Los Angeles isn’t really a metropolitan city like New York or Chicago. It’s more like a county full of many individual cities and neighborhoods. There are so many great places beyond Downtown and Hollywood. Many of these neighborhoods are underrated, with hidden gems and eclectic local populations. Whether you’re thinking about moving to Los Angeles, visiting, or already live here and want to find new places, there are plenty of great neighborhoods that you probably haven’t fully explored yet.
Koreatown
One of the best spots in Los Angeles is Koreatown. There are untold and hidden establishments where you can find some of the best authentic Korean food found anywhere outside of Seoul. There are also more Koreans here than any place but South Korea’s capital city. There are nightclubs, and bars in addition to the amazing restaurants. You’ll love this neighborhood.
Eagle Rock
If you can afford the prices, Eagle Rock is a fantastic place to live. It’s a nice, artsy neighborhood in Los Angeles. Here you will find vintage boutique shops, hipster coffee houses, craft beer, plenty of restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere. There is also some amazing architecture in the neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a great place to live or somewhere to go out for a pleasant evening, Eagle Rock is where it’s at.
Brentwood
Brentwood is another perfect neighborhood to live in for a well-to-do family. It is quiet and upscale. It has streets lined with cafes, high-end Italian restaurants, and swank hotels. It is also the home of the Getty Center museum, where a world-class collection of pieces and a great view are available to you. While it is a nice place to live, you should consult a Brentwood realtor to find the best price if you’re looking to move to this neighborhood.
Little Tokyo
Located just outside downtown, Little Tokyo is an amazing spot for food, entertainment, and shopping. It is small and few people actually live here, but it is a great, safe part of the city that is just outside the madness of downtown. Go out for some mind-blowing sushi, ramen, and curry before shopping in the anime-focused stores. If you’re looking for everything Japanese, head to Little Tokyo.
Los Feliz
Los Feliz is a dynamic neighborhood full of eclectic locals and a creative atmosphere. Compared to many Los Angeles neighborhoods, Los Feliz is a relatively affordable place to live. It is also an awesome place to go out. There are modern shops and cafes, dive bars, and some architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright. Furthermore, it borders Griffith Park and the observatory there, which provides a great Sunday activity for you and your loved ones.
Silverlake
Silverlake is another hip neighborhood where artists go to live and sip juices at hip cafes. It is an artistic environment with all kinds of boutique shops, street art, artisanal coffee places. It is trendy, with music venues, bars with craft beer and cocktails, and modernist architecture. This neighborhood is a great place to live if you’re a young creative type who wants to soak in the artistic atmosphere. With a trail and a dog park, it is also surprisingly family-friendly.
Sherman Oaks
The neighborhood of Sherman Oaks is popular with families. This is where people go to seek suburban comfort and safety. There are shopping malls, wine bars, and gastropubs. It is a great place to live if you want to settle down in Los Angeles but want a quiet part of town to invest in property. When it comes to food, there are brunch cafes, authentic Mexican places, and burger joints.
These are just some of the neighborhoods in Los Angeles where you can find great places to both live in and visit. While it depends on what you are looking for, in LA there are plenty of neighborhoods where you can find just what you want. Whether it’s food, nightlife, quiet, great architecture, creativity, or safety, Los Angeles has more than downtown and Hollywood. Take the time to do your research, you’ll be able to find new places to explore and a plethora of great places to live outside the madness of the more dangerous and frenetic parts of the city.
Ryan Beitler is a journalist, writer, and blogger who has written for Paste Magazine, The Slovenia Times, and numerous travel sites.
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