The Best Neighborhoods in LA

Los Angeles is a city that is known for its diversity and endless opportunities. With so many different neighborhoods to choose from, it can be tough for students and young professionals to find the perfect place to rent an apartment. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular neighborhoods in Los Angeles for renters, and explore what makes each one unique.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is a world-famous neighborhood that's synonymous with luxury, glamour, and sophistication. Known for its exclusive shopping, dining, and entertainment options, Beverly Hills is a top choice for those seeking a high-end lifestyle. With its luxurious homes, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks, it's easy to see why Beverly Hills is a highly desirable place to live.

However, with all its prestige and glamour comes a high cost of living. Rent prices in Beverly Hills are among the highest in Los Angeles, making it a challenging neighborhood for students and young professionals on a budget. Despite this, the area is home to several large apartment buildings and rental properties, making it a possible option for those who are willing to pay a premium for the lifestyle and convenience that Beverly Hills offers.

One of the standout features of Beverly Hills is its world-class shopping. The Beverly Hills shopping district is home to some of the most exclusive boutiques and designer stores in the world, including Gucci, Chanel, and Prada. The area is also home to a number of fine dining restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it a popular destination for foodies and nightlife enthusiasts.

Another major draw of Beverly Hills is its location. The neighborhood is just minutes away from some of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles, including Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, and the Beverly Hills Hotel. It's also a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, making it a convenient place to live for those who want to be in the heart of the city.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a bohemian neighborhood located in the heart of Los Angeles. Known for its thriving arts and culture scene, Silver Lake is a popular destination for young professionals and creative types. The area is home to a diverse range of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as several parks and outdoor spaces.

Rent prices in Silver Lake are more affordable than Beverly Hills, making it a more accessible option for students and young professionals. The neighborhood is known for its charming mid-century homes, historic buildings, and eclectic mix of architecture. It's also a short drive or bus ride away from downtown Los Angeles and many popular attractions, making it a convenient place to live for those who want to be in the heart of the city.

One of the standout features of Silver Lake is its thriving arts and culture scene. The neighborhood is home to a number of independent theaters, music venues, and art galleries, making it a popular destination for creatives and cultural enthusiasts. It's also home to a number of charming cafes, vintage clothing stores, and record shops, making it a great place to spend a lazy afternoon or a night on the town.

Another major draw of Silver Lake is its outdoor spaces. The neighborhood is home to several parks and lakes, including Silver Lake Reservoir and the Silver Lake Meadow, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. It's also home to the Sunset Junction, a popular street fair that takes place each summer, featuring live music, food vendors, and a variety of local artisans and craftsmen.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located on the coast of Los Angeles. Known for its bohemian vibe and laid-back atmosphere, Venice Beach is a popular destination for students and young professionals who want to live by the beach. The neighborhood is home to a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as several parks and outdoor spaces.

Rent prices in Venice Beach tend to be on the higher side, but the neighborhood is still more affordable than Beverly Hills. The area is known for its quirky and eclectic mix of homes, including colorful beach cottages, mid-century modern apartments, and contemporary homes.

One of the standout features of Venice Beach is its vibrant arts and culture scene. The neighborhood is home to the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, which is a hub of activity and entertainment. The boardwalk is lined with street performers, food vendors, and arts and crafts stalls, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Another major draw of Venice Beach is its outdoor spaces. The neighborhood is home to several parks and beaches, including Venice Beach and Muscle Beach, offering plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. It's also home to the Venice Canals, a picturesque network of canals and bridges that are a popular destination for walking, jogging, and cycling.

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is the heart of the city, and it's a popular destination for students and young professionals who want to be in the center of it all. The neighborhood is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and bars. It's also a hub of business and commerce, making it a convenient place to live for those who work in the city.

Rent prices in downtown Los Angeles tend to be more affordable than Beverly Hills, but they're still on the higher side compared to some of the other neighborhoods on this list. The area is known for its mix of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, making it a unique and dynamic place to live.

One of the standout features of downtown Los Angeles is its arts and culture scene. The neighborhood is home to several world-class museums and theaters, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Ahmanson Theater. It's also home to the Grand Park, a popular outdoor space that hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.

