Top 7 Best Neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Crime rate: 0.017 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,595
• Median property buying cost: $1,094,500

Highland Park has an impressively low crime rate of 0.017 crimes per 1,000 people, making it our top pick as the best neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles. It is known for its historic architecture and artsy vibe. 

Hip cafés, vintage shops, and local art galleries are everywhere, attracting a mix of young professionals and families looking for an urban yet welcoming atmosphere.

The locals praise Highland Park because it offers green spaces, fosters a lot of local pride, is highly walkable, and is adorned with numerous bars and cafés.

As of July 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,595 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,094,500, as of August 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City data (2020) & LA Crime Rate (2022)

• Crime rate: 0.018 crimes per 1,000 people
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,695
• Median property buying cost: $1,265,000

Westwood is indeed known as a mini college town within the bustling city of Los Angeles. Locals mention that the bright and young culture is fueled by the huge campus of the renowned University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It has a variety of student-friendly restaurants and stores, making it a social and entertainment place for youngsters.

For safety, it is indeed a safe neighborhood, with a crime reported of 0.018 crimes per 1,000 people.

It has Westwood Village, a shopping and business area in the center of Westwood that was built in 1929 by Janss Investment Company and is home to cultural landmarks including the Hammer Museum and Geffen Playhouse.

As of July 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,695 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,265,000, as of August 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City data (2020) & LA Crime Rate (2022)

• Crime rate: 0.20 crimes per 1000 people
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,930
• Median property buying cost: $1,350,000

Playa Vista, which has a crime rate of 0.20 crimes per 1,000 people, is a sought-after neighborhood in Los Angeles. It is known as the “Silicon Beach,” because it houses the tech and creative industries.

The modern urban development prioritizes walkability, with a walk score of 71, and features the vibrant Playa Vista Runway with restaurants and shops. Locals mention that they enjoy the neighborhoods’ proximity to the beach, LAX, recreational amenities, and the strong sense of community that is brought out through events and programs. 

As of July 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $3,930 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,350,000, as of August 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), LA Almanac (2021) & LA Crime Rate (2022)

• Crime rate: 0.04 crimes per 1000 people
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,175
• Median property buying cost: $1,357,500

Locals in Sherman Oaks mentioned that it is an upscale suburb within the city limits and indeed a safe neighborhood, with a reported crime rate of 0.04 crimes per 1,000 people. It has an upscale environment for families because of parks like Fossil Ridge Park and Deervale-Stone Canyon Park.

It has two stylish retail malls, including the outdoor Sherman Oaks Galleria, and is surrounded by busy freeways. Old-school Mexican and burger places blend alongside gastropubs, coffee shops, wine bars, and vibrant brunch cafés on Ventura Boulevard, the area’s primary commercial avenue.

As of July 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,175 and the median cost of buying a property is $1,357,500, as of August 2023. Overall, Sherman Oaks is ideal for families and young professionals seeking a lively yet peaceful setting.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City data (2020) & LA Crime Rate (2022)

• Crime rate: 66.30 crimes per 1000 people
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,645 
• Median property buying cost: $439,958  

Lancaster is a lively city situated in the heart of the Antelope Valley. It offers a unique environment for outdoor enthusiasts and stargazers with its high desert landscapes and clear skies. The neighborhood’s proximity to Apollo Community Regional Park and Texas Canyon Rock Climbing Area makes locals engage in a lot of outdoor activities.

Locals praise initiatives like the Solar Lancaster program that helps them reduce their energy bills. They also praise the affordable cost of rent and property compared to other parts of LA, which makes it an option for families and individuals on a budget.

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $439,958, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,645 as of August 2023. As for safety, it has a reported crime rate of  66.30 crimes per 1000 people.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2021) & LA Crime Rate (2022)

• Crime rate: 0.31 crimes per 1000 people
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,395 
• Median property buying cost: $763,983

Within the wider Los Angeles region, the city of Long Beach stands out as a diversified coastal community with many reasons to call it home. It boasts beautiful beaches, bike-friendly infrastructure, and a scenic waterfront that also provides a place for outdoor activities and relaxation. 

Long Beach is home to California State University, the largest public university system in the world. Locals praise the area’s proximity to Los Angeles, which gives them plenty of job opportunities nearby. 

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,395 and the median cost of buying a property is $763,983, as of July 2023. As for safety, it has a reported crime rate of 0.31 crimes per 1000 people. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2021) & LA Crime Rate (2022)

• Crime rate: 1.02 crimes per 1000 people
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,291 
• Median property buying cost: $803,333

Van Nuys provides a combination of convenience and tranquility. Its central location inside the city offers proximity to multiple job opportunities and places of entertainment, and it sits along the LA Metro Orange Line, providing convenient rail access. All stations are connected to LA Metro bus lines, facilitating easy commuting throughout Los Angeles.

Locals like the peaceful Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park and Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, which promote outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities. For safety, it has a reported crime rate of 1.02 crimes per 1000 people. 

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $803,333, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,291 as of August 2023, making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in Los Angeles. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023), City Data (2020) & LA Crime Rate (2022)