where is the best place to live in LA?
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02/19/2006
Stacy H. says:
Moving to LA from SF and not sure where to live - considering west LA or santa monica. I'm used to living where I can walk to everything I need and I know LA isn't exactly like that. Any advice?
02/20/2006
George N. says:
I'd say try and live fairly close to where you work and where you have a collection of friends, as opposed to any particular neighborhood. You stand to gain an extra hour or two per day that way given how long it takes to get around town sometimes. That said, parts of West LA are fine (I like the area around Sawtelle), but I always kind of get the feeling that there's more happening arts-wise the further east you go. Plus streets like Hillhurst, Fairfax, Hyperion, Vermont often have some of the walkable/accessibility feel you'll be looking for. But LA will never be like SF in that respect I suppose. Good luck.
02/20/2006
shawn k. says:
i moved to the los feliz (east hollywood) neighborhood exactly because i wanted to walk to get grocieries, see music, go shopping, and eat out. and its worked out wonderfully for me. unfortunately, many of my friends live on the west side, and of course, the beach is to the west, so i do drive out there a bunch for activities.
02/20/2006
Joan "of Yelp" S. says:
I liked living in Santa Monica, near the ocean - walk to everything - stores, bank, movies. It was a bit noisy at night and there are a lot of homeless. I lived near the Promenade, but the area around Montana Ave. is probably quieter. I also lived on Venice Beach and loved it. One must have an open mind to live there, but it is always entertaining. I now live in Redondo Beach, near to the village, very convenient - and cheaper than Santa Monica, rentwise. It is every bit as beautiful down here, but a bit farther away from the action. LA has many great areas and I haven't found any I don't like. West Hollywood area is awesome. I could be happy living just about anyplace in LA, but I just happen to prefer the beach. Commuting during rush hours is a bitch and takes a lot of time. So I agree with George that living near your job is a very good idea.
02/21/2006
Aaron "I'm Roman so I speak Latin" R. says:
I concur with everything said above.
However the most important of things said here.... LIVE CLOSE TO YOUR WORK... I've lived 45 minutes and 15 minutes away from my work in LA, and I really like being close to work... makes life that much nicer.
I live in Los Feliz and love it, I used to live in West LA and I liked it when I was there, but now realise how unfriendly people were in that area.
My neighborhood is a neighborhood, I see the same people all the time, they are friendly, and its just a good scene.
That being said, there is something nice about being close to the beach, its cooler all year round, and if you go to south santa monica you might find what you're looking for.
02/21/2006
Rachel R. says:
Santa Monica is awesome. If you can afford to be near Montana Ave., it should fulfill your walking desires.
02/21/2006
Aly "Yo Mamma's So Fat" D. says:
Stacy H. i did the exact opposite of you about 8 months ago (LA to SF). i grew in palos verdes so i'm always loyal to that place because its goregous, but rather expensive if youre looking for a one bedroom place to crash. santa monica is always fun with a very young crowd, although rent is going to be a bitch anywhere in so cal. might want to check out craigslist to get a feel for places you want to visit and then go to down to LA to check out the areas. good luck and hope you get settled in :)
02/24/2006
Andrew W. says:
Santa Monica. Yes. It has all the good, cheap eats, near all the vital road-ways, has a beach, shopping, and places where you can afford to live.
02/24/2006
Drew M. says:
Santa Monica, Venice, West LA - the best part of LA IMHO. I commute an hour each way to work in Glendale every day, because I couldn;t imagine moving away from the Westside.
02/24/2006
Ky W. says:
Nowhere, move to SF ;)
02/24/2006
Ky W. says:
Scratch that - STAY in SF!
02/24/2006
cherie c. says:
If you liked SF, the Westside will be an entirely different experience. Eastside is cheaper and is on the Metro routes. But as others have said, live close to work. Otherwise, the commute will kill you. If you can swing it, downtown is a great place to live and work.
02/25/2006
Joan "of Yelp" S. says:
LA is all about being outdoors, unlike SF. There is no comparison between the two cities. I choose to live in LA (and I could live anywhere in the world) because I love all the outdoor lifestyle, the extensive bike paths, the abundant creative energy, the people with big dreams, the amazing weather, the views, the focus on health/fitness, the freedom to be as eccentric as one chooses with little judgement, etc.. This is a unique and beautiful city, despite the smog (improving), slides (mud and rock), fires, rattlesnakes, floods, quakes, rats and traffic. Avoid the freeways and you will be better off. I don't use them at all. I hear great things about downtown lately, need to check it out.
03/01/2006
Jeff B. says:
I used to live in West Los Angeles and still have an apartment there. It is a great place to live. I was near the intersection of Robertson and Olympic and by being there I was close to everything. I was also just outside of Beverly Hills, so I got a lot of the benefits of living there. If you like walking places, try living near 3rd Street in West L.A. It is near all the shops on Third plus Farmers Market, etc. Look up DoughBoys and the shops near it to give you a sense of the area. The biggest benefit is that L.A. is still much cheaper than S.F. You'll love your time here and Yelp will be a big... er... help. Hmmm. Nice rhyme.
