Los Angeles AFB
Los Angeles Air Force Base is the headquarters of Space Systems Command and serves as the Space Force's primary acquisition and development center for military satellites, launch systems, and space control. Located in El Segundo adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport, the 'base' is more of an urban campus embedded in the LA tech and aerospace corridor with SpaceX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of defense contractors within miles. The Southern California lifestyle — beaches, entertainment, dining, and year-round sunshine — is world-class, though the cost of living is among the highest in the military.
Neighborhoods Near Los Angeles AFB
Popular communities where military families stationed at Los Angeles AFB choose to live.
El Segundo
5–10 min on baseThe small city where LA AFB is located has an unexpectedly strong residential community with single-family homes, a walkable downtown, top-rated El Segundo Unified schools, and proximity to Manhattan Beach's restaurants and beach scene.
Manhattan Beach
10–15 min to main gateOne of the South Bay's most desirable coastal communities, Manhattan Beach offers a vibrant pier area, excellent restaurants, top private and public schools, and beach access. Prices are high but BAH reflects the market.
Torrance (North Torrance / Old Torrance)
15–20 min to main gateA large South Bay city offering more affordable housing than the beachfront communities, with excellent Torrance Unified schools, the Del Amo Fashion Center, and diverse dining reflecting the large Japanese-American community.
Schools & Education
El Segundo Unified School District / Torrance Unified School District
El Segundo USD is a small, high-performing district that consistently ranks among California's best, with a 4.2 DI rating on Niche. Torrance USD is one of the top large urban school districts in California with strong academic programs across its 15 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools.
- El Segundo High School is consistently ranked in the top 10% of California public high schools
- Torrance's North High School and West High School are consistently among the best high schools in Los Angeles County
- Torrance has a nationally recognized Gifted/High Ability Magnet program at 3 middle schools
Things to Do Near El Segundo
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the El Segundo area.
The iconic pier extends into the Pacific from the heart of Manhattan Beach, flanked by the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab. The 22-mile Strand bike and pedestrian path follows the beach from Torrance to Santa Monica.
A celebrated seafood restaurant in Manhattan Beach by chef David LeFevre, serving sustainably sourced West Coast seafood in a casual but polished setting—one of the South Bay's finest dining experiences.
A free (small parking fee) aquarium in San Pedro housing impressive Southern California marine life collections and offering seasonal grunion runs that draw visitors to watch the fish spawn on the beach at night.
One of the largest malls in the United States, with nearly 2.5 million square feet of retail in Torrance including Tesla, Apple, H&M, and hundreds more stores plus a massive dining terrace.
The scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula just south of the base offers dramatic ocean cliffs, tide pools, the Terranea Resort coastal trails, and the Korean Bell of Friendship at Angel's Gate Park.
State-of-the-art home of the LA Rams and LA Chargers in Inglewood, one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, also hosting the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and major concerts.
Housing & Cost of Living
The Los Angeles South Bay is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. BAH rates for this area are the highest in the Space Force, but purchasing is extremely difficult for most personnel. El Segundo is slightly more affordable than Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach. Many personnel rent in Torrance or commute from further inland.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Los Angeles AFB
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.