Best neighborhoods near LA???? (Los Angeles, Pasadena: renting, college, median income)

[sn0w_peas]

Which neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area are the best to live?? The ones I am considering are Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, maybe Marina Del Rey or Pacific Palisades. I'd like to know how safe these areas generally are. Also, which neighborhoods in the LA area should I stay away from? I've heard parts of Hollywood and Santa Monica are a bit sketchy. I am looking to move into an area which has a good amount of restaurants and shops nearby, yet isn't scary to walk around at night. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[LASam]

The best neighborhood question is very subjective. Everyone is looking for something different. If you give us some characteristics you are looking for, we may be able to help you find a neighborhood that suits you!

[calipoppy]

More info would help (i.e. your budget, young and single or family, etc)

But if you want a neighborhood where you can walk to cafes and stores I would recommend: Santa Monica (near Montana, 3rd Street Promenade or near Main Street), Manhattan Bch, Larchmont Village, or the Fairfax district(near The Grove).

And IMO, Beverly Hills is overrated(it just ain't what it used to be) same with Westwood unless you're a student at UCLA, the Palisades are sort of ehhh(unless you have a family), the Marina is ok (but you would do better to do the Main Street corridor in SaMo)

And lastly, a word to the wise...there really is NO neighborhood in which I would state that it is safe to walk around at night alone...absolutely none. Be street smart no matter what the median income of your zip code.

Originally Posted by sn0w_peas

Which neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area are the best to live?? The ones I am considering are Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, maybe Marina Del Rey or Pacific Palisades. I'd like to know how safe these areas generally are. Also, which neighborhoods in the LA area should I stay away from? I've heard parts of Hollywood and Santa Monica are a bit sketchy. I am looking to move into an area which has a good amount of restaurants and shops nearby, yet isn't scary to walk around at night. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[CESpeed]

The nieghborhoods you've selected are considered the best in L.A. Which also means they are the among the most expensive.
Calipoppy has given you excellent advice.

[sn0w_peas]

Hey, thanks everyone Well we would be renting (a couple in our 20's; no kids) and as for the budget, I'd say between 2,000 and 2,500. Definately would need a building with a parking lot or garage. I have heard that west LA is a good area as far as safety is concerned. I'm not sure where the borders of west LA begin and end though. Is Westwood a college town? Basically we are looking for an atmosphere which is near a major street or shopping area (5min drive) but not so loud at night when we are trying to sleep. (drunk college kids) And not an area where people who want to retire live. Are there any particular neighborhoods anyone can recommend?? Hope that was helpful! Please reply! Thanks all!

[Capt. Dan]

Compton. Definetly Compton!

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by sn0w_peas

Hey, thanks everyone Well we would be renting (a couple in our 20's; no kids) and as for the budget, I'd say between 2,000 and 2,500. Definately would need a building with a parking lot or garage. I have heard that west LA is a good area as far as safety is concerned. I'm not sure where the borders of west LA begin and end though. Is Westwood a college town? Basically we are looking for an atmosphere which is near a major street or shopping area (5min drive) but not so loud at night when we are trying to sleep. (drunk college kids) And not an area where people who want to retire live. Are there any particular neighborhoods anyone can recommend?? Hope that was helpful! Please reply! Thanks all!

I live a few blocks off main st in santa monica near ocean park blvd. and i think it has exactly what you're looking for in your price range. plenty of places to eat/drink/shop within walking distance, a short bike ride, or short drive. also, you're just blocks from the ocean and in between 2 major tourist destinations (venice boardwalk and SM pier/3rd st promenade) for when out of towners come to visit. it has a great neighborhood feel with a weekly farmer's market that even has a bike valet. also, since venice and the SM pier are so close, most tourists completely miss this area so it has a great locals only kind of vibe, even though people from all over the westside/LA come to visit.

[CESpeed]

Originally Posted by sn0w_peas

Hey, thanks everyone Well we would be renting (a couple in our 20's; no kids) and as for the budget, I'd say between 2,000 and 2,500. Definately would need a building with a parking lot or garage. I have heard that west LA is a good area as far as safety is concerned. I'm not sure where the borders of west LA begin and end though. Is Westwood a college town? Basically we are looking for an atmosphere which is near a major street or shopping area (5min drive) but not so loud at night when we are trying to sleep. (drunk college kids) And not an area where people who want to retire live. Are there any particular neighborhoods anyone can recommend?? Hope that was helpful! Please reply! Thanks all!

Yes, Westwood is a college town (UCLA) Brentwood would be a good alternative it's between Westwood and Santa Monica. With your budget, you can well afford those areas. Westwood is good for shopping as is the Wilshire strip in Brentwood. The Third St Promenade and surrounding (Santa Monica) is fun, too.

Good Luck

[nickdahammer]

Originally Posted by calipoppy

More info would help (i.e. your budget, young and single or family, etc)

But if you want a neighborhood where you can walk to cafes and stores I would recommend: Santa Monica (near Montana, 3rd Street Promenade or near Main Street), Manhattan Bch, Larchmont Village, or the Fairfax district(near The Grove).

And IMO, Beverly Hills is overrated(it just ain't what it used to be) same with Westwood unless you're a student at UCLA, the Palisades are sort of ehhh(unless you have a family), the Marina is ok (but you would do better to do the Main Street corridor in SaMo)

And lastly, a word to the wise...there really is NO neighborhood in which I would state that it is safe to walk around at night alone...absolutely none. Be street smart no matter what the median income of your zip code.

No place safe to walk? I know it's rather subjective, but my wife and have walked down the Santa Monica Pier, Los Feliz, South Pasadena, Pasadena, even downtown from Figueroa and 3rd all the way to the Pantry. This was done at night, many times.

I don't think we are urban commandos or anything. Just a couple of 50 year-olds wandering around town.

[WestSideGirl310]

I live a few blocks off main st in santa monica near ocean park blvd. and i think it has exactly what you're looking for in your price range. plenty of places to eat/drink/shop within walking distance, a short bike ride, or short drive. also, you're just blocks from the ocean and in between 2 major tourist destinations (venice boardwalk and SM pier/3rd st promenade) for when out of towners come to visit. it has a great neighborhood feel with a weekly farmer's market that even has a bike valet. also, since venice and the SM pier are so close, most tourists completely miss this area so it has a great locals only kind of vibe, even though people from all over the westside/LA come to visit.

Everyone always says "north of Wilshire"...lol, but I also think the area mentioned above (which is Ocean Park) is a fine area and in a great location for the beach, shopping and restaurants and very pedestrian friendly!!