Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles to Rent

Los Angeles traffic is notorious, your car will literally become your second home no matter where you live or how long your commute. In order to keep yourself sane you’ll want to research neighborhoods that will be about a 30 minute drive from your workplace. Notice we mentioned 30 minutes and didn’t say anything about distance. You’ll find that in LA it's best to track your travel time, otherwise you’ll quickly lose your good humor as you travel 1.7 miles in 30 minutes. 

Next, you want to consider your lifestyle. Is your dream of living in LA running on the beach every day? Or do you envision living next to a major motion picture studio? You’ll find that it’s hard to hit the beach if you live in the Valley. And commuting to a studio from Santa Monica will make you want to end your career before it begins. 

Finally, LA is one of the most expensive cities in the world. You’ll likely experience significant sticker shock when you move here. But, the average pay is higher as well in order to accommodate for the cost of living. Most of our apartment buildings are located in nice neighborhoods in Los Angeles that also offer affordable housing. That 90210 zip code is probably not going to be part of your first mailing address… but don’t give up hope. LA is a magical place, and part of its charm is that your circumstances can change from one day to the next. 

With so many neighborhoods in LA to choose from, finding the best neighborhood can feel daunting. Never fear, in this post we’ll break down our three favorite neighborhoods (AKA the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles) so that you can find one that fits you best!

How many neighborhoods are there in LA?

Take a deep breath. At last count there were a total of 572 neighborhoods in Los Angeles. That’s a lot of ground to cover. This post is sharing the top 3 neighborhoods in LA for renters. We love these three neighborhoods because of their character, affordability, excellent access to freeways and public transportation and good food. 

3 Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Renters

Koreatown

• Average Rent (one-bedroom):$1,932
• Great for: Excellent Food, Eclectic cultures, Great Public Transportation
• Transportation: Easy Access to The Metro and Bus Stops galore

Spanning approximately 3 square miles, you can find Koreatown just west of DTLA and south of Hollywood. There are so many things to do in K-town that even people who live there may take years to experience them all. The area is known for its buzzing nightclubs, 24-hour restaurants, and its rich cultural diversity. 

Once the heart of Hollywood’s Golden Age and home to a mix of historic buildings such as the famous Wiltern Theatre, Koreatown saw an economic decline in the 1960s. Thanks to a rise in immigration, the area was brought back to life with brand new businesses and revitalizations.

Despite its name, Koreatown’s population is mostly made up of Latino residents which makes for a melting pot of Latino-Korean fusion restaurants and other cultural crossovers. It’s not uncommon for K-town locals to speak both Spanish and Korean. 

Best Areas of Koreatown

We’ve put together some neighborhood guides so that you can get to know the area based on our different buildings. Each guide will tell you about some of our favorite businesses, restaurants, and bars that can be found nearby each of our apartment buildings. 

Rosetta Apartments

The Rosetta apartments for rent in Koreatown, Los Angeles are a step above her fellow buildings on Mariposa in K-town. The Rosetta apartments offer a beautiful view of Koreatown, LA, and on a clear day, you can even see Downtown LA! Read More.

Plaza Cordova

Just like Venice Beach and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Plaza Cordova in Koreatown is somewhere that could only exist in L.A.

The individual units, one-bedroom, and studio apartments have gorgeous exposed brick and original hardwood floors. Ever practical as well, the units have built-ins ranging from vanities to kitchen hutches.

Read more about Moving To Koreatown: Life At Plaza Cordova

Kenmore Arms

Kenmore Arms apartments in Koreatown have stood on its classic California palm tree-lined street for almost a century. Proudly facing its “sister”, Casa California, this apartment building boasts avenue charm with boulevard convenience.

It’s located adjacent to the historic Chapman Market, which in 2011 was voted “Best Combination of Old and New L.A.” by LA Weekly.

This stately building has retained the grace and magic of the 1920s while also welcoming the 21st century with open arms. The 1-bedroom and studio apartments feature hardwood floors, charming built-ins and closet space, closet space, and closet space!

