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Can I ask what you did in LA? Even in the city of LA, there is downtown, Hollywood, Fairfax, Venice, and other places. It's really difficult to discuss LA and not include the smaller cities that are basically entirely integrated into LA's existence.
I've been to LA 5-7 times. We have an office there. To be entirely clear, I did not venture beyond central LA (said that in my post). In benchmarking cities, I'm not including suburbs or far flung areas. I'm a visitor, so I'm talking the general downtown area (and I was consistent with this in my opinions of other cities above).
I just found LA incredibly boring, dirty/brown, nothing happening, cars everywhere... When I went to LA about 8 years ago I felt like OmegaMan; I was the only person downtown. It has improved. LA Live has potential, but in talking to locals even they thought it would be more of a catalyst. I will say, the city seems more vibrant today than even 5 years ago. I appreciate their attempts at TOD, but I get the feeling LA's urban dynamic has already been sewn as a suburban type core. It is what it is.
I've been to LA 5-7 times. We have an office there. To be entirely clear, I did not venture beyond central LA (said that in my post). In benchmarking cities, I'm not including suburbs or far flung areas. I'm a visitor, so I'm talking the general downtown area (and I was consistent with this in my opinions of other cities above).
I just found LA incredibly boring, dirty/brown, nothing happening, cars everywhere... When I went to LA about 8 years ago I felt like OmegaMan; I was the only person downtown. It has improved. LA Live has potential, but in talking to locals even they thought it would be more of a catalyst. I will say, the city seems more vibrant today than even 5 years ago. I appreciate their attempts at TOD, but I get the feeling LA's urban dynamic has already been sewn as a suburban type core. It is what it is.
If you only stayed downtown, that makes sense then. DTLA isn't for everyone. I enjoy it, and it's definitely more of a place for locals. You have to really know where you're going there. But as for actual city limits, Hollywood, Silverlake, Mid Wilshire, Koreatown (our 24 hour district), Miracle Mile, Fairfax, Westwood, Brentwood, Venice Beach, Marian del Rey, Studio City, and Sherman Oaks are within city limits and are really fun places. Again, though, it's easier to have fun as a local. Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica aren't within city limits, so I get your reasoning, but it's hard to not include them.
I'll be the first to admit, though, that without a car LA sucks. Even with a car, LA traffic sucks and makes it difficult to enjoy everything.
If you only stayed downtown, that makes sense then. DTLA isn't for everyone. I enjoy it, and it's definitely more of a place for locals. You have to really know where you're going there. But as for actual city limits, Hollywood, Silverlake, Mid Wilshire, Koreatown (our 24 hour district), Miracle Mile, Fairfax, Westwood, Brentwood, Venice Beach, Marian del Rey, Studio City, and Sherman Oaks are within city limits and are really fun places. Again, though, it's easier to have fun as a local. Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica aren't within city limits, so I get your reasoning, but it's hard to not include them.
I'll be the first to admit, though, that without a car LA sucks. Even with a car, LA traffic sucks and makes it difficult to enjoy everything.
I'd actually like to get out to other areas of the LA region when I get a chance. I know the overall impression would be more favorable than just the downtown area. I appreciate the suggestions on places to visit.
I've been to LA 5-7 times. We have an office there. To be entirely clear, I did not venture beyond central LA (said that in my post). In benchmarking cities, I'm not including suburbs or far flung areas. I'm a visitor, so I'm talking the general downtown area (and I was consistent with this in my opinions of other cities above).
I just found LA incredibly boring, dirty/brown, nothing happening, cars everywhere... When I went to LA about 8 years ago I felt like OmegaMan; I was the only person downtown. It has improved. LA Live has potential, but in talking to locals even they thought it would be more of a catalyst. I will say, the city seems more vibrant today than even 5 years ago. I appreciate their attempts at TOD, but I get the feeling LA's urban dynamic has already been sewn as a suburban type core. It is what it is.
Yeah DTLA still has a ways to go but improving. The areas Jesse mentioned are all pretty fun. The beach areas can be fun. Even suburbs like Pasadena have stuff going on. I have a soft spot for Pasadena though :P. But yes very decentralized and spread around the metro with boring areas intermixed with fun areas. So it's a bit more work and planning and of course there's the traffic.
Chicago, New Orleans, & Miami Beach (South Beach).
Major cities that didn't hit the mark:
Too many to list however there were a number that were livelier than expected.
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