still Los Feliz? (Pasadena, Westwood: neighborhood, restaurants, shops)

[bkkm]

Hi all,

First, I'd like to thank everyone for the help so far. I am sorry for posting different threads, but I didn't want my new questions to be completely off the title of the thread. This is probably going to be the last thread I will start, since by now, thanks to you, I have a much better idea of what to look for in LA.

As I have said previously, I will be spending a semester in LA, and will be doing some research at UCLA and attending some classes in Pasadena (so basically will be splitting my time between Westwood and Pasadena). I have decided to split the commuting to each extreme in half, and to look for a room in either Sherman Oaks/Studio City or in Los Feliz.

Now for the question: is Van Ness Ave. and Franklin still Los Feliz? Or is it Hollywood? And, in either case, how safe and/or walkable is the area?

And one last question: since I am considering Los Feliz, would you suggest also looking for places in Silverlake?

Thanks again!

[uptown_urbanist]

No, that's not Los Feliz; I think it's officially in what's now called Franklin Village. It's a nice neighborhood. Hollywood Blvd and Van Ness is pretty non-descript (it's where the freeway crosses over) but on Franklin it feels far quieter and more upscale. It's walkable; there are tons of restaurants on Hollywood Blvd, and there's a cluster of more nice cafes and some shops starting around Franklin and Bronson. It's a nice central location, and a pleasant neighborhood to spend a semester.

Yes, if you're considering Los Feliz I'd throw Silverlake into the mix, too; might as well keep your options open, and they're all close enough together that your commute time won't be impacted much.