Los Angeles’s legendary coast is no stranger to homebuyers dreaming of endless summers and a beachside lifestyle.

From the unrivaled serenity of the San Fernando Valley to the celebrity-filled glamour of Beverly Hills, the Los Angeles sprawl carries a lot more variety than newcomers - and even locals -  may know.

Residential bliss meets bustling commercial hubs in Sherman Oaks, while the city’s rich entertainment history is displayed in Culver City. Each neighborhood carries an undeniable spark of LA’s evergreen DNA, yet each finds a way to make itself unique.

Choosing from such an impressive selection might be hard, and that’s why the team from Prevu Real Estate created a quick guide to some of the best neighborhoods in LA to make your search just a little easier.

Best neighborhoods in Los Angeles

• Northridge

• Encino

• Sherman Oaks

• Studio City

• Beverly Hills

• West Hollywood

• Silver Lake

• Westwood

• Cheviot Hills

• Los Feliz

• Culver City

• Santa Monica

Northridge

Framed by the Santa Susana Mountains and adorned with palm tree-lined streets, Northridge has become one of San Fernando Valley's most sought-after residential neighborhoods.

The area offers plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, all while being just a 35-minute drive from the heart of Downtown LA.

The bustling Northridge Fashion Center, with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater, serves as a hub for the community. From there, food enthusiasts can explore a vibrant collection of local eateries, such as the family-owned Brent's Deli and local favorite Emle’s Restaurant.

Limekiln Canyon Park, offering scenic hiking trails, is just a 10-minute drive from Northridge, while Wilbur Tampa Park and its stunning hill panoramas are a stone’s throw away. 

The presence of California State University, Northridge, meanwhile, infuses the area with various cultural events.

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Encino

The one-time home of Johnny Cash, Encino never fails to impress with its line-up of upscale real estate.

Lush greenery decorates much of Encino’s streets, where stunning mansions and modern estates give potential buyers a glimpse of the exclusive luxury they can expect. 

The vibrant Ventura Boulevard, which serves as the main thoroughfare for a few neighborhoods on this list, showcases Encino’s share of upscale boutiques and dining options. You can spend an entire afternoon here exploring carefully curated shops or standout eateries such as Scratch Bar & Kitchen or Yamato.

Encino’s outdoor offering, meanwhile, is direct access to the expansive Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. 

Picturesque trails, sports facilities, and the tranquility of Lake Balboa offer easy daytime and weekend plans for outdoor enthusiasts. History buffs will likely flock to the Los Encinos State Historic Park, which showcases the original 19th-century Ossa Adobe building.

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Sherman Oaks

Another prominent member of the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks manages to squeeze everything an ideal Los Angeles suburb should offer into a single neighborhood.

Sherman Oaks has a well-known retail scene, home to the open-air Sherman Oaks Galleria and Westfield Fashion Square. 

If you head to Ventura Boulevard, you can sample Italian cuisine at La Cava or savor delectable BBQ options at Boneyard Bistro. And if you’re in the mood for an LA classic, In-N-Out is also down the street. 

Delve further into the boulevard to discover a delightful mix of local boutiques and specialty shops, such as Iguana Vintage Clothing and Aroma Coffee & Tea, reflecting the area's unique selection of curious shops.

Nature lovers can access Fryman Canyon Park for hiking and captivating vistas of the Valley, while the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center is the local hotspot for a range of sports facilities, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.

Sherman Oaks’ housing stock is wide-ranging, with an impressive display of luxury homes and a healthy selection of quaint, single-family homes in classic California architectural styles. 

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Studio City

It’s only natural that at least one Los Angeles neighborhood would have a name hinting at the city’s entertainment industry roots.

Established in the 1920s and named after the film studio lot now known as CBS Studio Center, Studio City's creative legacy continues to be a defining feature. Iconic landmarks like the Brady Bunch House and the CBS Studio Center serve as reminders of the neighborhood's rich entertainment heritage.

At first glance, it might seem like a tourist magnet, but Studio City offers much more than tours of Hollywood relics.

Studio City’s stretch of Ventura Boulevard is home to the open-air Studio City Farmers Market, offering fresh produce and artisanal delights every Sunday. If you work up an appetite, you can enjoy classic Italian fare at Vitello's and then head to a cocktail at Firefly’s outdoor patio.

