LA is the worldwide center of the entertainment industry, consisting of over 200 distinct neighborhoods. With such a wide array of choices, deciding where to live in Los Angeles is no easy feat. If you’re in the midst of searching for a new home, don’t worry. We have compiled a list of some of the highest-ranking communities we just know you’ll like.
What’s the Best Area to Live in Los Angeles? Well, there’s no simple answer to this question, as there are several factors that may impact your decision, mainly the budget you’ve planned in your moving expenses checklist. While making this Los Angeles neighborhood guide, we also considered several other factors, including location, demographics, and nearby amenities. Even if you’re not sure where to live in Los Angeles, California, our list will help you find your perfect home in no time. Finally, if you want to have a simple, stress-free move, remember to book Los Angeles movers as soon as possible.
Echo Park Is a Great Location With Numerous Outdoor Activities
Similar to most Central LA neighborhoods, Echo Park puts you close to pretty much everything. The eponymous recreation center features a man-made lake, BBQ areas, courts and fields for various sports, play areas for children, and more. It is one of the top sites for organizing events and programs for children and adults, with sporting activities, camps, and dancing classes occurring here regularly. For more outdoor opportunities, check out the nearby Elysian Park, which has some of the best hikes in LA.
If you’d rather watch sports than participate in them, the Dodger Stadium is right around the corner. Aside from outdoor recreation for the whole family, this neighborhood has nine elementary schools, both public and private, and one academy. The LA Public Library also has two branches here.
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Echo Park Is One of the Cheaper Places to Live in This Guide
With various amenities and activities right at your fingertips, you may think that Echo Park is pretty expensive. While it may sound too good to be true, this location is actually very affordable, even if you’re on a budget. According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index for this neighborhood is only slightly higher than both the LA and California index. The median home value of about $580,000 is about 16% higher than the city’s $496,000, making it one of the most affordable communities on this list. With a median rent of $1,250 a month, it’s not surprising that renting is a more popular option. If you’re looking for an apartment, remember to book some professional movers in Los Angeles while you’re at it.
Culver City Is the Movie Capital of the Valley
While Hollywood might be famous in the world of cinematography, Culver City is the true king of the movie industry. It has been the MGM Studios‘ address for the past century, with Sony Picture Entertainment also having its headquarters here. While Culver City’s motto may be “The Heart of Screenland”, there is more to the community than just moviemaking.
It houses several great educational institutions, including UCLA IDEAS campus, West LA Community College, and Antioch University. With thirteen parks in the vicinity, several bicycle paths, museums, theaters, and the Julian Dixon library, you’ll always have something to do here.
Check Out Some of Culver City’s Several Communities
Culver City comprises 17 distinct neighborhoods. Some of the most prominent ones include:
- Downtown – Despite being the very center of the community, the area has managed to retain a small-town vibe.
- Clarkdale – One of the most eco-friendly neighborhoods around, where solar energy has become the standard source of power.
- Fox Hills – once desolate farmland, today, this community is home to the Fox Hills Mall.
Downtown LA Is One of the Busiest Districts
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the very heart of LA. While DTLA has about 85,000 residents, some estimate that over half a million people work here. With incredible job opportunities, it’s no wonder that people from all over the world flock to the community. If you’re apartment hunting in Los Angeles, the median rent exceeds $1,600, but if you’d like to buy some property, you’ll have to spend about $700 per square foot.
The Ups and Downs of Living in the Heart of LA
Living in Downtown LA is the dream of many people all around the globe, and for a good reason. There’s always something to do and somewhere to go. This includes everything from daytime outdoor recreation to some of the most exciting things to do in LA at night. There are also plenty of excellent Downtown LA restaurants to check out. Just remember to make the reservations in advance.
However, being in the heart of the hustle and bustle is not all fun and games. For instance, you can forget about driving here. With commuters flocking here daily, traffic jams are pretty much constant. Luckily, the public transportation system is well-developed and serves as a great alternative to driving in LA. Residents of DTLA get to use six Metrolink rail lines, five rapid metro lines, and DASH shuttle lines. Amtrak and Greyhound also operate in the area. If you decide to move here, good Downtown LA movers will make the transition much more manageable.
Where Should I Live Near Los Angeles? Check Out Santa Monica, if You Can Afford It
Have you ever wondered where all the Hollywood celebrities go to escape the commotion of LA? Santa Monica is a resort town that has been attracting the well-off for the past century. Of course, this kind of population makeup is reflected in the cost of living. Being a resident here means that you’ll be spending three times as much as the average American. The median homes here cost about $1.1 million, and the price rises the closer you get to the beach.
Excellent Amenities Are the Main Reason Why This Location Is So Popular
What it lacks in affordability, the community makes up in – everything else. It has one of the best beaches in Los Angeles, music venues, art galleries, shopping locations, outdoor green spaces, sunny weather, high-ranking educational institutions – you name it, this place has it all. So, what are you waiting for? Book some Santa Monica movers and start looking for some real estate.
