Los Angeles, famously known as the City of Angels, is home to a diverse and dynamic rental market that suits everyone – from families, singles, and young professionals. It’s a vibrant city teeming with life, rich in culture, art, fashion, and delicious food. If you’re thinking about renting in LA, this guide is perfect for you. Let’s dive into the top 20 neighborhoods for renters in LA.
1. Downtown Los Angeles
Family-Friendly: Moderate | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: Moderate | Job Market: High
Downtown LA, or DTLA, offers a unique blend of old and new. Historic architecture meets modern high-rise apartments and lofts, creating a bustling cityscape. The area’s walkability, access to public transportation, and a thriving job market make it an excellent option for both singles and young professionals. You’ll find a wide variety of shopping destinations, from the famous Fashion District to the Grand Central Market. Schools in DTLA are improving, but families might prefer neighborhoods with more green spaces and quieter streets.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,200/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $700,000
Helpful links: DTLA Rentals | DTLA Shopping | DTLA Job Market
2. Silver Lake
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: Moderate
Silver Lake has steadily transformed into one of LA’s most coveted neighborhoods. It offers a balanced mix of hip eateries, indie boutiques, and family-friendly parks. The Silver Lake Reservoir is an attraction for joggers and dog walkers, and it’s surrounded by a family-friendly community. Good schools and a rich arts scene make Silver Lake attractive for families and creatives alike.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,100/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.1 million
Helpful links: Silver Lake Rentals | Silver Lake Shopping | Silver Lake Schools
3. Echo Park
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: Moderate
Echo Park, known for its rolling hills and iconic lotus-covered lake, is a great place to rent. Its diverse culture, hip music scene, and historic architecture attract both singles and families. The neighborhood is known for its fantastic schools, making it an attractive choice for families.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,000/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.2 million
Helpful links: Echo Park Rentals | Echo Park Shopping | Echo Park Schools
4. Venice
Family-Friendly: Moderate | Public Transportation: Moderate | Shopping: High | Schools: Moderate | Job Market: High
Venice is famed for its beach, boardwalk, and bohemian spirit. Renters can enjoy a vibrant nightlife, trendy boutiques, and a wide variety of restaurants. The job market here is robust, especially in tech, with “Silicon Beach” hosting many start-ups.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,500/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.8 million
Helpful links: Venice Rentals | Venice Shopping | Venice Jobs
5. West Hollywood
Family-Friendly: Low | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: Moderate | Job Market: High
A hub of LGBTQ+ culture, West Hollywood, or “WeHo,” is known for its nightlife, entertainment industry jobs, and the iconic Sunset Strip. This area is perfect for singles and young professionals looking for a buzzing social scene.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,400/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.5 million
Helpful links: West Hollywood Rentals | West Hollywood Shopping | West Hollywood Jobs
6. Santa Monica
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Santa Monica offers a beach city lifestyle with urban sophistication. It’s an excellent neighborhood for families with great schools, parks, and shopping at the Third Street Promenade. The city is also home to many tech and entertainment companies, boasting a thriving job market.
Average Rental Starting Price: $3,200/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.7 million
Helpful links: Santa Monica Rentals | Santa Monica Shopping | Santa Monica Schools | Santa Monica Jobs
7. Los Feliz
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: Moderate | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: Moderate
Los Feliz, a hillside neighborhood, is known for its vintage shops, trendy restaurants, and Griffith Park access. The area’s great schools and family-friendly vibe make it an ideal place for families to rent.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,200/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.3 million
Helpful links: Los Feliz Rentals | Los Feliz Shopping | Los Feliz Schools
8. Beverly Hills
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: Moderate | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Beverly Hills, one of the most famous neighborhoods globally, is a symbol of prestige and luxury. The area’s 90210 zip code is renowned for upscale shopping on Rodeo Drive and excellent schools, making it a preferred neighborhood for affluent families.
Average Rental Starting Price: $4,000/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $2.4 million
Helpful links: Beverly Hills Rentals | Beverly Hills Shopping | Beverly Hills Schools
9. Culver City
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Culver City, a hub for TV and film production studios, is an excellent neighborhood for families and young professionals. The area boasts great schools, a thriving job market, and a variety of shops at the Platform and Westfield Culver City.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,500/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.2 million
Helpful links: Culver City Rentals | Culver City Shopping | Culver City Schools | Culver City Jobs
10. Koreatown
Family-Friendly: Moderate | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: Moderate | Job Market: High
Koreatown, a bustling neighborhood, offers 24-hour dining, karaoke bars, and easy access to public transportation. It’s perfect for singles and young professionals who want to be in the middle of the action.
