Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis known for its diversity, offers a choice of neighborhoods each with their unique characteristics and vibe. However, the vast size and sheer number of communities to choose from can be overwhelming for those looking for a new place to call home in LA.

According to our customers, the main challenge is finding an area that caters to their individual or family needs, whether that may be a peaceful suburb close to a good school, or a trendy apartment close to the right restaurants and nightlife. So, what is the best way to find the perfect neighborhood?

The feedback we receive from clients is that thorough research is invaluable, particularly in terms of being clear about the main priorities to help identify the locations that would tick all the right boxes. To help with this research, we have used our experience to identify the neighborhoods which we think are the best of the bunch in Los Angeles right now.

Top Neighborhoods in Los Angeles 

Beverly Hills

Possibly the most well-known neighborhood in Los Angeles, is associated with Hollywood, the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous, and is home to many celebrities. Beyond the celebrity allure, Beverly Hills is renowned for its beautiful architecture, luxurious gardens, fountains, and palm trees. Beverly Hills offers high-end shopping experiences and fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Additionally, upscale theaters and art galleries make Beverly Hills truly a sought-after destination for those looking for a luxurious lifestyle. As you would expect, real estate in this neighborhood is not cheap, being adjacent to West Hollywood, but it is one of the safest areas to live in.

Silver Lake

Somehow manages to offer a unique vibe which is a curious mix of urban and suburban. Silver Lake also has excellent walkability with many amenities and services within easy walking distance and it boasts a relatively low crime rate. Silver Lake is considered more affordable than some neighboring areas yet still offers a good range of options to suit different budgets.

Centrally located with easy access to major highways and public transportation (including the metro) commuting options are good. This neighborhood is also great for those who enjoy the outdoors thanks to the picturesque Silver Lake Reservoir. Additionally, Silver Lake has a thriving hipster district with art galleries and coffee shops plus a fantastic music scene with a vibrant nightlife. Overall, Silver Lake as a neighborhood is a well-rounded choice with something for everyone and a strong sense of community.

Echo Park

A vibrant neighborhood that offers a great balance of amenities and excellent walkability. Easy access to great shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Safety has greatly improved with a welcome decrease in crime rates, but housing is still available at reasonable prices though rent control is not currently in place. Decent commuting potential with convenient access to major freeways and the Metro plus there is a lively local arts and music scene.

Outdoor activities are available in the nearby Echo Park Lake and while Echo Park may not have its own golf courses there are several within a short drive. Echo Park is also located within reasonable distance of Hollywood Hills and the Griffith Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.

Culver City

Offers a near-perfect balance between urban and suburban. This neighborhood has a rich Hollywood-era history as it is renowned for film and TV production. Today there is a vibrant community with plenty of attractions and amenities, with several renowned theaters and many live music events. Commuting is a strong point thanks to a well-connected transportation system with multiple bus routes and the Metro Expo Line for easy access to other parts of Los Angeles.

Golf enthusiasts will love the Rancho Park Golf Course, and everyone will love the huge range of delicious dining options. Culver City is more expensive in terms of living costs and real estate compared to many other cities in the Los Angeles area, but still more affordable than the more prestigious neighborhoods. For those looking to rent, Culver City has implemented rent stabilization measures to protect tenants.

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West Hollywood

A vibrant and lively area renowned for its nightlife and trendy restaurants. This neighborhood features a strong LGBTQ+ community and real estate prices are on the higher side. Rental prices are also higher than average but commuting options are great, with easy access to both highways and public transportation.

Safety in West Hollywood is generally above average thanks to a visible police presence. There is a good mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes available, and the amenities include high-end boutiques on the famous Melrose Avenue and the amazing West Hollywood Gateway shopping center. There are also numerous parks and recreational facilities plus plenty of trendy restaurants and bars to choose from.

San Fernando Valley

San Fernando Valley is a sprawling region offering a variety of family-friendly communities. Real estate prices are mixed ranging from average to high, but rental prices are more affordable compared to other parts of LA. Commuting is relatively convenient within the Valley, but commuting to other areas can be tiresome due to serious traffic congestion. Known for its awesome public parks and recreational facilities, there are ample amenities for residents. Safety varies with some areas experiencing higher crime rates than others. So, we advise you to carefully research the safety of the specific neighborhoods you may be interested in.

But that's not all – in The Valey area you find other classic LA neighborhoods such as Sherman Oaks and Studio City. San Fernando Valley is also bordered by the city of Burbank, known as the "Media Capital of the World", as numerous media and entertainment companies are headquartered in the city, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company and Nickelodeon Animation Studio.

