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Top 8 Best neighborhoods in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: August 2, 2023

Los Angeles remains the center of the entertainment industry, fame, and fortune. It is one of the best places to live in California. People find countless reasons to live there, the vibrant neighborhoods, world-class amenities, cultural diversity, and high quality of life. Los Angeles is serious about its education. There are over 106 colleges within 50 miles of LA. As such, this city is the perfect place if you’re moving to Los Angeles to embark on undergraduate studies or pursue your passion in a graduate program. Los Angeles is a city of dreams, sun, surf, sand, and Hollywood. The largest city in California and the second-largest urban area in the United States remains a destination for many people worldwide. They come to visit, stay, and learn what life in Los Angeles is all about. If you are planning to move to this exciting and vibrant city, here are the 8 best neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

Methodology

With many neighborhoods across Los Angeles, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional, a student, a head of a family, or a retiree, our list of the 8 best neighborhoods in Philadelphia will help you decide. We’ve built our ranking of the best neighborhoods based on a study from niche.com, who considered the following criteria: education, affordability, public transit, and safety.

We’ve also considered the population and the vibe of the neighborhood.

1. Westwood

Best for university students

Population: 54,859
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $3,150
Pro: Walk-friendly
Con: Costly

Westwood is an upscale commercial and residential neighborhood in LA. It’s a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with many excellent schools within the community. Westwood is home to one of the best universities known as the University of California, Los Angeles. UCLA is one of the leading research institutions making career opportunities endless for students. The area is also home to many retirees who enjoy the more suburban side of Westwood. The neighborhood is filled with homes that draw in people looking for tranquility. For families with children, Westwood offers many options for schools, from private to charter to public schools.

(*Niche, Zumper & Walk Score)

Westwood, LA

2. Culver City

Best for young professionals

Population: 38,913
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $2,775
Pro: Diverse and inclusive city
Con: Difficult to get around without a car

Culver City is in Los Angeles County where you can find bars, buzzing restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live there and the public schools in Culver City are highly rated. Culver City would take the crown if there were a competition for the hottest LA neighborhood of the moment, with its movie-making history. Culver City is also known for its lively nightlife and reasonable rent of $2,071 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment. The community’s real estate market is also widely in-demand. It has excellent schools and is a sports hub; it’s a family-friendly place you can expand into.

(*Niche & Zumper)

Culver City, LA

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3. Echo Park

Best for families with young children

Population: 36,570
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $2,695
Pro: Central nature hub
Con: Mid to high crime rates

Living in Echo Park offers residents an urban-suburban mixed feel, where most residents rent their homes. This neighborhood has an authentic lifestyle, and big-city amenities. Echo Park offers its residence excellent elementary schools with great school consistency. If you have children and desire a consistent school experience as they grow up, this neighborhood may be an ideal place to plant long-term roots. More specifically, Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM, which was ranked the top public school in Echo Park by Niche.com. If you are looking to move to a child-friendly yet relaxing neighborhood, Echo Park offers these amenities including its multiple parks, lakes and central location.

(*Niche & Zumper)

Echo Park, LA

4. West Hollywood

Best for LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ2S+ community

Population: 35,506
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $2,778
Pro: All amenities in one area
Con: Lack of parks and green spaces

West Hollywood is one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of Los Angeles. Its creative energy is tangible throughout the entire neighborhood, which has become a destination for street art. In fact, most of the dining options are pet-friendly dining areas; hence, you will meet as many friendly dogs as pedestrians here. The rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is averaged at $1,744 per month. This is one of the few cities in the United States where LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ2S+ community would make up the majority of the population, so if you are a part of the community, this area would be ideal for you. West Hollywood, better known as WeHo, provides a range of restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, but it still holds its relaxing charm with calm areas and nearby hiking trails.

(*Niche & Zumper)

West Hollywood, LA

5. Los Feliz

Relaxing neighborhood

Population: 33,163
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $2,247
Pro: Great community for young, creative individuals
Con: Expensive housing

Los Feliz is one of the best places to live in Los Angeles, as it feels secluded from the rest of the busy L.A. scenery. Residents enjoy an urban feel, and most rent their homes. The public schools there are above average and the median rent is around $1,740 per month. Los Feliz is a perfect mix of trendiness and coziness. There is a lot of diversity surrounded by incredible restaurants, eclectic shops, and lively nightlife. It is an enjoyable walkable area with a Walk Score of 78 out of 100. Los Feliz boasts great entertainment options just a few steps from wherever you are with high Public Transit. In addition, you can also enjoy its quick access to Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, iconic beaches and the Valleys.

(*Niche, Rent Cafe & Walk Score)

Los Feliz, LA

6. Venice

Best for single individuals or couples

Population: 35,873
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $3,500
Pro: Nearby beach and relaxation
Con: Very crowded

Alongside Venice Beach, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, skate parks and parks. Many young professionals and couples live in Venice, and residents tend to be liberal. It’s also highly walkable with a walk score of 90, so those commuting elsewhere during the week can stroll to everything they might want or need here on the weekend. Venice is also the center of LA’s “Silicon Beach” tech scene. The neighborhood is home to several tech companies, such as Google and Snapchat. Venice is also known to be the art and creative center of Los Angeles with its streets filled with colors from past artists.

(*Zumper & Walk Score)

Venice, LA

7. Wilshire Center

Best for central neighborhood

Population: 49,468
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $2,295
Pro: High-quality schools and nightlife
Con: Heavy traffic

Wilshire Center offers its residents incredible food, public transportation and amazing public schools. The public schools are known to be high-quality schools and are known to receive quality, individualized attention. Foodies will enjoy it here because this neighborhood is known for its fantastic and diverse menu including Greek, Korean, Italian, French cuisine and more. If you are looking to move to a central neighborhood, Wilshire Center is the place for you. It is located three miles from Downtown LA and ten minutes from Hollywood. Wilshire Center offers city buses, Metro lines and three subway stations to allow residents transit in their day-to-day.

(*Niche & Zumper)

Wilshire Center, LA

8. Downtown LA

Best for lively urban lifestyle

Population: 70,298
Average monthly rent (1-bed): $2,783
Pro: New developments and amenities
Con: Limited parking

Downtown Los Angeles is one of the best neighborhoods to reside in; it has magnificent places to eat, breweries, and a great art scene. Whether you’re relocating alone or with a family, the Central District’s numerous amenities will cover anything you might need. It has an excellent public transportation system, plenty of restaurants and cafés, and a vibrant nightlife that won’t leave anyone indifferent. The nightlife scene makes it one of the best places to live in Los Angeles for both single and young adults. Living in Downtown LA with a family also provides many opportunities, bringing you closer to several excellent schools, outdoor spaces, and child-friendly activities.

(*Niche & Zumper)

Downtown LA, LA

Conclusion

Los Angeles remains the center of the entertainment industry, fame, and fortune. Prized for its cultural diversity, people from all over the country and the world are moving to Los Angeles with the hopes of making their dreams come true. With a pure natural landscape, fantastic weather, never-ending opportunities, and an abundance of things to do, it is no surprise why Los Angeles is as famous as it is. If you’re measuring the best neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles, where you can enjoy the true beauty of Los Angeles and where everyone wants to live, this is an accurate list.Are you moving soon? Find out the best Los Angeles movers!

Last year's ranking (2022)

1. Westwood
2. Culver City
3. Echo Park
4. West Hollywood
5. Loz Feliz
6. Venice
7. Wilshire Center
8. Downtown LA

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The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

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