There Are Several Options for Getting Around
Santa Monica is not exactly close to most parts of LA. While Santa Monica Freeway can take you to DTLA in just over 30 minutes, it’s known for being one of the continent’s busiest roads. The famous Santa Monica Boulevard goes through the Hollywood neighborhoods all the way to Chinatown. Lastly, Interstate 10 runs through the town as well.
But not everyone drives here, and many other transportation options are also viable. The public transit system is made up of buses, light rail, and a subway. Cycling is a perfect way of getting around, as the year-round sunny weather will likely make you want to spend more time out in the open. The community has a well-developed bike-sharing system, and it has been awarded the Bicycle Friendly Community Award two times so far.
Westwood Is the Best Neighborhood in the City
According to Niche, Westwood takes the top spot among the best neighborhoods in LA. While mostly known for UCLA, Westwood is far from being the concrete jungle people imagine it to be. The family-friendly community is one of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with less than 100 violent crimes per year.
Amenities and attractions are plentiful, with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation, so you’ll never run out of things to do. Residents also get to enjoy numerous eating options, from expensive restaurants to casual diners. People moving with pets will love Westwood Dog Park. It’s one of the better dog parks in LA where you can let your furry friends run around freely and unleashed. What more could anyone possibly ask for? Contact some Westwood movers to assist you as soon as you find some excellent real estate.
The Cost of Housing Is Relatively Affordable for What It Has to Offer
Being among the best in LA doesn’t come cheap, and Westwood has a wide range of upscale homes to choose from, ranging from studio apartments to mansions. Considering what it has to offer, the median housing price of $855,000 and the renting cost of $1,850 are a lot cheaper compared to many other similar places on the list.
Alamitos Beach Is a Beautiful Paradise
No matter where you decide to settle down in Alamitos Beach, the ocean will be only a short walk away. Besides having a long white-sand shoreline, the neighborhood is known for its large LGBTQ+ community. There’s also a lively bar and nightclub scene, with the Broadway business corridor having some of the most popular establishments in the area.
There are various festivities and events all year round, like the Toyota Grand Prix, the annual Marathon, Pride Parade, and the Amgen Bike Race. All in all, if you are someone who loves being active, always having something to do, and dancing till the early morning hours, you should give your Long Beach movers a call because you’ve just found your new home.
This Bird’s Eye View of the Community Will Make You Want to Move Here
Before you contact the local Los Angeles moving companies, start looking into some properties first. Despite all the amenities it offers, it has a very affordable median house value of $490,000 and a rent price of $1,400 (*according to Niche). If you’re still not sure if Alamitos Beach is the destination for you, this bird’s eye view of the community and its beautiful sandy coastline will likely change your mind.
Silver Lake Is an Excellent Community Just Outside Central LA
Silver Lake is a great community located just outside LA’s central region. Despite its proximity to the center, it has a relatively affordable median house price of $610,000 and a rent cost of $1,400. While initially founded around its namesake reservoir, today it’s known for its hipster hangouts, excellent restaurants, and several other amenities, including great schools.
Silver Lake is one of the best places to live in Los Angeles for singles. The number of people that never married is one of the highest in the country, possibly due to its thriving LGBTQ+ community.
You Have a High Chance of Running Into a Celebrity Here
With Hollywood right west of here, it comes as no surprise that numerous celebrities call Silver Lake their home. Rachel McAdams, Kristen Wiig, Constance Wu, Fred Armisen, and Hannah Hart are just some of the many actors, comedians, and internet personalities that reside here. If you want to move to this famous community, find moving companies in Los Angeles that have East Central LA movers.
San Marino Houses One of LA’s Largest Asian Populations
San Marino houses one of the largest Asian populations in LA County, with over 55% of all residents having Asian ancestry. The community is known for maintaining the highest possible standard of living. This includes bans on overnight parking and even special permit requirements for commercial vehicles. It also has some of the state’s top public schools, with local students scoring 85% on their tests.
The City’s Housing Costs Are Some of the Highest in Los Angeles
With various real estate valued at $2 million and a median rent of $3,300, San Marino is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cities in the LA metro area. While this may be too much for most, you’ll get a lot for what you pay for. If the location seems attractive to you, and you can afford it, don’t hire just any cheap movers in Los Angeles when you can get the top companies in the business to assist you.
Choose Where to Live in Los Angeles, CA, and Hire Our Movers to Assist You on Your Journey
These were only some of the numerous excellent places you can find in LA, and choosing even the most affordable option won’t leave you disappointed. After you find a perfect house or apartment, consider hiring a local moving company in Los Angeles to assist you with the move. All In Moving is perfect for the job, as we got some of the best movers in Los Angeles. With our help, you’ll have far fewer tasks on your moving to-do list, but you also won’t experience high levels of relocation stress.
We also offer a wide array of moving services in Los Angeles besides residential moves, including a commercial relocation and some top-notch packing. Our LA moving company provides a free quote for all of them, you just have to contact us, and you can start planning immediately.
