West Third Street

For a while I lived within walking distance of the Grove and the Beverly Center. What’s cool about this area is that you can really enjoy the city on foot and bike. Besides being close to great shopping, I was also within walking distance of some pretty great restaurants (Joan’s on Third, Jar, Little Next Door, Izakaya by Katsuya, Breadbar…) as well as some cool bars (St. Nicks, 3rd Stop, Tasca…). The only bummer? There aren’t the greatest exercise options (i.e. gyms, yoga, etc..) in the area.   

Studio City

Ok, I know this is the Valley, but hear me out. If you’re going to live on the other side of the hill (rent is cheaper, the children have room to play, there’s more parking!), I think Studio City is the best place to do it. There are great places to eat (Caiote, Aroma, Katsu-ya, Asanebo, Gelato Bar, Artisan Cheese Gallery…), bars (Fox and Hounds, Clear, The Sapphire, Firefly…), and shops (Mimi & Hy, Lemon Rags…). Plus, the neighborhood farmers’ market on Sundays is awesome. And if you ever get sick of your suburban existence you can just head over Laurel Canyon to Hollywood.  

Important questions I ask myself when considering a place to live:

• What’s within walking distance? Restaurants? Bars? Shops? 
• Is there a supermarket (or more importantly a Trader Joe’s) close by? 
• Are there any good yoga studios in the area?  
• Where’s the closest pool? 
• What’s the traffic like? Is it going to take 15 minutes to drive down the block? 
• Is parking restricted?    
• Are there any local farmers’ markets?   
• Am I going to go bankrupt if I live here?  

Main Street

I’ve always liked Main Street in Santa Monica. Maybe it’s the cute Victorian houses, or maybe it’s the ocean breeze, but I could definitely see myself living over there. You’d have great bars within walking distance (Library Alehouse, Fin McCool’s, O’Brien’s, World Cafe and Circle Bar and Bar Copa if you’re in the mood for a meet market). There’s a slew of cute shops and a range of places to eat (everything from Chinois on Main to Holy Guacamole). The only drawback I can think of is that there’s not really a supermarket around here. At least not one that I can find!     

Downtown LA

While I’m not sure if I would ever seriously consider living in Downtown LA, part of me thinks it would be really cool to hole up in a loft around here. You have world-class entertainment in your backyard (Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Music Center, MOCA…), awesome food (hello Little Tokyo!), and a ton of cool bars (The Edison, Library Bar, Golden Gopher, Redwood Bar & Grill, Seven Grand, La Cita, Broadway Bar…) Just think about it, all the money that you’re saving on gas you could spend on drinks! Unless, you’re spending all your money on rent, which might just be the case around here…. 

Larchmont Village

I think this neighborhood is super charming (despite its closeness to the not-so-pretty parts of Hollywood). Larchmont Village is an awesome area—the restaurants, cafes, and shops are totally quaint—it definitely makes you feel like you’re not in LA. If I worked in or around Hollywood or Downtown I would definitely consider living over here. Although I think I’d miss being near the beach. 

Abbot Kinney

Ahhh, to be rich and able to afford a loft near Abbot Kinney. I love this laid-back neighborhood for its artsy, bohemian ways and its delightful pastries (Oh Jin Patisserie, if only there was more than one of you!) Not to mention its cute shops and bars. I feel like Abbot Kinney has everything you would want in a neighborhood and more (YAS Yoga and Spinning, anybody?) Oh, and did I mention you’d be within walking distance of the beach?  

Los Feliz

Oh, how I love you Los Feliz. I’ve seriously considered getting job in Downtown LA just so I can live in Los Feliz. In a city synonymous with urban sprawl, Los Feliz is charming the way a small town can be. Vermont and Hillhurst Avenues are just begging to be walked along thanks to their cute cafes and shops. Another plus of living in Los Feliz? There aren’t any malls or Costcos around to make you feel like you’re living in LA, but if you feel the desire to submerse yourself in suburban culture (read: taking a romp through Ikea or Barnes & Noble), Burbank is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. 

Fairfax Village

A little while back, I was looking for an apartment and my goal was to live within walking distance of Canter’s. I just love, love, love that area of Fairfax, even despite the fact the area has upped its cool factor in recent years (thanks to the skate shop The Hundreds and the kitschy cool comic book store Family). Also, being within walking distance of the Regency Theatre on Beverly Boulevard is a total bonus—a discount movie theater!!! In LA!!!! Plus, you can walk to the Melrose Trading Post (the flea market at Fairfax High School) on Sunday mornings. And if you feel the need for a little commercial fun, there’s always the Grove. 

Downtown Culver City

What I love about Culver City is that there seems to be history over there. The area has some delightfully retro details that harken back to the 1950s. Here are some of my favorite spots in the area: Kirk Douglas Theatre, Tender Greens, Ford’s Filling Station, Livingreen, Vinum Populi, Meltdown… And last time I checked rents were still cheaper in CC than in other parts of West LA. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!  

Montana Avenue

I had some friends who lived within walking distance of Montana Avenue in Santa Monica and it seemed like an awesome place to live. Not only are you a couple blocks from the beach and the 3rd Street Promenade, but you’ve got all those cute boutiques on Montana Avenue to keep you occupied. The only annoyance?  The closest Trader Joe’s is a tad far.   

Sunset Junction

What I love about Silver Lake is that it doesn’t feel like LA. It actually reminds of me of parts of Northern California. The area has an earthy, artsy feel to it, making it feel thousands of miles away from the Hollywood bars and clubs on the other side of the freeway. Living within walking distance of Sunset Junction guarantees you all kinds of fun food, shopping, and entertainment. Did I mention there’s also gelato?   

Glendale Boulevard

In addition to Sunset Junction I’d seriously consider living off of Glendale Boulevard in Silverlake. There aren’t as many food/entertainment options over here, but the old person inside of me likes this part of Silver Lake for its quieter side. And don’t get be wrong, Glendale Boulevard has its share of drunken fun (Red Lion Tavern, Cha Cha Lounge), but part of me would prefer to get tipsy Silverlake Wine, eat a hearty dinner at Ginger Grass, and head home for some Netflix. 

Franklin Village

I have some friends that live over here and I’m totally jealous of their neighborhood. While there isn’t as much within walking distance as some other neighborhoods listed here, I love it just the same (it’s about quality not quantity!) Some quality places here? Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Birds, Bourgeois Pig, 101 Coffee Shop, Counterpoint Records & Books… Plus, the residential streets north of Franklin are pretty peaceful. You’d have no idea you were living in the middle of Hollywood.