Los Angeles area is located in Southern California, with over 200 distinct neighbourhoods that together define the colourful character of the city. Every community attracts people for its unique features, from the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Monica and Venice to the hustling streets of Downtown LA, there are many of the best places to live in Los Angeles. Navigating through over 200 neighbourhoods is a daunting process for students and employees. This blog will highlight some of the best places to live in LA, California for different groups of people.
Best Places to Live in Los Angeles
With a bustling 2024 estimated population of 4 million residents, Los Angeles stands as the second most populous city in the United States, renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse communities. Situated in Southern California, Los Angeles serves as the heart of the sprawling Greater Los Angeles area, encompassing a vast urban landscape and a rich tapestry of lifestyles.
From the iconic beaches of Santa Monica to the bustling streets of Downtown LA, the city offers a medley of neighborhoods catering to varied preferences. Whether you seek a laid-back coastal lifestyle or the buzz of urban living, Los Angeles provides a spectrum of choices for residents looking to strike a balance between work and leisure.
Best Places to Live in Los Angeles
This guide delves into the best places to live in Los Angeles, show you their unique characteries and lifestyle. The following best places to live in LA has attracts a group of people to rent their LA student housing.
Los Feliz
Los Feliz stands out as one of the best places to live in Los Angeles for its rich history, artistic flair, and proximity to major attractions.
Popular spots: Griffith Park, Greek Theater, Griffith Observatory, Autry Museum, LA Zoo, and Dodger stadium
Central location: The best thing about Los Feliz is that it is centrally located, Hollywood, Central LA, Beverly Hills, UCLA in it’s west, and Glendale, Pasadena, Rose Bowl stadium in it’s east.
Safety: Los Feliz crime rates are 20% lower than the Los Angeles average, so living in there is generally safe.
Dining and nightlife: With lots of good restaurants and shops, two good movie theaters, a great bookshop, and easy public transportation, Los Feliz is appeal for people to visit or move in. Plus, there are plenty of bars and music venues, making it a lively spot for nightlife without the overwhelming crowds of downtown LA.
Population: 28,163
Median household income: $101,089
Average Rent: $1,783/month
School: UCLA, Franklin Avenue Elementary
Sliver Lake
Silver Lake is also one of the best places to live in Los Angeles.
Brooklyn of Los Angeles: Silver Lake is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California with a population of 38,829. In Silver Lake there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Dining options: Whether a neighborhood is a good place to live or not could also depend on the nearby amenities. Silver Lake, Los Angeles offers plenty of dining options for the residents, you can grab your morning cup of coffee from Cafecito Organico, Dinosaur Coffee, or Botanica. Happy Tom’s Restaurant, Sustain, or Dante’s Cafe are some great spots for fancy hipster food.
Supermarkets: Besides, Silver Lake, Los Angeles has quite a few grocery stores including Mi Oaxaca Market, Besties Vegan Par, and Circle H Markets & Liquor.
Population: 38,829
Median household income: $91,137
Average Rent: $1,685/month
School: Ivanhoe Elementary
Highland park
Highland Park is one of the best places to live in LA with a livability score of 67/100. Highland Park is a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, located in the city’s Northeast region. Highland Park sits a few miles up the 110 from Downtown L.A., just south of Eagle Rock and Pasadena.
Landmarks: Highland Park also has many contemporary landmarks includes Highland Park Bowl and Judson Studios.
Dining options: As one of nice places to live in Los Angeles, Highland Park offers a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Popular local restaurants includes Dunsmoor, Villa’s Tacos, Joy on York and Amiga Amore.
Shopping: In Highland Park, you will find hole-in-the-wall record stores, vintage clothing shops and mom-and-pop bookstores. Amsterdam Modern, Cookbook, Dotter are popular shops in these area.
Safety: What’s more, Highland Park crime rates are 40% lower than the Los Angeles average, it’s quiet safe for tourists and residents.
Population: 45,611
Median household income: $73,793
Average Rent: $1,506/month
School: San Pascual Elem Sci Tech Engr Arts
Marina del Rey
Nestled on the affluent Westside of Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, is one of the best places to live in LA that draws residents for a variety of reasons.