03/01/2006
Eric L. says:
I agree that it is important to live close to work - I do, and still my commutes get longer & longer with every passing year. Being walking or biking distance from your work may become a extremely attractive feature sooner than we think.
I would also suggest that you pay attention to parking situations in your prospective neighborhoods. Some of my friends live in such restrictive parking zones that it makes it extremely difficult to visit them comfortably. Sounds like a picky thing, but I think it makes a difference.
03/02/2006
Joan "of Yelp" S. says:
Oh yes, parking! Must not take it for granted. It's a bitch in Santa Monica/Venice. I was able to rent a monthly spot in a nearby office building in downtown SM, but then had to shlep everything from my car 3 blocks.
03/02/2006
Aaron "I'm Roman so I speak Latin" R. says:
I think what's clear here, is that LA is so big, and so expansive that there is a neighborhood for every taste and style.
This is a driving city when it comes down to it, but there are places that have everything in walking distance. You're gonna have to hunt, and try things out, but the advice above is all genius.
03/02/2006
jill "the japanese one from oakland" k. says:
santa monica, the south bay (torrance, manhattan beach, hermosa beach, etc.) are the best for people who like to be near the beach, but santa monica and the west side have a better night life!
03/02/2006
Tim G. says:
live near where your friends are. otherwise, you will never see them.
03/11/2006
David "supawako" K. says:
lived in westwood (near ucla) for three years now. luv it. i come home and "walk" to the village for dinner or hanging out. most of my friends meet at my place because it's a central location to downtown LA and the beaches.
03/12/2006
aj C. says:
It all depends on what type of lady you are.
If you shop at Urban Outfitters, say "wooo" whenever you are excited, and wear couture track suits on Sunday's then I recommend Manhattan Beach.
If you know who Merzbow is, then go to Silverlake/Echo Park.
Model/pornstress, try Hollywood and the whole Sunset Melrose thing.
So many options, LA is so spread out.
03/12/2006
Andrew C. says:
I have to say Venice is the best. Small town in the big city. Ride your bike to everything. I love Venice, though, so I am biased. Good mix of crackheads and yuppies
03/13/2006
Don J. says:
West LA is the best place to live. I'm in a pocket surrounded by Santa Monica to the west, Brentwood to the north and Westwood to the east. It's so close to great areas in LA and the rent is more affordable. There are lots of great restaurants and some cool bars too...
03/16/2006
Alli J. says:
I think West Hollywood is best. I used to live in West LA and it's too "mommies with strollers" to me. You can walk a lot in WeHo and it's not too far from the east side or the west.
03/21/2006
Melody "Red Velvet" H. says:
best place for young twenty-something professionals is definitely west la and santa monica above wilshire, if you can swing it. call me biased, but if you can live within walking distance of q's and the barrington/ montana intersection, you're golden. you're close to the beach, close to the grocery store, close to shopping, close to food, and not too far from west hollywood or anything off the 405. check out
westsiderentals.com and
pbmmgmt.com
03/21/2006
Helen J. says:
It's hard to really figure out what neighborhood is the best fit for you until you've spent some amount of time here. I recommend either crashing with a friend for some time or signing for a short-term lease somewhere that sounds viable from the advice above, if possible. You'll most likely realize that the first place you pick is not where you'd like to stay for the long-term. Key factors to consider are: commute to work and distance from friends. No matter how close you are to the things you need, your car is going to be your best friend.
03/26/2006
sarah e. says:
stace - I am thinking santa monica, west la, west hollywood vicinities and melrose, 3rd St. miracle mile areas. But, where are you working again? I am looking for an apt right now and am having trouble, too! ugh...
03/27/2006
Joan "of Yelp" S. says:
Sarah, for a nice single or a small 1-bedroom, check out the Charmont at 330 California Ave. in Santa Monica. It's a few blocks from the ocean and a few blocks from 3rd St. Promenade. I used to live there. The office number, unless it changed, is 310-451-3532. It's a quiet building, so no parties. Otherwise, Westside Rentals & the Argonaut, as mentioned above, are great sources for rentals.
03/27/2006
Joan "of Yelp" S. says:
You're welcome! If the Charmont works out for you, you will love it there. A friendlier place does not exist.
03/27/2006
sarah e. says:
friendliness is one of the most important aspects of a neigborhood - I hope my brother will be down to live there! thx again!
04/30/2007
Linda L. says:
My husband got promoted to a job In LA area from the Bay Area. I am a native Bay Area-ian and he is from the OC, so its new for both of us! His territority is Los Feliz, Hollywood, Downtown... And I am looking for a safe place, quaint neighboorhood with great charm, life, friendliness...
WHat do you guys think about Los Feiz? is it hip? I went to UC berkeley and loved the small town quarkiness... but i am from Danvile (doubt u know what that is) but similar to brentwood.. very upscale, beautiful, small town feel.
