The City's Best Neighborhoods: A Guide to Urban Residential Areas
Los Angeles, the City of Angels, that calls in dreamers, adventurers, and seekers. From aspiring actors to those craving diversity, sun-kissed beaches, rich culture, and don’t forget the foodie scene, LA's “it” factor is boundless.
The best part? Once you're here, you can claim your slice of the city, making your dreams a reality and calling it your home. Join us as we explore LA's charming neighborhoods: iconic Hollywood, hidden Koreatown gems, and vibrant Downtown LA.
So let’s uncover what life is like in these neighborhoods from the glitz to the glam and everything else in-between.
What Makes City Living Exciting
Living in the heart of Los Angeles offers a unique blend of opportunities and experiences that are as diverse as the city itself. From its vibrant atmosphere to rich cultural experiences,
here's what makes city living in LA so captivating:
Vibrant Atmosphere: Los Angeles neighborhoods all have their unique distinct vibes (you’ll learn why soon), which makes it the perfect match to enjoy in weather that averages 75 degrees all year around.- Cultural & Entertainment Experiences: NYC isn’t the only melting pot, LA is an equal match and entertainment capital of the world that offers an array of art, festivals, outdoor activities, landmarks, premiers, and nightlife. There is no way you can get bored here, even L.A. Live has all the entertainment you’ll want in one location.
- Job Opportunities: This is the place to be if you want to dive into a career around entertainment, culinary, administration, real estate, and sports, you name it, there is something for everyone.
- Convenience of City Life: One thing city life has over urban neighborhoods, is you can travel or walk anywhere without depending on a car. With transportation access, and everything you need nearby, including access to services, and urban amenities, the city is great as it has universal accessibility for both disabled and able-bodied people.
Tips for Potential Residents
As you consider becoming a resident of Los Angeles, here are some essential factors to think about:
Budget Considerations: Plan out your budget and compare the cost of living in the different neighborhoods, factor in other financial needs eg. moving costs, and have extra savings on the side for “just in case” moments.- Community and Lifestyle Fit: As each location in LA has its unique quirks, it’s a great idea to visit & research each area to understand what it feels like. So you can understand if they match your preferences, what housing options they have, and if the neighborhood vibes with your lifestyle.
- Amenities and Services: You can continue your snooping. We mean detective research to get clear on the nearby amenities, schools, healthcare, shopping, transportation, and parks.
Neighborhood Spotlight
The moment you’ve been waiting for, we'll shine a spotlight on some of Los Angeles' most must-go-to city residential destinations. Prepare to be charmed by the distinctive character, unique amenities, and stories that define each of these urban locations. You’d definitely want to check out our blogs,
“City Explorer: A Tourist’s Guide to L.A.’s Most Popular Attractions” and
“The Best Restaurants and Cafes in the City” to satisfy your research. And should you get a gut feeling about any of these places, that could be a “Hollywood” sign; it's the perfect place to call home.
Koreatown:
If there is one place in Los Angeles that captures the heart and soul of the city, it is 110%
Koreatown. This unique, lively, and trendy residential area, often referred to as “K-Town”, has been evolving into a cool place to hang out day or night and offers residents an exciting lifestyle.
Your tummy won’t get bored here, as it’s renowned for its diverse Korean and Latino dining scene, where residents can savor mouthwatering cuisine from traditional Korean barbecue to fusion dishes that push the culinary boundaries.
But we recommend
Ahgassi Gopchang, if you’re looking for top-quality Korean BBQ that even the K-pop band,
BTS approves of.
While the neighborhood's streets are lined with an array of places to eat, beyond its food scene, Koreatown is rich in cultural experiences. You'll find cultural festivals, art galleries, and music events that reflect the neighborhood's lively spirit and landmarks such as
Dawooljung – A Harmonious Gathering Place. For those simple days, K-Town provides easy access to grocery stores, gyms, spas, and various attractions, ensuring that everything you need is just around the corner.
When the idea of living in this vibrant community sounds too good to be true, LA Urban offers an array of residential properties in Koreatown. You can explore
available listings on our website to find the perfect home in this exciting neighborhood.
But don't just take our word for it. Here is a resident who found Koreatown to be their ideal city neighborhood:
- Chateau Du-Val Resident: "Living at the Chateau duVal is like stepping into a time machine back to the golden age of Hollywood [...]"