Seaside beauty: Marina del Rey is a community that welcomes you to enjoy the outdoors, with its captivating sunsets and energizing coastal breezes, can be found in Marina del Rey. A unique combination of action and leisure can be found at Marina del Rey, making it the perfect place to escape to the coast for a relaxing meal cruise or a try-out of paddle board yoga.
Transportation: Traveling is made easy by Marina del Rey’s close proximity to LAX.
Tourist destinations: Marina del Rey offers easy access to prominent tourist destinations in Los Angeles, including the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, which is only next door!
Population: 10,065
Median household income: $120,437
Average Rent: $3,066/month
Universities: UCLA, USC, and Loyola Marymount University
Best Known For: picturesque marina, coastal living, water activities
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA is considered one of the best places to live in Los Angeles without doubt.
Dining: Downtown LA offers a top culinary for travelers, DTLA boasts a diverse array of dining options, from cutting-edge eateries to beloved national classics, catering to every taste and preference. Embark on the DTLA Coffee Trail to explore a plethora of coffee shops, 6xs Coffee, 85 Degrees Bakery & Café, Amandine Patisserie Café, Andante Coffee Roasters are some popular coffee shops. Arts District Brewing Company, BurritoBreak are two restaurants that local favorites.
Nightlife: As dusk falls, Downtown LA transforms into a hub of nocturnal excitement. Whether you prefer upscale elegance or a carefree atmosphere, bars like 71Above Restaurant & Skylounge, Broken Shaker, and Cana Rum Bar are popular recently, there are plenty choices, promising an unforgettable evening of revelry and fun.
Museums: If you like to visit museums and galleries, The Broad, FIDM Museum & Galleries, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles all in this area, there are many things to do in LA area, you will never feel board on weekends.
Population: 45,198
Median household income: $120,437
Average Rent: $3,066/month
Universities: California State University, Los Angeles, USC
Best Known For: public art scene, museums, night life
Mid City
Mid City is also one of the best places to live in Los Angeles, and it attrated people to move in with low crime rare.
Market: Mid City is located at the south of the museums and Larchmont Village and not far from the Original Farmer’s Market or Grove. It’s a great part of the city.
Food and cultural: Mid City neighborhood offers a wide range of food options and family-friendly attractions, making it a food and cultural paradise. Mirroring the variegated fabric of Los Angeles, Mid City is a melting pot of art, culture, and gastronomy. From renowned restaurants and institutions to undiscovered treasures, every turn reveals a different aspect of this vibrant neighborhood.
Central location: Mid City’s central location makes all essentials easily accessible. With suburban-style living in the center of Los Angeles, Mid City promises residents urban convenience and community esprit, making it one of the best places to live in LA California for young adults.
Population: 82,665
Median household income: $73,004
Average Rent: $1,636/month
Universities: California State University, Los Angeles, USC
Best Known For: public art scene, museums, night life
Hollywood
Hollywood is one of the best places to live in LA, and it is know for film industry and tourist attractions.
Film industry: Hollywood has come to be a shorthand reference for the U.S. film industry and the people associated with it. Many notable film studios, such as Sony Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, and Universal Pictures, are located near or in Hollywood, making there one of the best places to live in Los Angeles.
Job market: Pros of living in Hollywood is you are close to thriving entertainment industry and job market. If you want to be famous, moving to Los Angeles it’s the first step.
Landmarks: Besides, there are many things to do in LA especially at Hollywood, since there are a lot of landmarks, whether you’re into classical or rock or something in between, visit the Hollywood Bowl. Everyone from the Beatles to Lady Gaga have performed here.
Population: 143,022
Median household income: $53,967
Average Rent: $1,502/month
University: American Film Institute
Best Known For: film industry
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is considered as one of the best place to live in Los Angeles, CA because it close to the beach, layed back attitude, easy for commuting.
