Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Paramount
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Paramount
Rent control: Paramounthas 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 Paramount scores for you
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Paramount is a Los Angeles County city of about 53,700 residents in the South Bay area, bordered by Compton, Lynwood, South Gate, Downey, Bellflower, and Long Beach. It's a working-class, diverse community with a practical character and reasonable housing density for the region.
The city sits in a high-traffic corridor with significant diesel particulate exposure from nearby industrial and transportation infrastructure. Air quality ranks in the bottom quartile for the region, and traffic congestion is well above average. These are real tradeoffs to consider before moving here.
Living here
Daily life in Paramount centers on car-dependent errands. You can walk to some nearby shops and restaurants, but a car is essential for most trips. The neighborhood has parks like Village Park and Spane Park within reach, and grocery options including Northgate Market, Stater Bros., and Walmart Supercenter are scattered throughout. There is no rail transit nearby, so public transportation is not reliable for commuting.
The city offers affordability and a straightforward residential environment, with local restaurants ranging from chain cafes to taquerias like Tacos La Carreta and Birrieria Guadalajara. The pace is quieter than denser LA neighborhoods, but air quality and traffic noise are persistent factors in day-to-day life.
Who it's for
Paramount suits renters who need affordable housing in the South Bay, work locally or have flexible commute options, own a car, and are not sensitive to air quality or traffic noise. It's practical for families or workers prioritizing cost and space over walkability or transit access, and for those already embedded in the area's community networks.
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 Paramount
Population
52,511
Renters
59%
of households rent
Median age
33
Median income
$69k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Paramount
Northgate Market · Stater Bros. · Walmart Supercenter · El Super
Starbucks
Papa John's · Jamba · Birrieria Guadalajara · Tacos La Carreta
Village Park · Spane Park · Pequeno Park · All-American Park
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Finding a place in Paramount
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Frequently asked questions
Is Paramount walkable?+
Paramount ranks 142nd of 319 places in the region for walkability. You can handle some errands on foot, but a car is useful and often necessary. The area is less walkable than the median Southern California community.
What's the public transit situation?+
Paramount has no rail stations nearby and ranks 279th of 319 for transit access. Bus service exists but is limited. A car is strongly recommended for regular commuting and errands.
What's the air quality like?+
Air quality in Paramount is a significant concern. The city ranks 275th of 318 in the region for air quality, with high diesel PM exposure from industrial and transportation sources. This is a real health consideration, especially for children and those with respiratory conditions.
How's traffic?+
Traffic is heavy. Paramount ranks 313th of 317 for traffic congestion, meaning some of the worst in the region. Highway proximity and industrial truck traffic make noise and congestion everyday realities.
What is the average rent in Paramount?+
Current residents of Paramount pay a median rent of about $1,625 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Paramount?+
Paramount has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 75 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Paramount?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Paramount are Rosemead, Del Aire, Lynwood and Bellflower.