Best & Nicest Los Angeles Neighborhoods
LA is such a diverse culture with so many places to see and things to do. It’s not just the sparkle of Hollywood that lends personality to Los Angeles, it is also the quirky neighborhoods and stylish homes that make this city a unique and fun place. We often get asked about the cool and trendy neighborhoods in Los Angeles, so we thought we would share 5 of our favorites with you. Although there are many places in LA we think you should visit, here are 5 neighborhoods with the “it” factor you just might be looking for.
Silver Lake
Lauded by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s “Best Hipster Neighborhoods”, Silverlake is nestled between Hollywood and Echo Park and boasts some of the coolest hangouts in the LA area. Not only that, but this trendy ‘burg is also where stars such as Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Christina Ricci, Lisa Edelstein, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and many others have called home.
The city itself is built around a commercial reservoir and was named for the engineer who built it (although thinking there might actually be silver water there is kind of cool). Surrounding the reservoir is a fantastic walking path and meadow. Silverlake is host to a huge art scene and has some incredibly unique architecture surrounding it. It is home to some of the most celebrated modernist architecture in the country, including Richard Neutra’s VDL Research House and John Lautner’s Silvertop.
Plus, they have some cool independent art galleries and theatres. Chock full of independent businesses, you won’t find a lot of chain restaurants in Silverlake, but what you will find, from clothing to tattoos to food is always fabulous. If you want to mix celebrity spotting with a good cup of coffee, check out Intelligentsia. Celebs spotted there include Drew Barrymore, Zachary Quinto, Olivia Wilde, and Jane Lynch.
Echo Park
Adjacent to Silver Lake, Echo Park is known for its hipster vibe, boutique shops, and picturesque lake. It’s a popular neighborhood for its local music scene and creative culture.
Home to an impressive selection of art galleries, vintage stores, independent coffee shops, music venues, and other creative outlets, Echo Park is a paradise for those seeking out unique experiences. The neighborhood’s street art is also not to be missed: art installations, murals, and crafts can be found all over the area.
One of the most unique features of the neighborhood is its active nightlife scene. From cozy dives to high-end lounges, the bars of Echo Park have something for everyone. Music lovers should check out the iconic Echo venue, home to some of the best local music acts in the city.
Though it is often seen as a place of creativity and nightlife, Echo Park is also home to plenty of natural beauty. At the center of the neighborhood lies Echo Park itself, a lush lake surrounded by hiking trails and wildflowers. Making your way through the park, you can find amazing views of downtown LA on any given day. It’s no wonder why people flock to Echo Park to take it all in.
Whether you’re a culture buff, outdoor enthusiast, or nightlife aficionado, Echo Park has something for everyone. Its charm and quirks make it one of the coolest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Culver City
Culver City is known for its thriving arts scene, galleries, and the Helms Bakery District, which houses unique shops and dining options. It’s also home to several major film and tech companies.
Located just south of Downtown LA, this Westside neighborhood is home to a diverse population and an array of amenities that have made it one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the region.
The area offers something for everyone, from its bustling arts and entertainment scene with galleries, music venues, independent movie theaters, and performing arts centers, to its extensive shopping offerings including national retailers, high-end boutiques, and farmers markets. The culinary landscape includes acclaimed restaurants ranging from cozy cafes to upscale eateries serving global cuisine.
Recreational pursuits are also plentiful in this part of Los Angeles. Hikers and bikers can explore miles of scenic trails and bike paths that run through the city or take advantage of the two golf courses located here. There are also plenty of parks to enjoy, such as Veterans Park, with its sports fields, playgrounds, skate park, and more. Finally, the nearby Sony Pictures Studios offer tours of some of Hollywood’s legendary sets, providing a unique glimpse into film history.
With its excellent schools, strong sense of community, and many attractions, it’s no surprise that Culver City has become one of the most desirable places to live in greater Los Angeles. From its thriving cultural offerings to its abundance of outdoor activities, living in Culver City provides residents with every opportunity to embrace the richness that Southern California has to offer.
Beverly Grove
Beverly Grove, near West Hollywood, offers some of the best shopping and dining in LA, with luxurious boutiques, popular eateries, and trendy cafes just steps away from the area’s many high-end homes. Whether you’re in the market for a night out on the town or a quiet evening in, this L.A. hotspot will have something to suit your tastes.
In addition to its wide array of shops and restaurants, Beverly Grove also offers plenty of entertainment options. From live music venues and comedy clubs to art galleries and museums, there’s always something happening in this area. Those looking for outdoor activities can explore the nearby park, while those seeking culture can take advantage of the neighborhood’s many museums and performance venues. Many of the businesses in this lively district are locally owned, adding to the unique charm of the area.
Whether you’re here to shop, eat, play, or simply admire the scenery, Beverly Grove is home to some of Los Angeles’ most stylish neighborhoods. With luxury residences surrounded by world-class amenities, this is surely one destination you won’t want to miss!
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a laid-back and relaxed beach town located south of Los Angeles. The city is situated on an expansive stretch of land that juts out into the Pacific Ocean and is renowned for its sunsets, stunning views, and vibrant surf culture. Those who live in Manhattan Beach frequently cite its lively atmosphere, relaxing environment, and strong community spirit as the city’s main attractions.