Beach: Since Venice Beach and the opulent Malibu white sand beaches close by, Santa Monica welcomes millions of tourists each year. Santa Monica is a beachside community with an ideal temperature and location, just 15 miles west of Los Angeles.
Cool Weather: Additionally, it is much cooler in the communities on the Westside near the beach, so students don’t generally need air conditioning in the summertime. You might feel happiness while ride your bike to school or work, beach bike path is so beautiful.
Atmosphere: Santa Monica is considered as the best place to live in LA because of the city’s many attractions and laid-back atmosphere. Besides, the beach is just one place to discover Santa Monica’s charms. You might also be interested in Tongva Park, Aero Theatre, the Santa Monica Museum of Art, and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
Population: 91,600
Median household income: $98,300
Average Rent: $1,900/month
University: Santa Monica College
Best Known For: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach
Transportation: close to I-10, I-405
Brentwood
Brentwood is one of the safest places to live in Los Angeles, there are communities suitable for families.
Shopping: While residents in Brentwood often head west to Santa Monica or east to Beverly Hills or Century City for major shopping expeditions, Brentwood also has a Brentwood Village shopping center to fulfil residents shopping demands.
Education: Brentwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA is home to the famed Brentwood School, which is well-known elite private education.
Park: For outdoor enthusiasts, Brentwood never less recreational spaces to unwind and relax, Topanga State Park and Mandeville Canyon Park, are two popular trails, when you climb to the top of mountain, you will be astonished by stunning city views.
Safey: Brentwood crime rates are 48% lower than the Los Angeles average, made it sought-after by families, it is also one of the best places to live in Los Angeles.
In conclusion, Brentwood area is a safe neighborhood blends education, recreation, culture resources, suitable for a family to settle in.
Population: 31,709
Median household income: $163,253
Average Rent: $2,551/month
University: Mount Saint Mary’s University
Best Known For: Getty Center, Santa Monica Mountains
Mar Vista
Mar Vista has a livability score of 72/100, with crime rates are 48% lower than the Los Angeles average, this place is now considered one of the best places to live in Los Angeles for families.
Beach: Known for its Pacific Coast beaches, a short drive will get you to Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier, Mar Vista is a paradise for people who love water activities.
Close to DTLA: With easy proximity to Downtown LA, Mar Vista residents enjoy its quiet small-town vibe, feel the lively, hyped LA city life.
Education: Mar Vista neighborhood offers high-quality education through Mar Vista Elementary and Windward Schools. Mar Vista community is a safe place perfect for those who have small children.
Entertainment: Fun-friendly entertainment in the area includes Farmers Market, Museum of Flying, and Light on Lotus.
Population: 36,353
Median household income: $102,786
Average Rent: $2,129/month
University: Loyola Marymount University, Santa Monica College, The Art Institute of California, Los Angeles
Best Known For: Venice Beach, Muscle Beach
Transportation: close to highways
South Pasadena
South Pasadena is known as the “City of Trees,” and it is also one of the best places to live in Los Angeles.
Location: Just six miles separate the quaint city of South Pasadena from the heart of Los Angeles, this area is renowned for its exquisite residences. South Pasadena covering approximately 3.44 square miles of hills and plains on the western edge of the San Gabriel Valley.
South Pasadena: Approximately 25,000 people live in the diversified community of South Pasadena, the neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Los Angeles with distinctive little businesses.
Supermarkets: South Pasadena is home to Trader Joe’s, Ralphs, Vons, Pavilions, living in there you will have plenty of options when it comes to food shopping. Thursday afternoons are when the South Pasadena Farmers Market opens, locals love come to here for weekly supply of farm-fresh.
Dining: If you prefer dining out, Pasadena’s Old Town offers many chic restraurants and food from worldwide. It is one of the best places to live in LA California offers small-town vibe, close-knit and a low crime rate.
In a word, the safe and welcoming scholastic environment, outstanding teaching staffs have long attracted families to move in South Pasadena.
Population: 25,487
Crime: B+
Median household income: $109,927
Average Rent: $1,830/month
University: Pacific States University
Best Known For: Venice Beach, Muscle Beach
Transportation: Long Beach Freeway
Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks is a family-friendly community, suitable for people search for best places to live in Los Angles for families.
