Discover What Neighborhood in the City of Stars Is Right for You
When you’re preparing to move, deciding which neighborhood is the right fit for you can be difficult. But don’t worry — we’re here to help you decipher which LA suburb is right for you!
No matter what your personality is like, you can find something that will suit you in the City of Stars. Whether you prefer bustling beach cities, vibrant arts communities, or more laid-back neighborhoods, Los Angeles has something for everyone. From Los Feliz to Miracle Mile, here are 10 areas in LA that might just be your new home.
1. Los Feliz
Nestled in a hillside enclave, Los Feliz is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles. With stunning views, gorgeous homes, and an artistic atmosphere, it’s not hard to understand why this neighborhood is in high demand. Living here offers residents a small-town feel with all the conveniences of a big city right at your doorstep. Residents here enjoy plenty to do, including old-school watering holes, unique shops, local eateries, bookshops, and a 1923 movie palace.
Loz Feliz’s walkable nature is another attractive feature of this neighborhood. To connect with nature, head over to Griffith Park. Bordering Los Feliz, Griffith Park is loved by locals for its plethora of hiking trails, concerts at the Greek Theatre, and stargazing at Griffith Observatory. For a casual bite or a cup of coffee to kick start your morning, check out Home. Here you can find a diverse menu (as well as plant-based options), happy hour, and a bar.
2. Silver Lake
Situated next to Los Feliz, Silver Lake is located to the east of Hollywood. This trendy neighborhood has been deemed one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. Silver Lake is home to a diverse range of residents, ranging from young singles to families to artists. Sunset Boulevard is lined with charming cafes, colorful art galleries, and unique boutiques. Enjoy brunching at Cafe Stella, a classic French bistro, or grabbing a drink at The Black Cat. Spend the day exploring the hidden staircases of Silver Lake. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, head over to the expansive Silver Lake Reservoir, which offers a 2.25-mile loop for runners and walkers, allowing you to enjoy a stunning view of the water while getting in your exercise.
3. Echo Park
Echo Park, which borders Silver Lake, Chinatown, and Downtown Los Angeles, is one of the city’s first neighborhoods. Starting in the mid-19th century, the city grew in concentric circles from Downtown outward. Echo Park is Los Angeles’ second-largest neighborhood and a nature-lover’s paradise in the heart of the city. Hip, creative, and electric are just a few words to describe this rapidly evolving neighborhood. A walkable neighborhood, Echo Park is home to artists, writers, and musicians, making it a creative hub of the city. Echo Park Lake is the perfect place to spend a calming day soaking up the sunshine. Here you can enjoy a picnic or rent pedal boats and explore the lake. The Echo Lake Loop is a 1-mile loop where you can walk, jog, or bird-watch.
4. Nela
Northeast Los Angeles, referred to as “Nela” by locals, is tucked just east of Interstate 5 and the 2 Freeway. Nela is made up of seven neighborhoods, including Eagle Rock, Mt. Washington, Montecito Heights, and Highland Park. Although these communities share close borders and similar characteristics, they also have several distinctive qualities. With so much to offer, Nela is sure to have something for everyone.
For a fun evening out, head over to Highland Park Bowl. Established in 1927, Highland Park Bowl is the city’s oldest bowling alley. It once served as a music venue but has since been transformed into an innovative bowling alley. If hiking is more up your alley, then Mt. Washington is the place for you! Check out Elyria Canyon Park or Moon Canyon Park to enjoy some spectacular views.
5. Pasadena
Located in the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena has a lot to offer its nearly 141,000 residents. People living here can enjoy the acclaimed Southern California sunshine, a solid housing market, easy access to nature, and the famous Rose Bowl Stadium. The city of Pasadena is known for its commitment to historic preservation and dedication to sustainable living. The extreme walkability and top-notch public transportation make this an ideal place to call home. Old Pasadena, located in the heart of the city, offers a mix of local retailers, high-end shops, and chef-driven eateries. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most desired places in the San Gabriel Valley to call home!
6. La Crescenta
La Crescenta, located in Los Angeles County, is surrounded by Glendale to the south and west and the Angeles National Forest to the north. La Crescenta is known for its impeccable location, scenic beauty, safe neighborhoods, and excellent school districts. Living here offers residents a suburban urban lifestyle. You can easily drive anywhere from Pasadena to Downtown Los Angeles in 30 minutes.
However, living in La Crescenta is perfect for those who want to escape from the busyness of city life and opt for a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. Although the population of La Crasenta skews a bit older, there’s still plenty to do here! Montrose Shopping Park is an open-air concentration of shops and restaurants. There’s also a vivid calendar of activities, events, and festivals that take place here. Check out the Harvest Market and Marketplace or the Arts and Crafts Festival. Whether you are new to town or have called La Crasenta home for decades, there are plenty of ways for you to get to know the friendly faces in this welcoming community.
7. Sylmar
Located in the San Fernando Valley, Sylmar is a suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles. The origins of this neighborhood can be traced back to the 18th century, resulting in a rich and fascinating history. This beautiful suburb is known for its family-oriented environment, affordable housing options, and a plethora of parks and green spaces.
Sylmar offers its residents plenty to do. Whether you want to get in some cardio, have a picnic, or simply soak up the sunshine, head over to El Cariso Community Regional Park. This luscious, 80-acre park is a central part of the Sylmar community. There’s plenty to do here, including a play area, picnic area, fitness zone, and tennis courts. The Wildlife Learning Center is an animal sanctuary and life science education. Guests of all ages will enjoy their interactive and informative time here.
8. The Hills
The esteemed Hollywood Hills are the very definition of glitz and glamour. The Hills are home to some of Los Angeles’ most notable streets, including Mulholland Drive, Laurel Canyon Boulevard, and Nichol Canyon Road. This neighborhood is characterized by its luxurious homes, unmatched views, and rich history.
Living here immerses residents in the quintessential California lifestyle on an entirely different level. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most famous figures, including studio executives, celebrities, lawyers, artists, and musicians. Due to the diverse population that lives here, the style of homes ranges from stunning mansions to unique bungalows. Residents of the Hills enjoy a suburban urban feel with close access to nature. Living amongst the bars, restaurants, shops, and parks is far from boring. Get out of the city by hiking to the Hollywood Sign and marvel at the unrivaled views of the city.
9. West Hollywood
West Hollywood is known for its vibrant lifestyle and electric nightlife. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles, West Hollywood has a creative and artistic atmosphere. Though it is home to individuals from all walks of life, this area is particularly popular among working professionals and singles. Take in a show at the Troubadour, grab a book at the indie Book Soup, or explore many clubs on Sunset Strip.
10. Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile has become one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after neighborhoods, and it’s easy to understand why. Home to a diverse group of Angelenos, this artistic neighborhood is home to the LACMA, Museum Row, top-notch restaurants, and retail establishments. With Highland to the east and Fairfax to the west, Miracle Mile is the heartbeat of Los Angeles. And getting to the airport from here is relatively easy — something that shouldn’t be taken for granted while living in Los Angeles. Your next home might just be waiting for you in Miracle Mile.
If you’re ready to make the move to Los Angeles, contact Vaccaro Nahle Group today! Vaccaro Nahle is a team of two of the most sought-after Los Angeles luxury real estate agents. From homes for sale in Hollywood Hills to homes for sale in Venice, they serve a wide range of neighborhoods. Their expertise will make the home buying process as smooth as possible.