With a name that directly translates to the City of Angels, who wouldn’t want to live in Los Angeles? It can be a heavenly place to call home, after all.
But your daydreams of moving somewhere may not align with the reality of actually living there, especially when you’re thinking about relocating to a place as expansive and diverse as LA (This city alone is home to over 3.9 million people). As you’ll come to find out, no two neighborhoods are the same in the LA area.
If you aren’t able to visit LA in advance of moving there, you may be wondering: how in the world am I going to choose which neighborhood to rent an apartment or buy property in, without ever having stepped foot in LA?
Moving is no walk in the park, but it can be extra difficult when you’re unfamiliar with the new area altogether. Fortunately, by reading reviews of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles, you can equip yourself with insider information and ultimately select a neighborhood that aligns well with your lifestyle and preferences.
The Best Neighborhoods To Move To: LA Edition
Before moving to California, it doesn’t hurt to take a peek at the specifics of various neighborhoods. That way, you can gain a full picture of what LA neighborhoods have to offer. From there, compare the amenities of the best neighborhoods in LA and weigh them up against your priorities and personal preferences.
#7: Silver Lake
Image courtesy of Homes.com
Part of LA’s east central region, Silver Lake is well-regarded for its impressive architecture, inclusive restaurants, vibrant boutiques, and creative energy. When you’re in Silver Lake, dining and shopping at locations like Bacari Silverlake, All Day Baby, Intelligentsia, Cafe Stella, Reform School, or Dream Collective is a must.
- Average home value: $1,387,549
- Average rent price: $2,386
- Crime: 7% higher than statewide average
- Safety rating: C-
#6: Echo Park
Image courtesy of Compass Real Estate
As part of east-central LA, Echo Park sits between DTLA and Hollywood. Echo Park has many stores, including Stories Books, Lemon Frogg, and Shout and About. For restaurants and cafes, check out Cosa Buona, Honey Hi, Tsubaki, and Stereoscope Coffee.
- Average home value: $1,049,632
- Average rent price: $2,510
- Crime: 19% higher than statewide average
- Safety rating: F
#5: Los Feliz
Situated between Silver Lake and Hollywood in central LA, Los Feliz is an eclectic, relaxed, and urban area. Food and beverage options in Los Feliz entail House of Pies, Franklin’s Cafe, Go Get Em Tiger, Cafe Nido. From there, you can let your meal settle while you casually stroll through shops like Squaresville and Sumi’s.
- Average home value: $1,764,039
- Average rent price: $2,247
- Crime: On par with statewide average
- Safety rating: C
#4: Pasadena
Image courtesy of The Carey Adventures
Northeast of downtown, Pasadena gives you the best of both worlds, meaning it feels like both a city and a suburb at the same time. Places to dine in Pasadena include 85C Bakery Cafe, Agnes Restaurant, Alfred, and Beard Papa’s. For shopping options, check out The Shops on Lake Avenue.
- Average home value: $1,059,066
- Average rent price: $3,106
- Crime: 6% lower than average
- Safety rating: C+
#3: Venice
Image courtesy of ExperienceFirst
Located in the western part of LA, Venice is an amazing place to eat food, drink coffee, and shop to your heart’s content. A lot of restaurants in Venice are locally-owned vendors who make a living selling to those strolling along the boardwalk, but you’ll also find places like The Cow’s End, Coucou, Felix Trattoria, Menotti’s, Intelligentsia, and more!
- Average home value: $1,807,166
- Average rent price: $3,868
- Crime: 105% higher than statewide average
- Safety rating: F
#2: Downtown LA (DTLA)
Image courtesy of California.com
Located in the heart of the city, nothing compares to the shopping, dining, and drinking options in DTLA. Here, you’ll find the ever-famous Rodeo Drive as well as must-try restaurants, including Bottega Louie, Dekkadance, Fogo de Chao, HATCH, and Limericks Tavern.
- Average home value: $659,179
- Average rent price: $2,930
- Crime: 19% higher than statewide average
- Safety rating: F
#1: Westwood
Image courtesy of LoopNet
Are you a UCLA college student moving to California but not sure which neighborhood to explore? Check out Westwood, which is situated in the northern central part of LA’s Westside region near the Beverly Hills area.
