Originally known as "Dairy Valley" for its numerous dairy farms, Cerritos has transformed into a premier shopping and cultural destination in Los Angeles County. The city is home to the Cerritos Auto Square, the world's largest auto mall, and Los Cerritos Center, which makes Cerritos residents the second-highest retail spenders in California. The award-winning Cerritos Library, with its distinctive titanium exterior, and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts showcase the city's commitment to cultural enrichment.

Rental options in Cerritos include well-maintained townhomes, boutique apartment communities, and single-family homes with average rents around $2,700 for one-bedroom units. The city's thoughtfully planned neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets and proximity to shopping centers, parks, and restaurants. Heritage Park in central Cerritos offers a colonial-themed play area, while Liberty Park provides fitness facilities and a rubberized jogging track. Don Knabe Community Regional Park even features an artificial lake stocked with fish for recreational enjoyment.

Cerritos offers excellent access to major employment centers via three freeways: Interstate 5, Interstate 605, and the 91 Freeway. The average commute is convenient with Los Angeles and Orange County job centers both within reach. Major employers in the area include United Parcel Service, ABC Unified School District, and AT&T, along with numerous retail and automotive businesses. The city's rich cultural diversity is reflected in its varied dining scene and shopping destinations, making Cerritos an appealing choice for those seeking a well-connected suburban community.