A long pier stretches out to sea from the city, providing residents with an excellent view of the nearby beaches and providing a perfect spot for surfers to access the waves. Outdoor enthusiasts can have their pick of activities, from playing basketball at Live Oak Park or hiking up Sand Dune Park for a spectacular view of the coast. A wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops line the streets of downtown Manhattan Beach, giving residents plenty of options for entertainment. Overall, Manhattan Beach offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation, making it one of the coolest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Los Feliz
It’s the birthplace of Mickey Mouse and where Frank Lloyd Wright built some of his most famous homes. It’s where many celebrities of today and yesterday have called home and where the homes tell an incredible history of Los Angeles. It even has a bridge named after Shakespeare.
Located next to Griffith Park, Los Feliz is high on the cool factor for Los Angeles neighborhoods. Its “downtown” area boasts incredible restaurants and fun bars that are within walking distance of many of the residences. But one of the coolest things about this neighborhood is that Mickey Mouse was created in the garage of one of the homes here. Yes, Mickey Mouse was created by Walt Disney in the garage of his aunt and uncle’s home in Los Feliz.
While you take a minute to absorb that information, you might also want to take a visit to Prospect Studios located in the neighborhood. Prospect has been home to TV shows such as American Bandstand, Barney Miller, The Dating Game, Family Feud, General Hospital, Grey’s Anatomy, Welcome Back, Kotter, and Who’s the Boss? to name a few.
Down the street from that, on Sunset, is Monogram Pictures (which is now KCET) where many of Charlie Chan’s movies were filmed. And let’s not forget about the celebrities – Los Feliz has also seen its share of famous residents as well including Marilyn Monroe, Jim Parsons, Casey Affleck, Kristen Bell, Liv Tyler, Christina Ricci, January Jones, Katherine Heigl, Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Jon Cryer, Lauren Graham, John Hamm and many others.
Abbott Kinney Boulevard
Named by GQ as “the coolest block in America”, Abbott Kinney Boulevard and its surrounding neighborhood embrace this title and much more. Named for the founder of Venice Beach, Abbott Kinney, this neighborhood wasn’t always such a draw to tourists and, well, anyone. It was actually a place you would go out of your way to avoid. Before it was Abbott Kinney, it was a part of West Washington Blvd, which was a hangout for gang members, drug dealers, and addicts and gunshots were a routine sound you could hear.
Given that Venice Beach has always been an enclave for struggling artists, there were many you could find in the neighborhood even given its dangers. The name change started a revolution on the boulevard that brought about a lot of amazing change. Now, the street is a major tourist attraction and a place where you can find a lot of Angelenos hanging out.
What used to be a drug den is now a cleaned-up, trendy street that is the epicenter of Venice Beach. You can see the artist’s influence in the independent shops and restaurants along the boulevard and Abbott Kinney prides itself on many of the stores being independent and locally owned and operated. Popular with celebrities, you can find Venice residents such as Robert Downey, Jr., Anna Paquin, Tim Robbins, Fiona Apple, and many others in the area.
Larchmont Village
Surrounded by Hollywood, East Hollywood, Koreatown, Hancock Park, and Windsor Square, you will find what is said to be the smallest neighborhood in Los Angeles called Larchmont Village. Spanning only around a half square mile, this little city has a big impact on all visitors.
The small-town atmosphere of this little neighborhood is what draws many people in. When you walk down the main street, you will find several shops and little cafes including one of L.A.’s oldest independent bookstores. Every Sunday you will find a farmer’s market with fresh fruit and veggies and wonderful food. And, talking about the food, there are some fabulous places to eat in Larchmont Village – something for everyone.
You can also tell that there is a lot of pride from the residents of this neighborhood with some of the most well-preserved older homes in the city. Stop by and have a great cup of coffee and do some people-watching – you won’t regret it.
Mid Wilshire
Mid Wilshire – not just a map location, but a very popular neighborhood in Los Angeles. Named “Mid Wilshire” because it is literally in the middle of everything. From popular museums and restaurants and shopping areas, this neighborhood is a great place to find it all in Los Angeles.
Noted as one of the most diverse neighborhoods (according to LA Times) in Los Angeles, Mid Wilshire is nestled between Hancock Park and Beverly Hills. While in the neighborhood, check out CBS’ Television City on Beverly Boulevard – this historic broadcasting complex was built in 1952 and continues to be the home of many of American TV’s most popular shows, such as American Idol, The Price is Right, and The Young and The Restless.
For shopping, check out The Grove or The Beverly Center. Great museums in this area include The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The La Brea Tar Pits & Page Museum, The Peterson Automotive Museum, and the Craft Museum.
Final Word
With its stunning views, cutting-edge amenities, and eclectic culinary offerings, Los Angeles’ coolest neighborhoods are sure to please both residents and visitors alike. From the glamorous Hollywood Hills to the vibrant streets of Silver Lake, the City of Angels has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a trendy brunch spot or a fun night out, these neighborhoods have it all. So why not come explore them for yourself and see what makes Los Angeles such an amazing city? You won’t be disappointed.