There’s plenty to explore outdoors as well. Wilacre Park and the picturesque trails of Fryman Canyon are iconic draws for hiking enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. 

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Beverly Hills

Synonymous with luxury and celebrity residences, Beverly Hills sets the gold standard in every aspect, making it one of the best places to live in Los Angeles County. 

Beverly Hills showcases its attention to detail in every immaculate corner. Majestic palm trees and lush greenery line the streets, creating a picturesque backdrop for this iconic neighborhood. 

Seamlessly blending serenity and sophistication, The Hills offers an abundance of entertainment and dining options without disrupting the prevailing tranquility of the area. World-renowned restaurants and fashionable boutiques adorn Rodeo Drive, while the Golden Triangle is a premier shopping destination amidst upscale outdoor cafés.

Spanish Revival and Mediterranean Revival styles dominate the exclusive housing market, while stately mansions and sprawling estates epitomize the area's grandeur. Lavish condominiums boasting state-of-the-art amenities and breathtaking views are also available.

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West Hollywood

Nestled between Beverly Hills and Hollywood, West Hollywood, or "WeHo" as locals call it, is one of LA's most sought-after residential areas.

While the heart of LA's action is nearby, West Hollywood's vibrant streets maintain their tranquility without sacrificing the eclectic boutiques and local hotspots that give the area its unique character. 

Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard, two of WeHo's main thoroughfares, are lined with diverse coffee shops, chic bars, and eateries. You can start the morning with an expertly crafted espresso at Verve Coffee Roasters, enjoy a vegan Mexican menu at the next-door Gracias Madre, and finish the night off with a cocktail at Skybar’s rooftop bar.

West Hollywood is no stranger to outdoor recreation, either. West Hollywood Park is a local treasure, offering sports courts, a swimming pool, and a dog park for residents and their furry friends. The park is also home to the West Hollywood Library, a popular gathering spot with a verdant setting.

Of course, some of LA's most captivating housing options can be found here, with a mix of Spanish-style villas, modern condominiums, and mid-century modern architectural gems on display.

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Silver Lake

A rich tapestry of avant-garde art and a nucleus of edgy bars and local shops define Silver Lake’s hip character. 

Silver Lake’s history is well-steeped in bohemian airs, and the popular neighborhood historically served as a haven not only for artists but the LGBTQ community, as well.  

Today, the neighborhood retains much of its artistic roots, with plenty of public art installations and cultural events to enjoy throughout the year. 

Silver Lake offers ample opportunity for outdoor recreation and leisure. The picturesque Silver Lake Reservoir serves as the neighborhood's centerpiece, providing residents with scenic trails and green spaces for some R&R. Additionally, Griffith Park and Elysian Park are close by, offering multiple options for a perfect weekend getaway.

And if you ever want to trade in vibes for a taste of the concrete jungle, Downtown Los Angeles is just a 15-minute drive away.

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Westwood

The University of California, Los Angeles, serves as the centerpiece of Westwood’s cultural scene.

The regular influx of college students routinely contributes to Westwood’s liveliness, but the signature residential charm which makes the neighborhood one of the best places to live in Los Angeles never falters.

Westwood’s extravagant neighbors, Beverly Hills and Bel Air, help contribute to the area’s desirability. Proximity to some of the most expensive neighborhoods in California places Westwood on the map as a top choice for many aspiring buyers.  

Yet the undeniable hint of luxury doesn’t dominate Westwood’s relaxed atmosphere. Quaint streets, lush greenery, and a rich presence of arts and culture may make you momentarily forget you're in the City of Angels. But a 15-minute drive will remind you that the iconic Venice Beach and Santa Monica are in your backyard.

The charming Westwood Village is another boon for aspiring residents. 

An evergreen selection of eateries and coffee shops, the historic Geffen Playhouse and Fox Theater, and a head-spinning selection of shopping boutiques always make Westwood Village a prime destination for entertainment.

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Cheviot Hills

If Westwood’s rich neighbors piqued your interest, Cheviot Hills should immediately go on your list of potential neighborhoods as well. 

