Best Neighborhood for NYer Moving to LA? (Long Beach, West Hollywood: apartment, home)

[ovaltine28]

I'm moving to LA in a few months for a new job downtown. I've gone to LA probably over a dozen times over the past few years so I've gotten a fairly good feel for some neighborhoods but not others.

In general, I find SM and most of the westside way too sterile -- kinda like the Upper West Side in NY. I want some character, decent proximity to good ethnic food (driving is ok), and walking distance to some good bars/restaurants/shopping. My friend lives in Los Feliz, but I don't think I want to live in an LA version of Williamsburg, Brooklyn (everyone's always trying too hard to be edgy).

What are some good options for me? Weho? I was thinking Fairfax district -- close to a lot of things but not a terrible commute to downtown (maybe 30 min?)

[KnoxTown]

Why not live downtown? Somewhere near Flower and Olympic...

[bhcompy]

If you wanted somewhere a little less expensive, a little more local-centric and less hipster, try out Downtown Long Beach. You can ride the blue line right into downtown LA and you'll still save cash and have about as NY urban as you can get in the LA area.

[ovaltine28]

Can't live downtown -- it's a ghost town at night.

Can't live in Long Beach either -- too far from all my friends.

Basically, I'd just like to be in a fairly central part of LA that's fun for a late-20s something person, somewhat walkable neigbhorhood with good bar/restaurant scene. Cost is not an issue, as I pay $2500/mo now for a shoebox, so LA is significantly cheaper.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by ovaltine28

Can't live downtown -- it's a ghost town at .

Have you spent an extensive amount of time DTLA to make that statement? The last few times i've been to the bars DT, it certainly has not been a ghost town.

Where will you be working? Commute time is always a consideration.

[BRinSM]

i think you have los feliz mixed up with silverlake. los feliz is a more established neighborhood more in line with the movie industry rather than the hipster vibe prevelant in silverlake. i also wouldn't recommend the long beach idea, there just isn't nearly as much to do down there as there as up in the city. if you like the idea of the fairfaix district, conisder living close to 3rd, beverly, or melrose. anywhere between la cienega and la brea should suit you well.

[ovaltine28]

downtown certainly feels more like a "ghost town" than more traditional neighborhoods.

I've gone out a bunch of times downtown, the last being this great speakeasy type lounge, but at the end of the day, it's an area that's dominated by business day-time activity where I am working and not where I feel I could go home to.

[ovaltine28]

Another question -- how terrible is the 101 in the morning for only 3-4 miles around Melrose/Beverly exit to downtown?

[BRinSM]

pretty terrible. if you plan on living somewhere near the 101 for commuting downtown, find an apartment near a subway stop.

[uptown_urbanist]

I don't think Los Feliz is nearly as hipster-filled as Silverlake, so you might want to give it another chance.

West Hollywood has always struck me as a little sterile, at least compared to some neighborhoods, but it's walkable and there are great restaurant options.

There's always Hollywood itself, too. It would be an extremely quick commute to DT by subway, and there's a lot of bars and restaurants. It's a weird mix of grittiness, tourists, and an odd assortment of neighborhood residents, but there's always stuff going on and it's very walkable.

Still, based on what you're saying I think Los Feliz is the ideal spot (and agree that you might be mixing it up with Silverlake, or maybe your friend lives on the edge), and don't see it nearly as Williamsburg-esque as either Silverlake or Echo Park. There are tons of good food options, including close proximity to some great Thai and Armenian food as you head west on Hollywood Blvd. (heading into East Hollywood). I'd at least put it on the list of possibilities as you narrow down your search.