Not only is Westwood where UCLA is located but it’s the epitome of a college town. With a high walkability score, you’ll be able to take a stroll down to local restaurants, including Le Pain Quotidien, Egg Tuck, and STK Steakhouse.
Just make sure you thoroughly vet potential roommates before signing a lease with someone! After all, it’d be a shame to move to the LA area only to share space with a roommate who doesn’t adhere to the basic rules of being roommates.
- Average home value: $1,329,837
- Average rent price: $3,576
- Crime: 36% less than the national average
- Safety rating: A+
Top Neighborhoods for Different Lifestyles
Los Angeles is where aspirations soar, and dreams become reality, but each Los Angeles neighborhood caters to different lifestyles. From the ultra-lively streets of West Hollywood to the luxurious homes of Beverly Hills and the relaxed vibes of Westwood, Los Angeles County offers variety like no other.
It’s all about understanding which neck of the woods complements your day-to-day routine.
Safe Locations for Total Peace of Mind
No matter where you live, crime and security threats are always a looming possibility. However, if safety is a top concern of yours, there are measures you can take to seek out parts of LA where crime rates are low.
Here are a few areas that are recognized for their higher safety ratings.
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods for Children
Picture a community where children frolic under the sunshine of rarely-raining LA skies, families get together at local parks, and schools are merely steps away from the cape-cod or Mediterranean-inspired homes of Los Angeles.
If you plan to raise your family in LA, you’ll want to check out these family-friendly neighborhoods:
Trendy Hotspots for Young Professionals
West Hollywood and Culver City cater to the young and ambitious, thanks to their lively environment, active nightlife, and thriving art scene. Santa Monica adds a spark to the mix with its remarkable restaurants, not to mention the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
There’s also Echo Park and Silver Lake, both of which earn high pedestrian-friendly scores, making it safe to go outside and explore the nature around you. Even better, it’s all easily accessible from none other than the bustling Santa Monica Boulevard.
Tranquil Retreats for Singles and Couples
Venice is for those who crave a touch of peace amid the ever-present city noise. Most ideal for those who like to get around by foot, you can easily complete your list of daily errands without any need for a car.
From bars and restaurants to coffee shops and parks, Venice has it all (all within walking-distance).
Palm Tree-Lined Streets and Iconic Landmarks: LA’s Most Scenic Neighborhoods
Something nearly everyone notices as they navigate the city of LA is that the streets are lined with palm trees and landmarks galore. From the Brady Bunch House to the CBS Studio Center, famous locations like these enhance the visual appeal and historical ambiance of LA neighborhoods like Los Feliz and Studio City.
Art and Culture: Los Angeles’ Creative Districts
Los Angeles is a haven for artists. With districts like Venice and Downtown LA, there are lively creative centers all over the city. From the historic Greek Theatre in Los Feliz to the annual Very Special Arts Festival in Downtown LA, the city maintains a dynamic cultural scene that fuels the creative spirit.
In Summary
If you are a young professional who’s planning to move to the LA area, you might be struggling to find an apartment to rent. But don’t worry! It’s not uncommon because apartment hunting in California is notoriously difficult.
As you search for your new LA apartment, consider storing your suitcases and boxes in a storage unit until you’re able to sign a lease. That way, you can explore your options without worrying about the safety of your belongings.
Alternatively, if you are a homeowner hoping to purchase a property in the Los Angeles area, you might end up having to move out of your house before you find a new one to call home. If that’s the case, why not rent a storage unit where you can store your belongings until you can move into your next LA-based home?
For storage options that you can trust, take a look at self storage marketplaces like Neighbor. You’ll find storage providers in LA that offer safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units for your convenience.
People Also Ask
What is the best neighborhood near Downtown Los Angeles?
The best neighborhoods in Los Angeles near DTLA will depend on your preferences. For those who love nightlife and late evenings, the Arts District and the Financial District are the places to be. However, individuals or couples with children should explore Boyle Heights and South Park instead for a more residential ambiance.
What is the safest region in LA?
Some of the safest neighborhoods in LA are also the most affluent, walkable, and family-friendly. Places like Highland Park, Sherman Oaks, Playa Vista, and Pacific Palisades are up there on the list of safest LA neighborhoods, but above all, Bel Air is the safest.
What is the safest area in downtown LA?
If you’re exploring Downtown LA and considering moving there, one of the safest areas worth looking into is Little Tokyo.