Downtown LA (DTLA):
The dynamic
Downtown LA, nicknamed DTLA, is divided into five neighborhoods — the
Arts District to the
Historic Core,
Chinatown, and
South Park (not the cartoon). Here, the city's cultural, art, and business worlds merge, creating a unique atmosphere that's perfect for both work and play.
You'll find an abundance of local amenities that cater to your every need. Whether you're craving a delightful dining experience, soaking in some culture, like at
The Broad Museum, or a place to maintain your fitness, DTLA has it all. And when it comes to groceries, well, you're never too far from fresh produce, including the local
farmers’ market and everyday essentials.
Getting around DTLA and beyond is a breeze with excellent
public transportation options and easy access to city hubs. It's a neighborhood that keeps you well-connected and makes your daily commute a walk in the park.
But if Downtown LA is calling you to make it your home, you're in luck. LA Urban offers the prime location,
The Judson, located in the Historic Core District. In this neighborhood, you are in the center of it all. Here's your opportunity to experience city living at its finest.
Now, let's hear from some of the residents themselves. They'll share their
stories and tell you why Downtown LA is their perfect city neighborhood:
- “I've lived at the Judson for over three years and have really enjoyed myself. the walls are very thick, so your unit will be quiet. the superintendent is quite responsive to maintenance requests, which are handled in a timely fashion. [...] it's centrally located, one block from Grand Central Market, in the vibrant historic core. it's a great neighborhood [...]”
- “I really love living at The Judson. We moved here from the East Coast and had literally two days to find a downtown apartment about a month prior to moving. No other apartment stood up to a) the space and b) the style of the 2-bedroom at the Judson. [...]”
- “I have lived at the Judson for over two years and I absolutely love it!! I have lived at many different buildings over the years, but Danielli has been by far the friendliest and most responsive apartment manager I have ever had. [...] I would strongly recommend the Judson to anyone looking for a unique, affordable apartment, with attentive management right in the heart of LA!”
Hollywood
Nothing gets more iconic than Hollywood, this unique vintage neighborhood is known for the entertainment industry, historical landmarks, nightlife, and where the streets tell stories of fame and glory.
Hollywood is more than lights, cameras, and action, it’s a vibrant hub that has it all from 1920s vibe restaurants, tourist attractions (hello,
Hollywood Boulevard), and the cozy neighborhood streets outside the fame hustle.
Are you ready to make Hollywood your star address? LA Urban can help you find the perfect place. Visit
LA Urban’s Hollywood property listings to explore your available options.
To truly discover what it's really like to live in the heart of Hollywood. Hear from residents who've found their perfect city neighborhood right here:
- Avondale Resident: “[...] If you like city life it's exactly a good balance of the luxury and realistic city environment. I've enjoyed my stay, and have had a lot of positive points rise from being located in the heart of Hollywood.”
- Silverlake Station Resident: "BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE IN THE PENTHOUSE APARTMENT STUDIO! MY ROOM HAD PAST LIFE ACTION WHICH AND THE ROOM I WAS IN WAS NEXT TO AN AMAZING BALCONY! FROM THE ROOFTOP YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE ALL OF LOS ANGELES [...] the best apartment, studio building I've ever lived in and its newly remodeled and has a great new owner who is awesome! I would give it a 10/10! I would do anything to live there again. [...] it's right next door to Hollywood boulevard and sunset boulevard. Amazing places to go experience for a walk throughout the day and or night! [...]"
We’re completely flattered by that last review, but that’s how amazing life in Los Angeles, the City of Angels can be. LA offers a piece of the dream to everyone who strolls its sun-soaked streets. Whether you're chasing fame and fortune, savoring cultural diversity, or just looking for the perfect sunny weather and foodie paradise, LA's got it all.
In this guide, we've explored through some of the city's best neighborhoods. From the dazzling lights of Hollywood to the vibrant heart of Koreatown and the dynamic Downtown LA, we've showcased what makes each of them a true gem.
These thriving communities are only missing one thing — you.
Now, before you say, “It’s true sweet home love”, we encourage you to explore further. Choose the neighborhood that really vibes with you, your perfect city neighborhood.
And if you've made up your mind to make the move, LA Urban is here to help!
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