Friday, August 19, 2016

"HOME SWEET HOME"- WHERE TO LIVE AND HOW TO FIND AN APARTMENT



While there are always lots of rentals in and around Hollywood, and most tend to be decent sized (unlike New York or San Francisco), the prices over the past few years have gotten steep. There are also areas of L.A. you might wish to avoid and others you’ll prefer living in based on safety, proximity to work/recreation areas, cultural preferences, etc. 

The relatively “safe” areas for first-time LA dwellers to live in include:
-West Hollywood ,Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Los Feliz (near/north of Sunset Boulevard), Silverlake (north of Sunset Boulevard), Westwood/UCLA area, Brentwood, West LA (north of the 10 Freeway), Santa Monica

For your first apartment I'd probably avoid Inglewood, Highland Park, and areas near USC. They can be “sketchy” to put it mildly.  

There are other areas like Echo Park, Encino, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, South Pasadena, Venice and the southern beach areas that have good pockets and bad pockets. Check them out and see how you feel.   

Downtown LA (or "DTLA), while it is coming along as of late is still questionable. There is a loft district, which is arty, but surrounding areas are industrial and therefore vacant at night. Best to scout out prospective apartments/neighborhoods at night as well as rush hour and daytime hours to get a better picture of the environment.  But in past three years restaurants and hotels have made big investments downtown.  Currently it has a new thriving nightlife, so improving residential prospects in the area can't be far behind.  Keep an eye out.

PETS: Pets can be an issue. Most places don’t allow dogs and the ones that do are in high demand. If you can find one, great, but expect to pay a hefty additional pet deposit when you move in.

WHAT IS IT GONNA COST?  well as of 2025, here is the average monthly rent for various neighborhoods in LA area.



WHERE TO FIND RENTALS: 

Today there are plenty of rental sites on line- national ones like apartments.com, zillow.com, Redfin.com, rent cafe.com and many others.  Most large complexes advertise their available rentals on all of these sites.  

But some smaller more boutique apartments, guest houses, sublets etc.  may avoid the big sites and use more regional/local sites.  You check this website: 
 www.westsiderentals.com
it's been around since there's been the internet and still is a place for locals to find cool places to rent.

THEN, you might want to try the AFI and UCLA FILM school bulletin boards (there are always some students with apartments/houses to share). Just go to the campuses and ask the receptionist where they are. AFI is on the east side (Los Feliz), UCLA is on the west side (Westwood). Ask friends in the area.  AND always check your fellow film school alumni.  They are a never ending source of information.  Many congregate in the same areas so a social and networking scene is built right in.

REFRIGERATORS: Here’s a little trivia- many/most LA apartments do not come with refrigerators. Why? Who knows? It’s a “west coast thing”. So you’ll have to buy one. There are used appliance stores all over the valley. Avoid rust and “smells”. Don’t buy from garage sales. And you can also rent a fridge from various companies. If you split the costs with roommates it's not so bad, at least at first. Once you settle into a place you plan to be in for some time, it might be worth a purchase.

 LA Utility Costs
Once you’ve decided where to live you’ll need to set up utilities for your new abode. The basic monthly utility bill for a 915 square foot apartment in LA is around $110.71. That’s cheaper than Chicago ($122.38) and New York ($130.44) but more expensive than San Francisco ($106.58). Compared to New Yorkers, Angelenos enjoy much cheaper internet. A month’s worth of internet will cost you $39.50 in LA compared to $60.27 in the Big Apple.

As of 2025- here are some stats:
ELECTRICITY AND GAS
For electricity, the average monthly bill in Los Angeles ranges from $100 to $150, though this can vary significantly based on the size of the home or apartment and how much air conditioning you use during the hot summer months. L.A. residents also typically pay for natural gas, with an average monthly gas bill of $50 to $75.

WATER AND TRASH
Water and waste disposal costs in L.A. vary depending on the size of the property and its usage. On average, water bills are around $50 to $100 per month. Trash collection fees are generally included in apartment rent, but homeowners may need to pay $30 to $40 per month for these services.

