The Best Neighborhoods in L.A. to Live
We break down the expansive city so you can find your dream area
8 Min Read
8 Min ReadIf you want to know where to live in Los Angeles there is no right or wrong answer. The neighborhood you choose to live in should simply be a great fit for your lifestyle. Will this part of the city support and enhance your current way of life? That’s the question to ask yourself.
It’s worth spending some time mulling it over and making a list of must-haves. Whether your priorities are about the cuisine or the nightlife, cultural institutions or historic architecture. Green spaces or ocean breezes – Los Angeles has it all.
Location, Location, Location. It’s one of the most significant choices you’ll make when searching for an apartment. In fact, the location should be prioritized before the apartment search itself. Here are a few important points to consider when you’re looking for the best neighborhood of L.A to live in:
- Neighborhood safety
- Transit options and parking space
- Local amenities
- Outdoor space
- Community culture
Life in Los Angeles
L.A is known as a ‘transplant city’ due to its multicultural residents who infuse the city with their heritage. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country. A resurgent city center, a vibrant arts scene, and evolving culinary destinations make it a city that’s constantly rediscovering itself. Surprisingly, you can go car-free here as Los Angeles is home to one of the country’s best public transportation networks. Without a car, you can travel by subway, light-rail, or bus. It’s a great home base for any weekend getaway, from the beach to the desert. There’s plenty of local cultures and natural beauty to discover, plus the warm year-round climate makes it easy and enjoyable to spend time outside. 
Downtown (DTLA)
DTLA is one of L.A’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. As an urban hub with the city’s tallest buildings, it’s also one of the hippest places to hang. From the industrial Arts District to world-class museums and foodie hotspots – it’s got everything you need, only a drive away from the beach.
In DTLA you’ll find upscale apartments, lofts and a diverse community of locals (including lots of USC students). Edgier by night, this area is better suited to streetwise singles. In this region, you can walk from point A to B as everything is in reach. Luckily, public transportation is accessible by the subway and DASH buses. Plus Downtown Union Station is a major hub for Amtrak and Metrolink trains.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in DTLA, it’s $2389 (unfurnished) and $3245 (furnished)
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a vibrant neighborhood with a close-knit community. This cool area set amongst the hills of North East L.A. is a top residential choice for creative professionals. Mediterranean-style homes, unique dining locations, and independent art galleries punctuate the region’s eclectic culture. Locals often run or relax by the Silver Lake reservoir or on the Silver Lake Boulevard. Everything you need in Silver Lake can be found within a 10-minute walk. But if you do want to venture further afield you can easily travel by subway or bus.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in Silver Lake, it’s $1773 (unfurnished) $2976 (furnished)
Glendale
If you’re looking for safe neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Glendale is the ideal choice. Known as one of the most secure neighborhoods to live in, it’s as family-friendly as it gets. Wholesome living in L.A’s suburbs is signified by hiking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains and active days out with the kids.
The L.A. Zoo and Norton Simon Museum are two examples of easy to reach, and enjoyable attractions. Shopping malls are vital areas in this community, where recreational retail areas serve as social hubs. Unique to this region is the Armenian community (the largest outside of Armenia), which is evident within the local culinary scene. Locals get around by car, and you’ll only be a short drive away from Downtown Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Pier.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in Glendale, it’s $2188 (unfurnished) and $2265 (furnished)
Highland Park
This up-and-coming creative neighborhood has seen many transformations over the years. From a craftsman community to a gangland, the present-day incarnation is pleasantly calm and residential. The region has a rich history dating back to 1783. Charming architectural details from the Victorian and Craftsman eras are still evident today. The neighborhood’s renaissance is signified by craft beer and independent shops. There are no big-name retailers in this cool suburb where hip newcomers and generations-old locals coexist. Fortunately, it’s easy to commute from Highland Park by metro. Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk can be reached in 30 minutes by car.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in Highland Park, it’s $1727 (unfurnished) and $1995 (furnished)
West Hollywood
Also known as “WeHo”, West Hollywood is a funky and lively neighborhood. It has a vibrant nightlife and melting-pot of eateries, modern furnishing stores, and art attractions. It’s no surprise that a mix of creatives and young professionals move here for the 24/7 lifestyle.
Mostly they live in modern multi-story apartment buildings nestled alongside traditional West Hollywood bungalows. The area is easy to navigate by foot and is only a short drive from DTLA and Beverly Hills.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in West Hollywood, it’s $2473 (unfurnished) and $3290 (furnished)
Koreatown
Koreatown (also known as K-Town) is full of bustling sidewalks and electric nightlife. This central L.A neighborhood is one of the most walkable and transit-friendly. Spend the afternoon getting a facial or massage at a spa, while an authentic evening here would entail some tabletop Korean BBQ followed by hours spent at a local karaoke bar. Modern conveniences are at your doorstep and you’ll only ever be a few blocks away from what you’re looking for, whether it be a 7-Eleven or the 24-hour Wi Spa. The urban professionals in the area tend to live in new developments and converted warehouses, where onsite washer-dryers are often seen as a luxury amenity.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in Koreatown, it’s $1835 (unfurnished) and $2990 (furnished)
Beverly Hills
As one of Los Angeles’s most exclusive residential enclaves, everything here is extremely upscale. From designer shopping on Rodeo Drive to luxurious homes – it’s VIP status offers a sense of privacy.
Also, it’s a very safe neighborhood with a first-class school district. Alongside the high-end living, Beverly Hills also has public green spaces like Beverly Gardens Park. The area has easy access to the 101 and 10 freeways, plus plenty of parking options around the center.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in Beverly Hills, it’s $2449 (unfurnished) and $3340 (furnished)
West Los Angeles
West Los Angeles is a laid-back neighborhood with central access to the rest of Los Angeles. It’s only a quick drive from Santa Monica Beach, Venice, and Malibu. This makes it an ideal location for those that prioritize being close to the sandy Californian coastline and the Pacific Ocean. There is an array of renowned restaurants from traditional to ethnic in the area’s culinary hub, which is nicknamed ‘Little, Little Tokyo’. Also, it’s near to cultural hotspots like the Getty Museum and some cool independent movie theatres.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in West L.A., it’s $2224 (unfurnished) and $3481 (furnished)
Marina Del Rey
This peaceful harbor location offers high-end living seaside living. As the name implies, most local activities center around the marina.
From harbor promenades and bike paths to the diverse boating scene, there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy here. When the weather is nice, make sure to take a cruise by sailboat or gondola. By night the neighborhood is relatively lowkey, with a casual fine dining scene. Located next to the Marina Freeway, it’s easy to explore the nearby land areas by car.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in Marina del Rey, it’s $2964 (unfurnished) and $3413 (furnished)
Playa Vista
Known as the tech hub of Los Angeles, main players like Google and Facebook work alongside an active startup community in Playa Vista. The self-contained residential community has everything from yoga studios to movie theatres just around the block. With good public schools and new luxury condo developments, it’s fitting for most modern families. The 405 freeway easily connects residents to the South Bay beaches communities and LAX Angeles International airport.
Monthly rent
For a one-bedroom apartment in Playa Vista, it’s $2775 (unfurnished) and $3490 (furnished)
It’s certainly not always easy to decide where you might live once you’ve made the decision to relocate to a new city. Why not try-before-you-buy, testing out which neighborhoods are the best match for you for a stay of a month or longer? Blueground offer flexible leases, and the option to move between apartments and the best neighborhoods in L.A to live in, pending availability. Take your pick from a Koreantown studio to a seaside two-bedroom in Marina Del Rey.
