of Orange County.

Otay River Valley

Like Saddleback Valley, the Otay River Valley has a unique Southern California culture that is unlike its neighbors in San Diego. This is an underrated area. It is so beautiful and rugged, with all kinds of places to buy land and build a modern home.

Close to the border with Mexico, it provides the ability to take weekend trips to Baja. You are also close to San Diego and can go into the city often. The homes here will be a fraction of the price that they are in the rest of San Diego County.

So many people stick to the big names in Southern California. These places are the ones with the highest home costs. Whether you are trying to find a unique place to live or want to get away from everyone and build your own world, it can be done in Southern California.

When you are looking for a home, skip the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. You can even skip the suburbs of these counties and Orange County. When you are looking for the ability to go in and out of society, there are plenty of options in Southern California.

Ellie Chen
Author

Ellie Chen is a graduate of New York University with a Master’s in Real Estate who has been an expert in property market trends and real estate investment for over 12 years. Her previous roles include working in real estate brokerage and as a property analyst. She has provided insights into real estate marketing, property management, and investment strategies. Her background includes roles in real estate development firms and as an agent. Beyond work, she is a great hiker and a volunteer in housing affordability programs. She is also a passionate urban cyclist and enjoys participating in community development initiatives.

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