INTERNET AND CABLE
High-speed internet in Los Angeles typically costs between $50 and $100 per month, depending on the provider and the speed of the service. Cable TV packages can range from $50 to $150 per month, though many residents are cutting the cord and opting for streaming services instead, which can still add up if you subscribe to multiple platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

Here's a quick example of a decent area costs equation: 

-Avg. rental for2 Bed/2 Bath Apartment in relatively safe neighborhood: $2,000.00-3,000.00 a month. 
-Move in costs:
First/last month rent + a 1.5 month security deposit $6,000.00-$7,500.00
Hook ups- gas, power, cable etc. $300.00-400.00
Total estimate move in cost $8,300.00-$10,900.00
SO WHERE SHOULD I LIVE?

Best Los Angeles Neighborhoods

First things first, it’s important to keep in mind that the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles are honestly determined by your own tastes! Everyone wants something different out of their community, so as you start your search, consider why you’re moving to Los Angeles. Are you hoping to live by the beach, or do you want a short commute to work? Are you hoping to bump into celebrities in your day-to-day, or would you prefer easy access to hiking trails? Do you want a big-city feel, or would you be happier with tree-lined streets and the convenience of nearby strip malls? (You’d be surprised by the creative cuisine and character you can find in L.A. strip mall restaurants, by the way.)

There are a lot of neighborhoods in L.A. area — over 450! So let’s dive into the most popular neighborhoods for young/new renters in Los Angeles. We’re going to look at the average rent (for a one-bedroom), typical home value, transportation, and more, so you can find the perfect place for you in the City of Angels.

Hip L.A. Neighborhoods

Aerial view of Los Feliz, Los Angeles. Homes are built into the hills, and Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign can be seen in the distance.

It’s worth exploring Los Feliz on foot: Take in the beautiful homes, shady streets, the old Hollywood-glamor Los Feliz Theater, and more.

1. Los Feliz

As neighborhoods go, Los Feliz is pretty hard to beat. Nestled just south of Griffith Park (arguably one of the city’s greatest treasures), it manages to hit the balance of being cool and interesting without trying too hard or being over the top. In Los Feliz, you’ll find all kinds of eclectic shops and cafes, diners and more, mainly on Hillhurst and Vermont Avenues. Home to Thai Town and a whole mess of delicious hidden gems, Los Feliz is a diner’s paradise. It’s worth exploring Los Feliz on foot: take in the old homes, shady streets, the old Hollywood-glamor Los Feliz Cinema, and more.

Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Atwater Village, Silver Lake

2. West Hollywood

  • Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,225
  • Average home value: $1.05M
  • Great for: Outdoor activities, nightlife, diversity, weather, commuting
  • Transportation: The 2 runs through WeHo, and the 101 is nearby in central Hollywood.

    • Looking for a quiet, suburban existence? West Hollywood (WeHo) is not for you. Trendy and bustling, L.A.’s LGBTQ+ capital boasts some of the liveliest nightlife the city has to offer. Home to L.A.’s famous Sunset Strip and the fabled Chateau Marmont, the entire city (yes, West Hollywood is technically a city all its own) only covers about two square miles and is worth exploring on foot. Neighboring Central Hollywood, you’re just a short distance from some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: Grauman’s Chinese Theater (now called TCL Chinese Theatre), the Capitol Records building, etc. Touristy? Absolutely. But still worth seeing.
     
    Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Hollywood, Mid-City

    3. Silver Lake

    Silver Lake earns its reputation as a haven for hipsters. But is that so bad? It depends on your point of view. Trendsetting and yet somehow fairly calm, Silver Lake is home to boho-chic bars, artisanal coffee shops, and delicious eateries. The neighborhood is centered around Silver Lake itself — which is, in fact, a reservoir built in the early 1900s. The partially paved 2.2-mile trail around the lake is a popular spot for locals to walk, jog, hike, or run.

    Nearby neighborhoods to consider: East Hollywood, Echo Park

    Aerial view of Echo Park with Dodger Stadium in the foreground and the Downtown L.A. skyline in the distance.

    Echo Park is home to Dodger Stadium and the expansive Elysian Park area (technically its own very small neighborhood).

    4. Echo Park

    Head southeast from Silver Lake, cross under the 2, and you’ll find yourself in Echo Park. Once a "no way" neighborhood with gangs and poverty, it has gentrified a fair bit win the past decade or two.  Now an "arty" area with a vibe that Los Feliz had thirty years ago.  Mid-century apartments, Spanish-style homes, and craftsman houses line the streets of this trendy neighborhood. Here you’ll find Dodger Stadium and the expansive Elysian Park area (technically its own very small neighborhood). And living up to its name, Echo Park has a lovely green space surrounding a lake (Elysian Reservoir), with biking and walking paths — all part of a recent renovation. With such close proximity to essential L.A. hangouts, from Chinatown to DTLA, this is could be an ideal place to set up your home base. Echo Park has a bit of a scruffy feel in places and is still somewhat affordable, which makes us love it even more.

    Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Silver Lake, Los Feliz

    Beachy L.A. Living

    View of the colorful roller coaster and ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier on a sunny day in Santa Monica, California.

    From great shopping and dining to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica is a picturesque city to call home. 

    5. Santa Monica, CA

    Moving to Los Angeles so you can hit the beach after you get off work? You need to head west to either Santa Monica (a city just west of DTLA) or Venice. With great shopping, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, restaurants galore, and lovely (expensive) neighborhoods, Santa Monica is a picturesque city to call home. And with proximity to the Pacific, you can count on cooler temperatures and clearer air. To top it off, the school district in Santa Monica is one of L.A. County’s best.

    Nearby areas to consider: Pacific Palisades, Venice, Brentwood

    6. Venice

    Venice is like the younger, bohemian sibling of Santa Monica who studied abroad and came back really “into” art and pour-over coffee. A little much sometimes? Sure, but dang — they’re having fun with it! Move here and your friends will definitely want to visit. With colorful murals and staircases around every corner, Venice is a walkable blast with so much to discover. Great shopping, great food, beachfront… need we say more?

    Nearby areas to consider: Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica

    Relaxed Suburban Areas in L.A.

    A couple is walking side by side while pushing their bicycles down a sidewalk in Pasadena, California, on a sunny day.

    Not only does Pasadena rank as one of the top 10 healthiest cities in America, but it’s also one of the most diverse and one of the best for young professionals.

    7. Pasadena, CA

    Technically its own city, Pasadena sits northeast of Los Angeles and is a popular L.A. suburb. This area is charming, low-key, and family-oriented, making it a great place to settle if you prefer a relaxed vibe to the hum of the big city. Not only does Pasadena rank as one of the top 10 healthiest cities in America, but it’s also one of the most diverse and one of the best for young professionals, according to Niche. With great shopping and eating options — and only 20 minutes from DTLA — this urban-suburban locale is an awesome place to live.

    Nearby areas to consider: Northeast L.A., Glendale

    8. The Valley

    • Average rent (one-bedroom): From $1,625 in San Fernando to $2,925 in Calabasas, rental costs vary.
    • Average home value: From $701,900 in San Fernando to $1.68M in Calabasas, home values vary.
    • Great for: Outdoor activities, weather, public schools, families, diversity
    • Transportation: The Valley is serviced by the 5, the 405, the 101, and the 210. Be aware that being somewhat removed from the city can mean very long commutes — especially if you work downtown and have to travel during rush hour.

    Encompassing a number of neighborhoods and incorporated cities (including Glendale, Burbank, Hidden Hills, and Calabasas), the San Fernando Valley is still in L.A. but feels a little removed from the big city with more of a relaxed feel. Beware — without those coastal breezes, temperatures can elevate more than 10 degrees compared to other western parts of Los Angeles. And while strip malls are prevalent throughout L.A., they’re truly everywhere in the Valley… and hiding some of the best restaurants (sushi, especially) in the city.

    Neighborhoods and cities in The Valley: Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Calabasas, Studio City, and more.

    Aerial view of the UCLA University Campus in Westwood with the rest of L.A. sprawling out in the background.

    Home to the University of California Los Angeles campus, Westwood is one of the more affluent L.A. neighborhoods. 

    9. Westwood and Brentwood

    Divided by the 405, Westwood and Brentwood (north of Santa Monica) are two of the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, boasting great shopping, beautiful residential areas, and lovely cultural centers like The Getty. Westwood is also home to UCLA, so don’t be surprised if your coffee-shop neighbors are students and professors.

    Nearby areas to consider: Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills

    Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in Los Angeles?
    A:     Westwood is rated #1 among the best Los Angeles neighborhoods, according to Niche, and it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best neighborhoods in L.A. Home to UCLA, the Getty art museum, and shopping and residential areas aplenty, it has it all — including steep rent to match.

    Urban L.A.

    Angelenos cycle through sunny Downtown Los Angeles between tall city buildings.