Santa Monica

A neighborhood that is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and abundance of attractions. Residents of Santa Monica are spoiled for choice with an eclectic range of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. The bustling art scene is popular with trendy galleries and studios showcasing a wide range of arts. But the standout feature of Santa Monica must be the stunning beaches and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Santa Monica is easier to get around on foot or bike than many other neighborhoods with well-maintained sidewalks plus an extensive bike lane network. You can easily access other characteristic LA areas, such as Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey.

For families, the exceptional Santa Monica High School and Franklin Elementary School provide quality education and the community living is second to none with festivals, farmers markets, and other events throughout the year.

Santa Monica is an expensive area due to its desirable location near the beach and the vibrant lifestyle. There are rent control regulations in place, but real estate prices are typically higher than the average for Los Angeles County.

South Bay

The South Bay region offers a range of coastal communities each with their own version of the California relaxed beach lifestyle. The most popular are Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. South Bay real estate prices can be high in beachfront areas, but with more affordable options inland. Rental prices also vary depending on proximity to the beaches. Commuting is relatively convenient and crime rates are lower than average.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood 

Los Angeles is the largest city in California, it’s huge, covering around 500 square miles, and is made up of more than a half dozen regions, and each of those regions contains many smaller Los Angeles neighborhoods and cities.

The most popular ones that make up what is known as LA, are Westside, Bel Air, Central Los Angeles, Northeast LA, San Fernando Valley (aka the Valley), Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Highland Park, the San Gabriel Valley, Santa Monica, Los Feliz, South Los Angeles, the South Bay, Venice Beach, Westwood, and the Eastside.

When choosing an area in LA, it can save a lot of time if you make a list of the factors that are important to you, and then use these to create a shortlist. Though there are many factors to consider, our clients consistently emphasize the following when choosing a neighborhood:

Proximity to Work or School

Driving in LA can be frustrating, with a journey of just a few miles sometimes taking 30 minutes or more. Therefore, being close to public transportation is a big bonus as is being within a reasonable commuting distance. Reducing the time spent commuting daily will reduce stress and greatly increase the chances of being happy in your new neighborhood.

Safety and Security

Researching the crime rates and overall safety of any neighborhoods you are considering is extremely important. Use online tools to find areas with low crime rates, well-kept and well-lit streets, and a strong local police presence.

Related article: Safest Neighborhoods In Los Angeles

Amenities and Facilities

Use the web to check the availability of essential and preferred amenities. Having grocery stores and healthcare facilities nearby is a major plus for most. Other facilities that can also add convenience and fun to daily life in L.A. include parks, recreational centers, beaches/lakes, eateries, hiking trails, and shopping malls. For families, being close to good schools is another crucial factor.

Affordability

Research the housing costs and rental prices to find a neighborhood that fits within your budget. If you’re looking for an affordable rental and a nice neighborhood, here are some options we know and recommend:

● Highland Park

In Highland Park, which is one of the oldest neighborhoods in LA, you can experience a fascinating blend of the past and present, with an average rent of $1,926.

● Eagle Rock

Other option is Eagle Rock, with an average rent of $2,083. Situated between Glendale and Pasadena, Eagle Rock maintains a relaxed and welcoming vibe.

But remember affordability is not just about the monthly rental or mortgage payment. To budget properly you need to consider the cost of living, property taxes, and other costs such as homeowners association fees and insurance.

Rent control is called “rent stabilization” in Los Angeles and cities within Los Angeles County and surrounding areas such as West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, and Palm Springs, have each passed their rent ordinance. Rent-controlled tenants typically pay around $3,000 less per year than renters paying market rates. But rent-controlled housing is hard to find as numbers are limited, and demand is high.

Community and Social Atmosphere

Some neighborhoods will typically be more suited to families with green spaces and tree-lined streets, whereas others may be more vibrant and bustling with nightlife.

You’ll easily find historical areas and with diverse cultures in Los Angeles. Koreatown, Chinatown, North Hollywood, Little Tokyo, are some of LA’s most bustling cultural hubs

Ready to Move to LA? 

LA is a big place with some seriously heavy traffic, this is not an easy move you should trust to some new unknown kid on the block. We have helped hundreds of thousands of families to move their belongings safely and on time. We remain just as committed to our customers today as we were to our very first customers back in 1993.

When it comes to moving to a neighborhood in LA, we are the Los Angeles Movers that have quite literally done this a thousand times. We treat long-distance moves with the same care and attention to detail as we do on all our local moves. Our certified Oz employees can handle everything from pickup to a drop-off in LA.

Moving can be a real hassle, but it doesn't always have to be. We believe in providing top-tier moving and storage solutions at competitive prices. Our mission is to make your move seamless and stress-free. With our personalized touch and industry experience, we can help you achieve that fresh start.

If you are looking to move to LA and want to find out why 9/10 clients recommend us to others and a sizeable part of our business comes via referrals from satisfied customers, please get in touch today.