WHat are your suggestions? Other places to look into. Is brentwood too far of a commute? Rent is not an issue.. so tell me where the BEST places to live.. beverly hills? Hoollywood hills?
PS i love Ny... if i could live anywhere it would be the spot.. so what would be a good match!
oh THANK You so much for your help.. i feel so lost.. but this helps so much!
04/30/2007
Linda L. says:
My husband got promoted to a job In LA area from the Bay Area. I am a native Bay Area-ian and he is from the OC, so its new for both of us! His territority is Los Feliz, Hollywood, Downtown... And I am looking for a safe place, quaint neighboorhood with great charm, life, friendliness...
WHat do you guys think about Los Feiz? is it hip? I went to UC berkeley and loved the small town quarkiness... but i am from Danvile (doubt u know what that is) but similar to brentwood.. very upscale, beautiful, small town feel.
WHat are your suggestions? Other places to look into. Is brentwood too far of a commute? Rent is not an issue.. so tell me where the BEST places to live.. beverly hills? Hoollywood hills?
PS i love Ny... if i could live anywhere it would be the spot.. so what would be a good match!
oh THANK You so much for your help.. i feel so lost.. but this helps so much!
04/30/2007
Vance H. says:
"Compton is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It is home to almost 100,000 citizens. Known as the "Hub City" because of its unique position in almost the exact geographical center of Los Angeles County, Compton is strategically located along the Alameda Corridor, a passageway of 25 percent of all U.S. waterborne international trade. Compton is rapidly emerging as a large industrial center in Los Angeles County for transit and distribution, business services, high technology, home and lifestyle products, metals, financial services, and textile manufacturing."
They've got to be kidding.
04/30/2007
Andy S. says:
Echo Park, up in the hills, right by me. It's hillier than parts of SF and reminds me of valleys in South America. Lots of outdoor space and soooo close to downtown.
see my EP photos here:
http://flickr.com/sear...
04/30/2007
jim k. says:
the best place to live and have a great quality of any life in LA is by far the south bay (manhatten, hermosa, redondo beach)!!
04/30/2007
Sokrates "Useful, Funny, Cool" F. says:
I really enjoyed what I saw of Los Feliz when I visited LA in December. It's probably one of the more "East Coast" areas of LA, in terms of a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with access to transit. It's also very close to Griffith Park---you can even see the observatory from there!
And call me a nerd, but I really liked the little library in Los Feliz..
Silver Lake, just east of Los Feliz, is currently one of the hip places to be in LA.
Wish I could say that rent wasn't an issue for me! Consider yourself blessed if that's truly the case.
04/30/2007
Amy S. says:
I'm in Los Feliz and I love love LOVE it. I walk everywhere on the weekends, and I feel safe when I'm out at night alone. I've never lived anywhere I've been so happy, for serious.
04/30/2007
Linda L. says:
Los feliz sounds like a great place! Right now based on the feedback my husband I have received we hear that Los Feliz and Silverlake are both great places.
can you compare and contrast the two for me (sounds a bit like English 101, sorry about that!)
how far is the drive to say santa monica, Venice?
Local grocery stores? Trader Joes, Whole foods?
is there a 24hour ftiness anywhere!!!!
Thankkkkkss... I love this thing!!!
04/30/2007
Belle M. says:
I'm a Bay Area native (will be returning to SF ) and the area in L.A. that I felt most at home was in Los Feliz and Silver Lake . Walking community, lots of cafes, bars, restaurants, etc. It definitely has an SF vibe!
04/30/2007
Laced U. says:
Compton or South Central L.A. is nice, although i don't think you'll walk much.
just look for a place where there are no cars parked on the streets.
that's a nice neighborhood.
04/30/2007
Tim C. says:
Silverlake, without a doubt! Iwas born and raised in the Bay and now live in Silverlake. Silverlake/Los Feliz/Echo Park are hands down the best LA nieghborhoods!
04/30/2007
sarah beth "foodfucker" S. says:
i just loooooooove culver city. it is relaxed/old fashioned/cheap/artsy/central/
convenient (target, etc) and best of all it has YUMMY food galore.
04/30/2007
sarah beth "foodfucker" S. says:
oh and near the beach and bev hills and have trader joes, ralphs, albertsons, etc......
04/30/2007
sarah beth "foodfucker" S. says:
oh and near the beach and bev hills and have trader joes, ralphs, albertsons, etc......
04/30/2007
Amy S. says:
Linda, I'm in Los Feliz... the Albertson's isn't the greatest grocery store but it's walkable. Trader Joe's and Gelson's are just a short drive... a little further for one of the big grocery chains or a Whole Foods, but nothing crazy. It's incredibly convenient.
04/30/2007
Linda L. says:
Thanks amy for that feedback. now this may be too specific, but are there "streets" that are the most desirable to live near/on...?ie close to the village...?
04/30/2007
Alex C. says:
Simi- Valley, Nooooo Just kidding.
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