Reasons Why Living in Downtown LA is the Right Choice

By Alex Rogers

November 11, 2020

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Nobody can deny that living in Downtown LA is very attractive. Whether you’re relocating by yourself or with a family, the central district’s numerous amenities will cover anything you might need. It has a large housing market, excellent public transportation system, plenty of restaurants, cafes, as well as a vibrant nightlife that won’t leave anyone indifferent.

What Is It Like Living in Downtown LA?

While deciding where to live in Los Angeles is never an easy task, DTLA has several things going for it that will make you want to move here. There are many amenities within walking distance, including numerous restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. If there’s an event at a beach, the city’s efficient public transport ensures you don’t miss any of the action.

The nightlife scene makes it one of the best places to live in Los Angeles for singles and young adults in general. But that’s not all, as living in Downtown LA with a family also provides a lot of opportunities, bringing you closer to several excellent schools, outdoor spaces, and child-friendly activities.

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Is Living in Downtown LA Safe?

Is Downtown LA dangerous? Well, mostly no. The area garnered a pretty bad reputation over the years when it comes to safety, which is not entirely justified. Did you know that out of half a million people working in DTLA, less than 20% actually live there? With thousands of people commuting here to work, the overall crime rates are disproportionately raised.

While it may not be among the safest neighborhoods in Los Angelesmost parts of the district are pretty safe overall. Going out at night is not dangerous either, just remember to choose your routes carefully. If you want to minimize the chances of witnessing a crime, stay away from Skid Row, and avoid certain places at night, like Chinatown. If you don’t want to move here on your own, you can always get a local moving company in Los Angeles to help you out.

LA at night
Downtown’s nightlife is very vibrant

Local Housing Market Offers a Wide Range of Apartments

When it comes to housing, it’s a well-known fact that central LA is expensive, and there’s no sugarcoating this. However, even if you’re not a wealthy celebrity, it’s by no means impossible to live here. According to Niche, the median home value of $660,000 is very affordable for LA, while the rent cost of $1,700 a month is just moderately higher. If you’re apartment hunting in Los Angelesyou will find plenty of flats in DTLA. You just need to look through all the available options to find a place that falls within your price range.

Where Should I Live in Downtown LA?

DTLA has several excellent districts, so if you’re not sure which ones to check out, our Los Angeles neighborhood guide is here to help:

  • Financial District – Many residents take advantage of the regional Metro rail system to commute around the county. Public transit also brings in many visitors, which keeps the center buzzing throughout the whole week. Besides larger retailers such as Macy’s, Whole Foods, and Target, you’ll also find several of the best Downtown LA restaurants throughout the area.
  • South Park – While it used to be covered with warehouses and parking lots, the neighborhood has become a bustling entertainment area with several attractions, including STAPLES Center, LA Convention Center, and LA Live. The residential zones are growing quickly, leading to many high-rise developments such as the Atelier Apartments.
  • Arts District – This unique community is one of the most sought-after places in LA, with numerous residential and commercial real estate developments occurring at any given time. As its name suggests, the area is a haven for arts and crafts, with countless museums, galleries, and cultural spaces spread throughout the neighborhood.
  • Little Tokyo – While several Japanese immigrants shaped this district’s history, the recent revitalizations drew significantly more attention than anything before. Today’s neighborhood offers an excellent mix of old and new, with nice properties, cultural institutions, and one of Downtown’s best walking areas. It also houses the Japanese American National Museum, one of the best museums in LA. If you want to discover some other interesting places in Little Tokyo, check out the video below.

Getting to Other Places in the Valley Is Much Easier With Public Transit

While the city’s traffic can sometimes be a nightmare, getting around LA is much easier when you’re in the center of everything. We already mentioned Metro, the city’s excellent regional public transport. It connects DTLA with several major interest points in the whole metropolitan area, including the LA International Airport, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, which means you will never be too far away from some of the best beaches in Los Angeles. Plus, biking is very popular here, and if you don’t have a ride of your own, you can always get one through the city’s bike-sharing system. When deciding to relocate here, it might be better to get one of the Los Angeles moving companies to help you out, as their Downtown LA movers certainly know their way around the place.