Bordering Westwood to the south, Cheviot Hills is a postcard example of classic Los Angeles luxury without the poshness of Beverly Hills. Meandering streets, framed by greenery and palm trees, create a charming maze of single-family estates and gorgeous yet unimposing mansions.

Cheviot Hills is one of the many LA neighborhoods that share in the city’s storied cinematic past. It has served as a choice location for nearby Fox and Sony Studios and has appeared in iconic series such as Modern Family and American Horror Story. 

One of the neighborhood’s biggest perks is its Cheviot Hills Recreation Center. Besides offering tennis, basketball, and soccer, it is also home to Cheviot Hill’s Rancho Park Golf Academy, an 18-hole course with manicured lawns, and a local coffee shop.  

A selection of well-known restaurants headlines Cheviot Hill’s culinary offerings. 

Visit The Apple Pan, which has been serving diner classics from its iconic small counter since 1947, or plan a dinner at John O'Groats, a homegrown local favorite with a hearty menu. You won’t have to venture far for an after-dinner drink, either. The nearby Wellesbourne offers a cozy, old-world setting and classic cocktails, while The Stalking Horse should satisfy any beer aficionado with its selection of drafts on tap. 

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Los Feliz

Few can boast of starting their mornings with an exercise routine in Griffith Park, but moving to Los Feliz comes with those bragging rights.

One of LA’s most iconic landmarks, Griffith Park, is the undeniable highlight of living in Los Feliz, situated just north of the coveted LA neighborhood.

The iconic oasis offers residents unbeatable views of the Los Angeles skyline, and you can choose when to enjoy it. For many, quick access to Griffith Park is enough to sell them on moving to Los Feliz, but the coveted area has plenty more to offer. 

Hillhurst and North Vermont Avenues are the lifeblood of Los Feliz’s food and entertainment scene and host vibrant cocktail bars, music venues, and cozy bistros.  

Head to the locally-celebrated Figaro Bistro for classic French bistro fare, or sample craft cocktails at The Dresden. The same thoroughfare that houses those haunts will lead you to House of Pies, which serves up every imaginable diner option and signature dessert into the late hours. 

For Los Feliz’s best entertainment options, Griffith Park is the go-to. The iconic Greek Theatre, the legendary Griffith Observatory, and the unmissable Los Angeles Zoo are all accessible with ease.

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Culver City

Few LA neighborhoods have the same rich history as Culver City.

Though a separate city in Los Angeles County, Culver City is surrounded by some of Los Angeles’s most iconic neighborhoods and undoubtedly carries the same DNA so many appreciate about the City of Angels.

Founded in 1917, Culver City became the site of MGM studios, which delivered classics like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone with the Wind.” 

Today, the city’s close ties with cinema have been modernizing, drawing high-profile streaming companies such as HBO, Amazon Studios, and Apple into its fold.

But besides the impressive history, Culver City also boasts an unbeatable location. Nestled in the southern part of Los Angeles, the city’s best beaches are easily accessible from Culver City, such as Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey.

The dining and bar scene in Culver City is equally impressive. The local favorite Pasta Sisters offers handmade pasta and classic Italian fare in a laid-back setting, while the historic Culver Hotel offers classic cocktails and bistro cuisine at its elegant Lillie’s restaurant. 

The neighborhood also boasts a rich architectural heritage, with iconic landmarks such as the Helms Bakery District and the Kirk Douglas Theatre, built in 1946.

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Santa Monica

The unrivaled gem of Los Angeles' beachside living, Santa Monica is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque coastline.

Summer weekends transform Santa Monica into a lively hub, with sun-seekers flocking to its stunning shores and the bustling Santa Monica Pier.

Yet, Santa Monica's allure extends far beyond seasonal crowds, remaining an ever-desirable destination for homebuyers seeking the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. The lively beach scene may be Santa Monica's call to fame, but the area’s charm encompasses more than just oceanfront attractions.

Boasting some of the most exclusive shopping destinations, such as Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, along with a remarkable collection of highly-rated bars and restaurants, including Santa Monica Brew Works, and the area’s entertainment options are virtually limitless.

Surprisingly, it's easy to find serenity amidst Santa Monica's energetic vibe. 

Venture beyond the bustling Ocean Avenue and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and you’ll discover the tranquility of Palisades Park or the picturesque shores near the Annenberg Community Beach House.

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