    DTLA features a flourishing arts community, from the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the Fashion District.

    10. DTLA/Downtown

    Downtown L.A. has undergone a significant renaissance in the last decade or so. Formerly an area with stagnation, Downtown is now a place where Things. Are. Happening. With a flourishing arts and design community and people everywhere you look, Downtown now features incredible restaurants and cultural landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Here you’ll also find Little Tokyo, Angels Flight Railway, and the Fashion District. If you’re moving from SF or NYC and want to maintain the feeling of living in a bustling downtown, DTLA might be the perfect place for you.

    Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Echo Park, Historic Cultural District

    Q: What is the safest area in L.A.?
    A:     According to Neighborhood Scout, Encino is one of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Other neighborhoods on their list include Bell Canyon, Deer Lake Highlands, and Fern Ann Falls — all located northwest of Downtown L.A.

    Lavish L.A. Living

    11. Beverly Hills, CA

    When you think of movie stars and famous people living it up in Los Angeles, you probably think of Beverly Hills (even though, technically, it's a city of its own, surrounded by Los Angeles). Wealthy, extravagant, and (somehow) clean, Beverly Hills features the legendary Rodeo Drive, stuffed with designer boutiques, and somewhere you might spot a celebrity having lunch. Beautiful, wide, palm-lined streets are made for cruising in a new convertible, scarf tied in your hair. If you’ve got the cash, why not? With fantastic schools and a peaceful vibe, it’s not hard to see what the other half sees in Beverly Hills.

    Nearby areas to consider: Bel Air, Westwood, WeHo (West Hollywood)

    Q: What is the best city to live in Los Angeles?
    A:     It may not come as a surprise to you, but Beverly Hills is one of the nicest cities to live near Los Angeles — and since it sits in Los Angeles County, it feels like one of the Los Angeles neighborhoods. From the palm-lined neighborhood streets to the opulent mansions and the uncannily clean parks and roadways, this is definitely one of the nicest places to live in L.A..

    View of the Pacific Coast Highway and the hills in Malibu seen at night. The road is lit up with streams of headlights, and the glow of a city can be seen in the distance.

    Under 30 miles from Los Angeles, Malibu is the place to be if you’re looking to land your dream beachfront home.

    12. Malibu, CA

    Technically, Malibu isn’t in L.A. … but it might as well be. Long a destination for a beautiful beach-day escape or — for the more wealthy or famous among us — the ideal place for a beachfront dream home away from prying eyes, Malibu really is heavenly. With gorgeous beaches, tons of great hiking trails, and fabulous restaurants, Malibu is worth the 40-minute drive to spend a day, or the investment to buy property.

    Nearby areas to consider: Santa Monica, Hidden Valley

    Q: Where do most celebs live in L.A.?
    A:     Wondering where to spot celebs in La La Land? Though you may not be able to see beyond tall fences and gated communities, local knowledge has itthat many celebrities live in well-to-do Los Angeles neighborhoods and surrounding areas such as Malibu, Los Feliz, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood Hills, and Calabasas.

    What Is the Most Affordable Area in Los Angeles?

    If you’re moving to L.A. and your budget is your only concern, then Vermont Vista and Vermont Knolls are two of the most affordable neighborhoods in L.A. Roughly 20 minutes south of Downtown, both neighborhoods boast a surprisingly low average rent (just $1,550 a month). However, if you’re looking for an affordable rental and an awesome neighborhood, we recommend checking out Northeast L.A., sometimes called NELA. With generally lower rents than many other areas of the city, there’s still so much in NELA to love — all while not being too far from the action. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods in Northeast L.A.

    Highland Park

    One of the oldest neighborhoods in L.A., Highland Park offers up a rich mix of old and new and has an average rent of $2,100 for a one-bedroom apartment.

    Eagle Rock

    Between Glendale and Pasadena and home to Occidental College, the laid-back neighborhood of Eagle Rock will quickly feel like home. The average rent here is $2,175.

    Glassell Park

    Nestled beside Mount Washington and the Los Angeles River, Glassell Park has an average rent of $2,050. Unpretentious but lovely, you’ll also find the Rio de Los Angeles State Park here.

    Transportation in Northeast L.A.: The neighborhoods are small, so getting from one to the next is just a quick drive. You’re also between a few major freeways, so the rest of the city is still within reach.



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