Los Angeles

Noteworthy neighborhoods

Part of Los Angeles’ appeal is its collection of neighborhoods, all of which offer a different take on life in the City of Angels. CLUTCH / ABODE Inc. can help you explore homes for sale in various parts of Los Angeles, including:

• Downtown Los Angeles:

  Also known as DTLA, the city's central business district is now a place that offers both work-and-play opportunities. Luxury residential towers stand alongside commercial skyscrapers, and on street level, people can find dozens upon dozens of dining and retail options. Urbanites will love DTLA's accessibility and diverse architectural displays.

• Bel Air:

  One of Los Angeles' most legendary communities, Bel Air is one of the three Platinum Triangle neighborhoods along with Holmby Hills and Beverly Hills. The area traces its origins back to the 1920s, when Alphonso Bell dreamt of creating an "estates community." Bel Air remains a highly sought-after place to live; strict local ordinances help maintain the neighborhood aesthetic, which tends to favor traditional architecture.

• Pacific Palisades:

  The mountains meet the sea at Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighborhood located about 20 miles west of DTLA. Many of its homes and gated communities are carved against the Santa Monica Mountains and offer clear views of the Pacific Ocean and canyons. Homes for sale in this part of Los Angeles are predominantly single-family estates, although Pacific Palisades also offers a small collection of condos in the lower Santa Ynez Canyon area.

• Hollywood Hills:

  Located in central Los Angeles, Hollywood Hills is home to some of the finest examples of Mid-century Modern architecture in Southern California. And since the neighborhood is perched on the south-facing slopes of the Santa Monica Mountains, residents are able to enjoy fantastic views of the city as well. Hollywood Hills is typically divided into two areas: East and West.

• Sherman Oaks:

  In Sherman Oaks, residents trade the urban city landscape for a more verdant environment. The real estate market consists of various housing options, including single-family homes, luxury estates, condominiums, and townhomes. There is also diversity in local architecture. Ranch, Mid-century Modern, Spanish Colonial, Period Revival, and Mediterranean are some of the popular styles in the neighborhood.

• Studio City:

  Situated beside Sherman Oaks and with easy access to the main Los Angeles sprawl, Studio City has long been a preferred address in the city for its varied collection of real estate options and proximity to Hollywood institutions. Along Ventura Boulevard, residents enjoy a plethora of restaurants and retail spots, as well as nightlife haunts and outdoor cafes.

• Hancock Park:

  Hancock Park's real estate market constantly attracts investors in search of historic or more established properties. That is because the neighborhood plays host to a large number of pre-war homes that are well-preserved as well as updated with modern creature comforts. Mature trees further add to Hancock Park's prestige and value, especially since the Greater Wilshire area is always evolving.

• Brentwood:

  Some of Los Angeles' most striking properties are located in Brentwood, a Westside Los Angeles neighborhood that extends up to the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Homes located further up the slopes are blessed with breathtaking views of the city, the Pacific, and the canyon. A major draw of living in Brentwood is the proximity to several hiking trails, such as the Westridge Trailhead.

Getting around

There is no beating around the bush; navigating Los Angeles can be a challenge and traffic congestion is something residents regularly contend with if they are traveling longer distances. On the bright side, the city offers several public transit options and is served by a well-designed network of highways and boulevards.

Public transportation in LA is overseen by LADOT. In addition to buses, taxis, and vehicles-for-hire, the city is also investing more and more on bike lanes to make bicycling in Los Angeles better and safer.

Education

Los Angeles is home to many educational institutions, including prestigious universities such as University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California (USC), and California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA). Furthermore, various private colleges specializing in different fields are scattered throughout the city, such as the American Film Institute Conservatory and Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI Arc).

As for lower public education, the majority of Los Angeles is served by the award-winning Los Angeles Unified School District.

Dining and shopping

Los Angeles boasts a thriving culinary scene, with a diverse array of restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. From gourmet food trucks to Michelin-starred eateries, there is something to satisfy every palate. Similarly, the city offers world-class shopping destinations, including luxury boutiques on Rodeo Drive, trendy boutiques in Silver Lake, and eclectic markets like the Grand Central Market.

Must-try restaurants in Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ culinary scene is just as, if not more, diverse than its real estate market. In every corner of the city, you are sure to find popular eateries as well as underrated gems. If you would like to go on a deep dive of the local restaurants, start with these following recommendations:

• Perch LA

  for small French plates, handcrafted cocktails, and stunning views of Downtown Los Angeles from its 15th-floor location on Pershing Square Building.

• Chi Spacca

  for hearty and regional Italian cuisine, complemented by a well-curated wine program featuring bottles from different parts of Italy.;

• Otium

  in Downtown Los Angeles for New American dishes designed by chef Timothy Hollingsworth, served in a bright space located beside The Broad Museum.

Outdoor recreation

Whether you prefer the beach or the mountain, you will find an outdoor activity to enjoy over and over again in Los Angeles. Some of the favored outdoor destinations in Los Angeles include:

• Griffith Park

  is one of the largest parks in the city, covering over 4,200 acres of land in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood. It is home to several attractions, including the Griffith Observatory, the LA Zoo, and the Autry Museum of the American West.

• Venice Beach

  which is considered among the most visited attractions in all of Southern California. Approximately 28,000 to 30,000 people visit Venice Beach every day, making this spot busy and exciting. One of its iconic features include the two-mile Boardwalk, which is lined with a bevy of local stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Venice Beach is also home to a renowned skate plaza where visitors can watch professionals do amazing stunts and tricks.

• Will Rogers State Historic Park

  located near Pacific Palisades and Bel Air, offers a unique combination of outdoor recreation and Hollywood history. Its main attraction is the 31-room estate actor Will Rogers used to own, which visitors can explore on a guided tour. Horseback riding and hiking opportunities are also available within the park; there is a three-mile trail that leads to and from Inspiration Point, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of Los Angeles as well as eucalyptus-scented fresh air.