Casa Bella

The Casa Bella apartment building in Koreatown, LA is exactly as beautiful as its name declares. It was built in the fanciful Spanish Revival style and maintains an old-world feel while embracing modern flourishes. 

Step through the front doors into a grand foyer where a vintage gated elevator is waiting to whisk you up to your apartment. The Casa Bella building includes a mixture of studio and one-bedroom apartments for rent.

Constructed in the late 1920s, Casa Bella has been renovated with a careful eye toward preserving its original character. 

Spanish tiles, porcelain soaking tubs, brick walls, and gorgeous dark hardwood floors are present throughout. Track lighting has been added to accentuate each unit’s charm. Several units also include built-in bookcases and vanities.

Read more about Moving to Koreatown, Los Angeles: Life at Casa Bella

Chateau Duval

You’ll have no problem finding Chateau Duval as it is the most distinctive building on the block.  Built in 1929 as a hotel the building has been magnificently transformed into affordable studio and 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Koreatown. 

One of the first things you will notice upon entering the building is the quiet and friendly atmosphere. We still have the original dark hardwood floors and unique built-ins like vanities and telephone cabinets to preserve the vintage feel of the building. 

These units also have a cool modern twist; faux concrete walls and updated appliances take these typical 1920’s units into the 21st century while maintaining all the charm of the previous century. Read More.

Casa California

Casa California is exactly the type of building you would expect to find on this classic California palm tree-lined street. Built almost a century ago, this building retains so much of the charm of the 1920s with surprisingly large floorplans and can’t-miss features including original hardwood floors, charming built-ins, full kitchens, and closet space, closet space, closet space! 

If you’re looking for  New York-style exposed brick apartment walls, Casa California has those too!

Read more about Moving to Koreatown, Los Angeles

Are you looking for apartments for rent in Koreatown? Check out our current available apartment listings and book a walk-through today.

Hollywood

• Average Rent (one-bedroom):$2,045
• Great for: Heart of the Entertainment Industry, Great Hiking, Walkable
• Transportation: Easy Access to The Metro and Bus Stops galore

Living in Hollywood sounds like glitz and glamor (and it can be!) but it’s surprisingly down-to-earth as well. It certainly is a larger-than-life symbol of the entertainment industry and a beacon that pulls millions of movie-loving tourists to its streets every year but it’s also a great place to call home. You can find cozy tucked-away apartment buildings and learn the local spots in no time!

Living in Hollywood has plenty of perks. It’s a pretty walkable neighborhood not only convenient for your day-to-day needs but also for amazing restaurants and bars, outdoor movies, farmers’ markets, hiking, and more! 

Ever wondered about the history of the Hollywood sign? You may like to read 5 Fun Facts About The Hollywood Sign 

Best Areas of Hollywood

We’ve put together some neighborhood guides so you can get to know the area based on our different apartments. Each guide will tell you about some of our favorite businesses, restaurants, and bars that can be found nearby each of our buildings. 

The Avondale

The Avondale in Hollywood is a charming, Italian Renaissance building in the heart of the city. It’s a gorgeous combination of classic 1925 architecture and updated, modern, hip interiors. The vintage apartments offer refinished hardwood flooring, exposed brick walls, stainless steel appliances, granite or quartz countertops, designer light fixtures, ceiling fans, and more! 

Shopaholics will love this location. There’s plenty of shopping around within walking distance. And the neighborhood has a Walk Score of 95! Win-win! 

The neighboring single-story retail buildings provide the Avondale with unparalleled views of the Los Angeles skyline and the famous “Hollywood” sign, not to mention delicious food (we crave the crepes at Solar de Cahuenga). Read More.

Silverlake Station

If you want the convenience of Hollywood but would prefer to avoid bustling crowds, Silver Lake is the area for you. This haven for hipsters has emerged as one of the best and most affordable places to live. 

An excellent walk score proves that Silverlake Station is right in the midst of it. Umami Burger, Wine Bars, Coffee Bars, Vintage Stores, and even a Gourmet Ice Cream shop are all within walking distance from these apartments for rent in Silver Lake, LA. 

