Neighborhood Guide – 12 Neighborhoods To Move In Los Angeles CA
In the era where everybody’s constantly looking for ways to improve themselves, whether in the way of a new job, look, car, or neighborhood, we are always in a rush to be and do better. When you want to live in a city like Los Angeles, there are many things that you should consider if you really want your move to be an improvement and not a step back in your life. Yes, Los Angeles is amazing but looking for a new place to live in Los Angeles is both exciting and exhausting, and because we’ve got hundreds of neighborhoods in LA County, it can sometimes seem impossible to find the one that suits you and your preferences well. Here we break down 12 of the most popular areas, highlighting the stuff you care about, like landmarks, vibe, transportation, bars, restaurants, etc. Be free to pick the one that checks all your boxes.
1. Westwood
Westwood is best known as the home of UCLA. There’s not much time in Westwood’s history that isn’t tied to the prolific university. There is no doubt that Westwood is an amazing neighborhood to live in, especially if you are a young student or post-graduate and interested to experience everything LA has to offer. There is a little something for everyone and if on the rare instance there is nothing for you there is the whole city of Los Angeles right at your fingertips since the neighborhood is very well linked. Amazing hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and scrumptious restaurants can all be accessed almost instantaneously. The neighborhood is relatively safe so walking around at night is a non-issue most of the time. The only downside is that housing can be expensive and difficult to come by.
2. Hollywood
No matter where you live, you already know the sites and landmarks that make Hollywood famous – The Sign, the Walk of Fame, The Chinese Theater, and the list goes on and on. Hollywood is right up there next to Times Square as perhaps the most recognized place in the country. “Hollywood” is so much more than a neighborhood, it’s an entire industry. The neighborhood has grown bigger and taller along the way of its entertainment industry development, and it has recently added thousands of new apartments for everyone who wants to experience the lifestyle of a movie star. No matter how crowded and touristy Hollywood gets, somehow it manages to keep that old magic, the spark that began back with the first studio in 1912. That is why Hollywood will probably always remain one of the favorite neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
3. Los Feliz
There is a little to dislike when it comes to a neighborhood like Los Feliz. Whether you are a young professional, family person, or retiree, Los Feliz is a perfect place for whatever you are searching for. Several coffee shops, restaurants are mostly found here. The village has been a good ground for many bars and restaurants catering to nightlife to thrive. The best thing about all of these restaurants and bars is that they are places where people actually learn your name and remember you, so you can really get that warm feeling that you are at home. Griffith Park, one of LA’s ultimate landmarks, is probably the area’s defining treasure and it’s also one of the largest parks in the country, even bigger than Central Park. That is why the neighborhood is the perfect match for those who prefer a healthy and active lifestyle. The only disadvantage that Los Feliz comes with is that it is probably one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles, but if you can afford to spend a little more money, you should definitely go for it.
4. Koreatown
Korean immigrants began to settle and open businesses here in the ‘60s, taking advantage of the inexpensive real estate. Today, despite the name evoking a traditional ethnic enclave, it is highly diverse ethnically. What probably influenced Koreatown to become a tight-knit community were the LA Riots, when residents famously claimed they felt ignored and which created a “let’s stick together” kind of vibe. It’s been this way ever since and wherever you go to Koreatown, you’ll feel a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This neighborhood is located in Central Los Angeles. It has the highest population density of any neighborhood in Los Angeles. Koreatown is rich with restaurants and bars, and it gives its residents and tourists an enjoyable nightlife experience. It serves up some of the best clubs and 24/7 businesses in Los Angeles. There is the Korean American National Museum, The Korean Cultural Center, Liberty Park, etc. to look forward to seeing in this amazing neighborhood.
5. Bel-Air
Another neighborhood worthy of being listed as one of the 12 best neighborhoods is Bel-Air. It’s on the Westside of Los Angeles, in the foothills of Santa Monica Mountains. It was founded by Alphonzo Bell in 1923. There is an abundance of mansions and fine properties in the area. This neighborhood is less dense and is home to some elites in society. It’s the sort of place that reminds you that some of the people who moved to LA to achieve success in TV, film, and music actually did and to motivate you to hustle and work a little harder to be able to really become part of this society. But for all the glitz and glamour, the place is surprisingly neighborhoody. Coffee shops, locally-owned businesses, and legendary music venues. The Hannah Carter Japanese Garden is the center of attraction in Bel-Air. This garden was inspired by the gardens of Kyoto. Another notable landmark in the area is the American Jewish University.
6. Venice
Venice, locally known as the Westside, is the urban region of Coastal Los Angeles County. Its recreational and commercial beachfront have made it worthy of being listed among the 12 best neighborhoods one can move to within Los Angeles. Some distinct features Venice is known for include the canals, a beach, an oceanfront walk, a pedestrian promenade with plenty of excellent dining, drinking, entertainment, and shopping options. This neighborhood has lots of recreational spots one could visit and also very rich in arts and culture. The Venice Beach Recreational Center has lots of facilities, including a basketball court, volleyball court, handball court, etc. Yes, as you can imagine, Venice also comes as a more expensive option, but if you’ve decided to move to Los Angeles you are probably aware of this. We can assure you that paying a bigger price to become a part of the Venice community is more than worth it.
7. Echo Park
This is one neighborhood that truly shows the beauty of Los Angeles. This neighborhood is located in Central Los Angeles and has a record of over 43,000 residents. It was established in 1892 and was the center of filmmaking before Hollywood was born. There is usually a hot-summer experience in this neighborhood, which can be eased off thanks to the Echo Park Lake in the area. One of the joys of this neighborhood is the abundance of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. So, if you want to enjoy the nightlife, be sure to move in here. Echo Park is vibrant and lively, almost as much as Silver Lake, but it’s also rich with history, easy-going people, and a ton of great stuff to eat and drink. And to top it off, it’s still not as expensive as it should be. That is why you should check Echo Park out as soon as possible.
8. Valley
The Valley is very suburban, so landmarks are limited and the real landmarks are the tiny, blink-and-you-miss-them restaurants in the corners of its numerous strip malls. The Valley wasn’t a place worth mentioning for a long time, and while it’s not the famous hotspot in the city, it’s still changing every day and getting more spots and sights. North Hollywood might be the most exciting part, especially where Lankershim and Magnolia meet. The rows of bars, restaurants, and community theaters create a special atmosphere, and people actually walk around. The stock and value of properties in the neighborhood have risen, along with some developmental changes made. Welcome to the suburbs and feel the great vibe of it.
9. Downtown
The neighborhood of some of the best restaurants, world-class entertainment, a thriving fashion scene, and plenty of street art, has grown to become the heart of Los Angeles. The Bradbury Between Angel’s Flight, Grand Central Market, Bunker Hill, and everything else you can see, this is one of those places that feels instantly familiar – you’ve seen everything here in a movie at least 10 times. Little Tokyo is another traditionally ethnic neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles and one of the most beautiful parts of Downtown. Downtown Los Angeles is a lively, fun place to live in where it’s always something happening and anywhere you go, you’ll find something worth experiencing.
10. Atwater Village
This quiet town has become an epicenter for independent shops and that is what makes Atwater Village unique among other neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Offering gourmet food, specialty shopping, and artisan coffee & drinks, it’s one of the few neighborhoods where small businesses rule. It’s one of the few neighborhoods in Los Angeles where every single house looks notably different from the one next to it and that is what keeps it charming and beautiful. This is also one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles, which is why you have many different choices when it comes to food, drinks, music, and people to hang around with.
If you decide to move to Los Angeles, be sure to get in touch with Assured Rate Moving LA and get the best moving service Los Angeles has to offer.