Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the US. It's a popular destination for both holidaymakers and those looking to relocate more permanently. LA is home to almost four million people, and the city is a diverse and dynamic environment with lots to discover and explore.
However, before you get to live your LA life, you will need to find a place to stay. In this article, we will look into the basics of apartment hunting in the city, from choosing the right neighborhood to evaluating the rent and cost of living in Los Angeles.
Where to live in Los Angeles: Neighborhoods
Where you decide to settle in LA can be guided by various factors. However, one important thing to keep in mind is the potential commute. It is generally not advised to venture too far out from where you work or study — commute times in Los Angeles can be long and will have a direct effect on your quality of life. What's more, traffic in the city can be notoriously bad — and parking is rarely pleasant. On the other hand, renting in central LA neighborhoods doesn't come cheap.
Depending on how flexible you are with your budget and what level of comfort you are looking for, you may be looking at just a few options — or your opportunities may seem endless. Los Angeles County stretches for an impressive 4,751 square miles, so you have a good chance of finding something that will suit you.
Let's start by looking at some of LA's most popular neighborhoods.
Hollywood
Beyond its iconic entertainment industry roots, Hollywood is now a bustling neighborhood filled with startups, small businesses, and coworking spaces. While high-rises dominate residential real estate, you can still find more budget-friendly options. Hollywood offers various amenities, from grocery stores to cinemas and restaurants.
Mid-City
Positioned as LA's central neighborhood, Mid-City provides convenient access to various parts of the city, even without a car. The housing options range from century-old buildings to charming Spanish duplexes and luxury bungalows. Average rents hover around $4,000 for apartments.
Downtown LA (DTLA)
Once a 9-to-5 district, Downtown LA has become a vibrant hub for dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Living here can be a time-saver if you work in DTLA, with average studio apartment rents at around $2,800. However, it's crucial to be aware of areas like Skid Row, best avoided due to safety concerns.
Venice
Known for its beach lifestyle and surf culture, Venice attracts artists and tech professionals alike. Dubbed "Silicon Beach" for its tech startup presence, it's a hotspot for young professionals. Living in Venice comes at a price, with average rents around $3,800 monthly.
Sherman Oaks
If you're moving to LA with a family, consider Sherman Oaks. This family-friendly neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley offers convenience, excellent schools, and a peaceful atmosphere. Major attractions are centered around Ventura Blvd, where you'll find eateries, boutiques, and bars. The average rent is around $2,400.
West Hollywood (WeHo)
Often described as a "city within a city", WeHo is the cultural heart of LA. It boasts trendy boutiques, renowned restaurants, and vibrant LGBTQ nightlife. With excellent walkability and connections to other parts of LA, it's a favored location for many. Average rents in West Hollywood are around $3,400.
Beverly Grove
Offering a more affordable alternative to upscale neighborhoods, Beverly Grove features a high-end shopping mall, hip dining spots, and the popular Original Farmers Market. Apartments here start at about $4,100.
Silver Lake
Known for its green spaces and manageable traffic, Silver Lake attracts a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals and creatives. The neighborhood's easy access to various parts of the city makes it a desirable choice. Average rents in Silver Lake are around $2,400.
The cost of living in Los Angeles
Although it has an amazing lifestyle and career opportunities, LA ranks among the top ten most expensive cities in the United States. This means that careful budgeting is essential for your stay in the City of Angels.
Rent in Los Angeles can be a significant portion of your expenses, particularly if you opt for a spacious place in one of the trendy neighborhoods. However, it's worth noting that you can discover more budget-friendly accommodation options by exploring areas a bit further from the city center, although this may require some extra research.
The average rent in Los Angeles for an apartment currently hovers around $2,800. Remember that rental prices can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and the type of accommodation you choose. While you may find lower rents in some areas, you'll likely encounter higher costs in popular and upscale neighborhoods.
When budgeting for your stay, consider additional expenses like utilities. The average monthly utility bill in Los Angeles, covering energy and telecommunications, is approximately $214. Lease contracts typically incorporate water charges, maintenance fees, and trash services, and rental properties generally come equipped with basic but essential home appliances.
To make the most of your time in Los Angeles without breaking the bank, it's crucial to create a well-thought-out budget that accounts for your housing costs, utilities, transportation, and daily expenses. While LA's cost of living can be high, careful planning and a bit of research can help you strike a balance between enjoying the city's offerings and managing your finances effectively.
Leasing conditions and formalities in Los Angeles
Lease agreements in Los Angeles are generally drawn between the two parties before moving into the apartment. The duration of the lease is entirely dependent on how long you will be renting — although most landlords prefer long-term rent and agreements of at least a year. You may also be able to get a better deal if you sign a longer rental agreement.
The conditions and terms of the lease do not change throughout the lease period. Hence, conditions cannot be changed overnight, which is one of the most prominent benefits of a lease agreement in Los Angeles. Expats can hold on to the apartment for more extended periods without complying with new conditions.
Here are a few other things to consider when signing a lease in LA:
- Check the property before agreeing to rent it. If you are still in your home country and are renting remotely, consider asking your friends, family, or colleagues who are already in LA to do a walkthrough of the property and make sure that everything is in order;
- Check the guest policy. In some cases, landlords will have a clause in the leasing agreement about long-term guests. Thus, if you plan to have family or friends visit you while you are in the US, it's best to make sure that they can stay with you;
- If you are a student, your rental agreement may also include a guarantor clause. This means that you will need to provide a guarantor (in most cases, this would be one of your parents) who will be liable for rent payments if you aren't able to pay rent;
- Make sure to get everything in writing. If there is a specific set of rules that comes with renting a property, get these rules in writing. This way, you will be reminded of all the rules you must follow. Plus, it can also help you manage potential future disputes;
- Consult an expert. Finally, if you have further questions about your lease, it is best to get a professional opinion. Consult a lawyer or real estate agent and ensure the contract you are signing is legally accurate.
Although a lease agreement is legally binding, you can get evicted from your apartment if you fail to pay rent, constitute a nuisance, or break the rules stated in the lease agreement.
Everyday life in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city that has something for everyone. If it's nature you are after, you will have a long list of hiking trails in Los Angeles to conquer and a coastline to enjoy. LA's many beaches offer the perfect retreat from city life and are a great place to surf, tan, meditate, and simply breathe some ocean air.
If you want something more commercial, LA won't disappoint, either. The city is home to countless larger shopping malls and upscale boutiques. Check out the movie-famous Rodeo Drive, explore what local designers have to offer, or go vintage treasure hunting at one of the many flea markets.
Dining in Los Angeles is on a level of its own. From a row of wellness cafes offering the latest kale craze to Michelin-starred eateries, you will have plenty of spots to explore. Another exciting thing you will probably notice about LA is that many people work on unconventional schedules (creative industries, IT, entertainment, etc., are very popular here) — so expect to see cafes and restaurants filled with people all day round, even on weekdays.
Health and fitness play an important role in the lives of many LA residents. A lot of people are health conscious, and you will find lots of gyms and yoga studios in every LA neighborhood.
Los Angeles remains the city of creatives. It has a vivid art and culture scene, numerous entertainment venues, and a general bohemian feel — with just a touch of glamour.
Living in Los Angeles can be an amazing experience, but to make sure it is the absolute best it can be, invest some time in learning more about the city before your move. Look into job opportunities in Los Angeles, what student life in the city is like, how to adjust to a new culture — and more.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
