Moving to Los Angeles is an equal mix of exciting and daunting—it’s one of the biggest, most spread out cities in the United States, but it’s also packed with more culture, food, and excitement than maybe any other. The decision you have to make is: what kind of L.A. life do you want to live? Whether you’re looking to live in an astonishingly expensive high rise, a bungalow on the Beach, or just a convenient area with lots of food and entertainment options, we’re here to help. No matter where you pick, we can guarantee you great weather, more traffic than you’re used to, and lots of smiling faces.

Here’s our guide to the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles for newcomers.

West Hollywood

If you’re looking to live that stereotypical Hollywood life, West Hollywood (WeHo) is your best shot. Dress to impress, and never stop working out or partying. The phrase “fake it till you make it” likely originated here, as everyone looks like they could be famous. Aside from being in the middle of all the action, West Hollywood is very walkable and has green spaces, parks, and hiking on the La Cienega trails. There’s a high concentration of yoga studios, juice bars, funky shopping, and world-class dining. It’s where all the “cool kids” live, and if you can afford it, this is the area for you. It’s also one of the city’s most LGBT friendly neighborhoods, with some of the city’s best nightlife and a nice dating scene.  

Downtown

Over the last two decades downtown, L.A. has gone from a “9-5 only” destination that was dreary and unsafe after dark to a thriving multi-use area, with ground zero being the Staples Center. With the gentrification complete, expect rent prices to be on the high side, but if you don’t plan on straying far, this might be the one neighborhood where you don’t need a car. Downtown is home to some of L.A.’s most talked about restaurants, like modern Mexican mecca Broken Spanish, and the stunning NoMad. We can promise you one thing: you will never run out of entertainment options.

Venice

The stereotypical, laid-back California beach lifestyle is found in the Venice Beach area. This bohemian neighborhood is known for its artist community, funky shops, surfer dudes, and those looking to live near the water. Along with that, it’s home to one of the most famous streets in the country, Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The neighborhood is full of 20 and 30 somethings, and many have jobs in the LA tech scene, this area is also referred to as Silicon Beach.  Rent prices are comparable to West Hollywood, but you’re by the ocean, so it’s okay.

Sherman Oaks

There comes a time in your life where city living just doesn’t work anymore, and when that time comes, you move to Sherman Oaks. Better restaurants and shops have been popping up in this family-friendly neighborhood, but as with suburbs everywhere in America, you can expect your share of chain restaurants in return for having a larger house and a yard. Some bright spots in the food and drink scene are Bamboo, a family-style Chinese icon in the area for decades, and Blue Dog Beer Tavern, with a burger that will make you forget you’re in ‘burbs. Rent prices vary, but it’s typically pretty reasonable.

Beverly Grove

Foodie heaven. Seriously, the location is great, housing options are being renovated all the time, and the food just can’t be beaten—it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for high-end modern cuisine or a taqueria–it’s in Beverly Grove. It’s more affordable than West Hollywood or Manhattan Beach but still has culture without the seedy feeling of the other locations. Another bonus is the accessibility to happening West Hollywood, and being in the middle of the beach and downtown. Both *should* take about 30 minutes without traffic. But who are we kidding, that’s never the case.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is east of Hollywood and is easily one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, with many bars and nightclubs, restaurants, and hipster hangouts. Get your caffeine fix at Intelligentsia—there’s always a line, but the third wave coffee is worth the wait. Party with the locals at Red Lion Tavern in the outdoor beer garden, order a draft from one of the waitresses in a dirndl and take in the German decor. Since the 1990s, Silver Lake has been the center of the alternative and indie rock scene in Los Angeles. The antithesis of Beverly Hills, the neighborhood is home to indie stores and funky graffiti art. It’s also a very scenic part of LA, as it is built around a reservoir.

North Hollywood

North Hollywood is nestled in the San Fernando Valley, where you’ll find modest residential blocks and the humming NoHo Arts District. This eclectic neighborhood is home to the historic El Portal Theatre. Many up-and-coming playhouses share the scene with art galleries, sound studios, and the Academy of TV Arts and Sciences; North Hollywood has as much culture as you’re going to get in the Valley. You can also access the subway from this area if you dare to take public transit. Call NoHo home if you want to be surrounded by retro-inspired cocktail lounges, craft beer bars, vintage shops, and casual cafes. Check out Tonga Hut, LA’s oldest operating tiki bar, or the Brickyard Pub if you’re in the mood for beer (there’s more than 100 to choose from) and bar games.

Ready to move to L.A?

Read our helpful moving guide: What To Know Before Moving to Los Angeles

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