Another major draw of downtown Los Angeles is its proximity to the rest of the city. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to get around Los Angeles and explore other neighborhoods. It's also just a short drive from many popular attractions, including Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, and the beaches.

Echo Park

Echo Park is a charming and quirky neighborhood located in the heart of Los Angeles. Known for its bohemian vibe and laid-back atmosphere, Echo Park is a popular destination for students and young professionals who want to live in a more relaxed and laid-back area. The neighborhood is home to a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as several parks and outdoor spaces.

Rent prices in Echo Park tend to be more affordable than Beverly Hills, but they're still on the higher side compared to some of the other neighborhoods on this list. The area is known for its charming homes and eclectic mix of architecture, making it a unique and dynamic place to live.

One of the standout features of Echo Park is its outdoor spaces. The neighborhood is home to Echo Park Lake, a popular destination for picnicking, boating, and walking. It's also home to Elysian Park, a large park that offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring

Finding the perfect neighborhood in Los Angeles can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. With so many diverse options in LA, there’s bound to be one you’re meant to call home.

So, what are some things to consider when deciding on an LA neighborhood? You’ll want to take a look at your career path, hobbies and interests, personality, and day-to-day lifestyle.

Pasadena 

This LA neighborhood has a sustainability structure meant to impress combined with a culturally rich reputation. With exceptional public transportation and walkability, getting to where you need to go is a breeze. Pasadena is home to institutions such as the Art Center College of Design, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology.

The neighborhood also boasts a love for culinary culture with more restaurants per capita than Manhattan! The restored Old Pasadena, central to the downtown area, revives Pasadena’s past with local retail and restaurants. Pasadena has much to offer!

Koreatown

Koreatown is a diverse 3-square-mile neighborhood bordering East Hollywood and Westlake. It is here you will discover a cultural hub in the heart of Los Angeles. Grounded in history with no shortage of trendy lounges and retail shopping, Koreatown is even home to the legendary music venue, The Wiltern Theatre. Commonly known as K-Town, this eclectic gem heralds as one of the most diverse restaurant neighborhoods in the city!

Koreatown has ample housing and there are always new developments popping up within the neighborhood. Worth mentioning is the 24-hour nightlife scene, which was a significant part of Koreatown’s appeal, and something locals hope to see revived again when the time is right. 

South LA (University Park/Jefferson Park) 

Proximity and convenience to the University of Southern California make both the University Park and Jefferson Park neighborhoods ideal for those attending or working at USC. Housing near USC is typically reasonably priced and close to fun activities in DTLA.

The University Park neighborhood houses the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Exposition Park Rose Garden, the country’s largest rose garden. If you are big on sports, taking in a game at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum may be reason alone to call this eclectic part of town your home. The area surrounding USC also offers ethnic cuisine and lively bars. 

West LA (Sawtelle and Brentwood) 

If you are looking for a quaint neighborhood with a slower pace, then Brentwood might be the place for you. This area of West LA is ideal for those that enjoy an active lifestyle. With green spaces and nature trails in abundance, Brentwood provides plenty of opportunity for yogis and runners alike.

It is known for its neighborly vibe with quaint shops and specialty food shops like those found in Farmshop. And if farmer’s markets are on your must-have list, Brentwood’s market draws people from all over Los Angeles! 

Sawtelle and Hollywood are also excellent options for those looking for housing in West LA. These pedestrian and bike-friendly neighborhoods are known for the popular tree-lined streets where you will find kitschy shops, Asian restaurants, and desserts galore.

Tech professionals and UCLA students living off-campus make up the majority of the West LA neighborhood’s population. Love the beach? A 20-minute drive, and you’ll be strolling the sands of Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach!

In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city with a diverse range of neighborhoods to choose from, each offering its own unique atmosphere and charm. Whether you're a student or a young professional, there is a neighborhood in Los Angeles that is perfect for you.

Whether you want to live by the beach, in the heart of the city, or in a more laid-back area, Los Angeles has something to offer. When it comes to renting an apartment, Los Angeles is a city that offers a wide range of options, from luxurious homes to more budget-friendly options. 

When deciding on a neighborhood and apartment, it's important to consider your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. With so many great neighborhoods and apartments to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home in Los Angeles.

Ready to Make the Move?