A bike and a helmet on the street
If the hectic traffic gets you down, you can get around by walking or riding a bike

You Can Experience the City’s Rich Past in the Historic Core

The historic core houses numerous movie palaces, former department stores, and offices. While it experienced a severe decline in the 1950s, most of the district’s older buildings have been adapted for today’s use. You can even explore some of these spots during the monthly events, such as Shop Walk and Downtown Art Walk. It’s also interesting to learn that the district’s Broadway Street is the only place in the US where you can find twelve movie theaters in a six-block stretch. The street is also home to the famous Broadway Theater and Commercial District, known for its excellent stage productions.

Broadway Street
Broadway Street is the only place with a dozen movie theaters

No One Is Indifferent to Downtown’s Abundance of Amenities

If you’re planning to move here, be ready to have your social and work calendar completely booked weeks in advance. The number of amenities is overwhelming at times, but if you’re the type of person who enjoys the city center’s hustle and bustle, you’ll thrive in this environment. From having a fun night out dancing to enjoying some excellent cuisine, there’s something for everyone here.

Check Out the Best Nightlife Scene in Los Angeles

Are you looking for things to do in LA at night? You’ve come to the right place then, as the center is home to some of the city’s best nightclubs and bars. If you were planning to go club-hopping, LA Club Crawl gives you access to four venues in one night for just $25. Want to try out some handcrafted cocktails? Check out The Varnish, a moody speakeasy whose mixologist can make any drink you can imagine. For a casual evening, stop by The Rooftop, where you can swim in a heated pool while enjoying some great tunes and a panoramic view of the city.

The Food Market and Restaurants Scenes Are Integral to the Community

Many say that the local restaurant scene is experiencing a renaissance, with several great places being opened regularly. Some of those establishments are among the best in the world, allowing you to try some exquisite food. Even if you are more of a low-key person, you’ll find no shortage of unique and trendy restaurants and bars to fit your style.

While you may not believe it at first, food markets are an integral part of the local scene, and DTLA boasts numerous such places. Think of the Grand Central Market, and you’ll see that shopping here becomes something else entirely.

A marketplace
You can find various foods in the Grand Central Market

The Beautiful Grand Park Is Just the Place You Need to Relax After a Long Day

While high-rise apartment buildings and commercial properties are a huge part of LA and its appeal, the city is not just another concrete jungle. If you’re looking for excellent green open spaces, check out the local Grand Park. This 12-acre peaceful area spreads from The Music Center to the City Hall offers a variety of activities. From casual strolls to organized group yoga sessions and famous Lunch a la Parc events, you can always head to this place to take time off and relax.

A park with a fountain
Grand Park is a small green haven right next to the City Hall

Thinking About Moving Here? Our Professional Movers in Los Angeles Are Here to Help

If you’re satisfied with what these central districts have to offer, you should start planning your relocation right away. To make the whole process a lot simpler, you might want to consider hiring a Los Angeles moving company to assist you. If you want to avoid spending too much money, there are several cheap movers in Los Angeles that can help you out, including our own All In Moving. We’re not only one of the more affordable moving companies in Los Angeles but also one of the best, with years of experience to back our claim.

Hiring us gives you access to the highest quality moving services in Los Angeles, enabling you to have a quick and stress-free move. If you’re relocating to a new home, a residential move will help you make the transition with ease. Our local movers in Los Angeles can also pack everything for you. You just have to get the packing services. We also have to mention our commercial relocations, as not every LA moving company has the workforce to handle such a move. To get a free quote on all the services we offer, you just need to contact our Los Angeles movers. Give us a call as soon as you find a place.

Alex Rogers

Written by

Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers, a seasoned expert in the moving industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to her writing, offering practical tips, insightful advice, and in-depth guides to make your moving journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers

Alex Rogers, a seasoned expert in the moving industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to her writing, offering practical tips, insightful advice, and in-depth guides to make your moving journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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