These renovated studios, one-bedroom, and junior apartments have beautiful views of downtown LA and easy Metro Access to help you get there. 

When walking the streets of Silver Lake you can feel the distinct creativity in the air. Renting an apartment in Silver Lake means you are joining a community. There’s more to your apartment than the four walls surrounding you. 

Silver Lake offers tons of outdoor festivals, restaurants, and bars that will keep you busy all week long.  Read More.

Beachwood Tower

Beachwood Tower is a really lovely building in the heart of Hollywood that is so nice to come home to. It’s located on one of the most iconic streets in Hollywood. Imagine turning onto Beachwood Canyon on your way home just to be treated with a full view of the Hollywood sign. #JustLikeTheMovies. 

Beachwood Tower has freshly renovated Hollywood studio apartments that offer built-in storage, walk-in closets, and floor plans with separate kitchens. Read More.

THE AMOR

While The Amor is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Hollywood, it is also right around the corner from the hustle and bustle that is Hollywood & Highland. The building was built in the 1920s and still has all the charm – for example, the original hardwood floors – but also modern updates such as updated kitchens with dishwashers and disposals. 

The apartments are really great but you know what they say…“location, location, location”, and The Amor is in a killer location! Read More

Best Areas of DTLA

The Judson is currently our only building in Downtown LA but you know what they say, quality over quantity! Find out more about the building and the neighborhood it is in below. 

The Judson

The Judson Apartments for rent in Downtown LA is so sleek and modern you will have a hard time believing it was originally built in 1907 – but it’s true! The Judson is a piece of Los Angeles history and today is a part of the movement to reawaken the downtown community. 

The original concrete floors and elaborate entryway are elegant reminders of the building’s maturity, but the vintage stops there. 

These lofts have modern features with open floor plans, contemporary kitchens, and present-day conveniences. This building also has a plethora of amenities including private storage units, a recreation room and the coup de grace, a rooftop retreat complete with lounge chairs, a barbecue area, and a spa. Read More.

5 Perks of Downtown LA Living

Look, we know what you might be thinking. We know downtown LA’s reputation. You may have watched Netflix’s documentary about the Cecil Hotel and thought, No way I’m living near there. But here’s the thing: that downtown LA is not downtown LA anymore. 

Over the past couple of decades, downtown Los Angeles has had a stunning revival, thanks in part to the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance in 1999 which made it easier for old historical buildings to be converted into lofts and apartments. 

Our affordable one and two-bedroom apartment rentals in Downtown Los Angeles are great places to live not only because of the gorgeous building & rooms but because of the vibrant area with so many things to do. Read More

Are you thinking about moving to Downtown Los Angeles?  Check out our available apartments rentals and schedule a walk-through today.

How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Many years ago when we started our property management company we knew that we didn’t just want to be property managers. We wanted to find neighborhoods in LA that were fun to live in. Neighborhoods that had unique character and classic architecture. Andi t was important to us that these buildings were ones that we would love to live in as well. 

Rest assured that when you rent an Urban LA apartment you are renting an apartment that is unique. All of our buildings have vintage flair and unique retro details. 

They are in neighborhoods where transportation is easy to get to. We want our residents to be able to move easily around the city and enjoy all that LA has to offer. 

And, probably most importantly, these neighborhoods won’t break the bank. It’s important to not be “apartment poor” when living in LA. There are so many magical experiences to be had. We wanted to make sure our apartments support a lifestyle that encourages residents to enjoy the city, not just their own four walls. 

Tips Before Moving to Los Angeles

Plan a trip to LA! While all of our managers are more than happy to schedule a virtual tour of our apartments and grounds, it’s so much better for you to come out and experience the city for yourself. Rent a car and drive around. See which neighborhoods you like, try the local food, stop at a grocery store. Think of all the day to day things that you’ll be doing and check those out too. 

Our managers live on site and they LOVE the neighborhoods they live in. They will be happy to recommend the best local restaurants, dive bars, where to exercise, get your dry cleaning, even the best place to get your nails done. 

We look forward to welcoming you to LA soon! 

To view our current availability you can click here to find the best apartments for rent in all of Los Angeles.