Location: Sherman Oaks is located in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, with other popular cities like Beverly Hills and Hollywood nearby, Sherman Oaks residents have convenient access to everything wonderful and exciting that Los Angeles offers.
Parks: Aside from being one of thesafest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks is also home to several parks for family acctivties, Coldwater Canyon Park sits at the top of the Santa Monica mountains, where Sherman Oaks joins the Beverly Hills post office area. Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park, which features baseball diamonds, a track, and basketball courts, has become the destination for outdoor fitness enthusiasts. Its spotless play areas for kids to swing, slide, and run around are appreciated by the locals. In this established park, you may swim, play most sports, grab some refreshments, and signal the ice cream trucks.
Population: 40,742
Median household income: $117,445
Average Rent: $1,830/month
Universities: New York Film Academy
Best Known For: San Fernando Valley
Transportation: US Route 101
How to Choose Best Places to Live in Los Angeles
Los Angeles’s diverse community welcomes students worldwide, making it an ideal destination for international students. University of California Los Angeles,University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology and other prestigious universities offers numerous resources to help students adjust and succeed.
No matter you studying or working in Los Angeles, the best places to live in LA for you must be close to your universities or workplace, uhomes.com offers safe, comfortable rooms for rent in Los Angeles near universities and city center, you can view our website or ask on social media to target some recommended neighbourhoods. Contact us and our consultants will recommend some best places to live in Los Angeles based on your preferenes, minimize commute times and enhance work-life balance.
Think about how you will be commuting, for example will you commute by public transportation, car, or bike. Commuting can be a big factor in deciding where to live, so don’t underestimate it. Renting close to Los Angeles public transportation is necessary if you don’t have a car.
List of Best Places to Live in Los Angeles
- Los Feliz
- Sliver Lake
- Highland Park
- Marina del Rey
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Mid City
- Hollywood
- Santa Monica
- Brentwood
- Mar Vista
- South Pasadena
- Sherman Oaks
Conclusion
The above are some best places to live in Los Angeles, Marina del Rey offers a picturesque coastal lifestyle, while Downtown LA pulsates with urban energy and cultural vibrancy. Mid City boasts a central location with diverse amenities, and Hollywood exudes an unmistakable charm with its entertainment legacy. Santa Monica captivates with its beachfront beauty and Mar VistaSouth provides a tranquil residential setting. Pasadena’s historic charm and cultural richness appeal to many, while Sherman Oaks offers a suburban retreat with convenient city access.
Each of these best neighborhoods in Los Angeles presents a unique blend of lifestyle offerings, from natural beauty and cultural richness to convenient amenities and community spirit, making them prime choices for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling living experience in the Los Angeles.
FAQ about Best Places to Live in LA
1. What are the affordable places to live in LA?
Panorama City and Pacoima, Koreatown, Encino, Los Feliz, Mar Vista, Playa Vista are some affordable places to rent a home in LA. Except for budget, the renting environment, amenties, and other factors also effect your quality of life. uhomes.com is a reliable rental platform offers a range of affordable student housing in Los Angeles.
2. What is the safest place to live in Los Angeles?
Mar Vista, South Pasadena and Sherman Oaks are some safe neighbourhoods in LA, a safe and cosy living environment is essential after you moving to LA, please browse official website search cirme rate of your neighbourhood in LA.
3. What are the best places to live in LA?
If you study or work in Los Angeles, some of the best neighborhoods to live in for a convenient commute include Downtown LA, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Bel Air, Rancho Park, Santa Monica. A safe and comfortable student housing is essential for students to pursuit their academic goals and enjoy college life, you can browse uhomes.com for available LA student apartments.
If you’re thinking about studying in the US, it’s crucial to find the right student accommodation. That’s where uhomes.com comes in. It’s a reliable platform that helps students like you find the perfect place to live in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and many other cities. So far, they’ve helped more than 55,000 students successfully find their dream homes.
