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Old 08-07-2010, 09:48 PM
 
56 posts, read 182,192 times
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Hello,

Finally making the move to LA from SF. Naturally I've been perusing craigslist like crazy and have been finding a lot of lofts in the Downtown area.

I plan on going down next weekend and scoping the area for myself, but can someone tell me how safe it is?

For example I found a place at 726 S Santa Fe Ave, 90021...if this area is bad, what areas of Downtown should I be looking in? (designations such as "between such and such street", would be most helpful)

I really appreciate any feedback you can give.

Sincerely,

sfpycroft


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Old 08-07-2010, 11:34 PM
 
Location: West Los Angeles
1,338 posts, read 2,008,277 times
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I don't think you wanna be on Santa Fe Ave, I had to look it up and I consider myself pretty knowledgable on Downtown since I work out there. It's pretty far east. Ideally for safety sake, you should be west of Alameda. But here are my thoughts on certain areas within Downtown:

You should be look in the South Park area (near Staples Center) which is roughly bound by Figueroa on the west, Grand on the east, 8th St on the north, Pico on the south. It's got a Ralphs grocery store on 9th/Flower which is pretty much the only grocery store Downtown. You'll find more apartments here than lofts.

There's also the Historic Core area. SB Lofts on Spring St come to mind (off 6th or 7th I believe). Spring St has a bunch of lofts though. It's a safe area, lots of new bars popping up, and then there's the monthly Downtown Artwalk along Spring & Main that always seems to be a good time (granted I've never been, but might go this Thursday).

Where will you be working? In the heart of the Financial District there's Milano Lofts at 6th/Grand. I've toured one of them, pretty decent and I'm sure prices have come down.

Obviously I have no idea what your price range is, but this ought to give you a good start.
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Old 08-08-2010, 06:59 AM
 
Location: Southern California
3,113 posts, read 8,348,592 times
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The LA Times has an article today on the neighborhoods downtown - might be helpful!
Downtown L.A.: A new energy - latimes.com
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Old 08-08-2010, 01:01 PM
 
Location: Mt Washington: NELA
1,162 posts, read 3,224,808 times
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Default Required Reading

I read the article as well, very good. It's an excellent primer for anyone with questions about the 'new' downtown. And it goes out of the way to mention the discreet, diverse neighborhoods in downtown. An awful lot of variety in such a small space.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bouncethelight View Post
The LA Times has an article today on the neighborhoods downtown - might be helpful!
Downtown L.A.: A new energy - latimes.com
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Old 08-08-2010, 05:13 PM
 
Location: Los Angeles, CA
787 posts, read 1,934,828 times
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I agree mostly with what everyone has said. Good article.

Areas to consider in downtown: Historic Core (Spring Street and Main Street from 2nd to 8th street), South Park, Little Tokyo, and the Financial District (Milano Lofts, Library Court, Pegasus Apts).

You should definitely avoid SKID ROW...which is roughly the area from Los Angeles Street (west), Alameda (east), 3rd Street (north), and Olympic (south). There aren't really many Lofts for rent in this area...mostly low-income SRO Hotels and Shelters.

The loft on Santa Fe you were looking at is on the southern edge of the "Arts District"....it is actually a very viable residential area. See the link below to Wikipedia which has a very good description of the area. The downside to the Arts District is that is very isolated from the rest of downtown with no easy way to get to the other cool parts of downtown without going through Skid Row or drving your car.

Arts District, Los Angeles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Old 08-08-2010, 08:39 PM
 
56 posts, read 182,192 times
Reputation: 24
Thank you -- so much, seriously. Lots of great information and I will read that article.
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Old 08-08-2010, 10:06 PM
 
Location: Mt Washington: NELA
1,162 posts, read 3,224,808 times
Reputation: 642
The only saving grace, for me at least, with these lofts near the river is that they are somewhat self-contained and geared more toward artists. I know the ones on Industrial have alot of conveniences right there in the complex: restaurant, pool, there may even be a market- not sure about that (Toy Factory Lofts -- loft. live. style. your world.). I know the ones on Long Beach Avenue are 'old-school' artits lofts, like the ones on Traction back 25-30 years ago. I suppose the same could be said for the Brewery on Main and Moulton.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/los-a...90021-a-2.html

That said, I think the fun of living downtown is being able to walk to nearly ever place you like. That's why something more in the City appeals to me, i.e. Little Tokyo, or Spring Street, etc. At least for non-artists types, like myself.
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