Average Rental Starting Price: $1,700/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $650,000
Helpful links: Koreatown Rentals | Koreatown Shopping | Koreatown Jobs
11. Studio City
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: Moderate | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Studio City, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, offers a suburban feel within the city. With good schools and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a top choice for families. The area also offers ample employment opportunities, especially in entertainment.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,500/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.2 million
Helpful links: Studio City Rentals | Studio City Shopping | Studio City Schools
12. Pasadena
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Famous for the Rose Bowl and the annual Rose Parade, Pasadena combines a rich history with contemporary attractions. The area boasts excellent schools, a variety of shopping centers, and easy access to the LA job market, making it an excellent choice for families.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,300/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $850,000
Helpful links: Pasadena Rentals | Pasadena Shopping | Pasadena Schools | Pasadena Jobs
13. Sherman Oaks
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: Moderate | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: Moderate
Sherman Oaks is a quiet and upscale neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley known for its excellent school district, making it a top choice for families. This area also boasts a wide array of shopping options, with the popular Sherman Oaks Galleria.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,100/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1 million
Helpful links: Sherman Oaks Rentals | Sherman Oaks Shopping | Sherman Oaks Schools
14. Brentwood
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: Moderate | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Brentwood, located on the west side of LA, is known for its lush landscapes and celebrity residents. It’s perfect for families, offering excellent schools and shopping options at Brentwood Country Mart.
Average Rental Starting Price: $3,500/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $2.5 million
Helpful links: Brentwood Rentals | Brentwood Shopping | Brentwood Schools
15. Westwood
Family-Friendly: Moderate | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Home to UCLA, Westwood is a vibrant neighborhood with a thriving job market. Its excellent schools and top-notch public transportation make it a great choice for families and young professionals.
Average Rental Starting Price: $2,800/month Average Home Buying Starting Price: $1.6 million
Helpful links: Westwood Rentals | Westwood Shopping | Westwood Jobs
16. Encino
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: Moderate | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: Moderate
A suburban neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, Encino is known for its upscale homes and excellent schools, making it a prime choice for families.
Approximate Rental Starting Price: $2,800/month | Approximate Home Buying Starting Price: $1.3 million
Helpful links: Encino Rentals, Encino Shopping, Encino Schools, Encino Jobs
17. Westwood
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Westwood is a vibrant neighborhood with a diverse food scene, high-end boutiques, and cultural attractions such as the Hammer Museum and Geffen Playhouse.
Approximate Rental Starting Price: $3,200/month | Approximate Home Buying Starting Price: $1.9 million
Helpful links: Westwood Rentals, Westwood Shopping, Westwood Schools, Westwood Jobs
18. Mar Vista
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: Moderate
Mar Vista is a quiet neighborhood with a diverse range of eateries and local shops, close to the beach and with a good variety of schools.
Approximate Rental Starting Price: $2,700/month | Approximate Home Buying Starting Price: $1.4 million
Helpful links: Mar Vista Rentals, Mar Vista Shopping, Mar Vista Schools, Mar Vista Jobs
19. Burbank
Family-Friendly: High | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: High | Job Market: High
Burbank, known as the Media Capital of the World, houses several studios. It offers a small-town feel while providing plenty of job opportunities, making it a great place for families and professionals in the entertainment industry.
Approximate Rental Starting Price: $2,200/month | Approximate Home Buying Starting Price: $900,000
Helpful links: Burbank Rentals, Burbank Shopping, Burbank Schools, Burbank Jobs
20. Beverly Grove
Family-Friendly: Moderate | Public Transportation: High | Shopping: High | Schools: Moderate | Job Market: High
Located near Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, Beverly Grove is known for its high-end shopping district, including The Grove and Beverly Center.
Approximate Rental Starting Price: $2,500/month | Approximate Home Buying Starting Price: $1.7 million
Helpful links: Beverly Grove Rentals, Beverly Grove Shopping, Beverly Grove Schools, Beverly Grove Jobs
