Living Downtown Los Angeles

Can you believe that Downtown Los Angeles was once nearly deserted, with only tumbleweeds blowing down empty streets? Fast forward to today, and the area has completely transformed. Over the years, Downtown LA has become one of the most lively and culturally diverse places in Southern California. But is living in the city all it's cracked up to be?

To help you decide if moving there is the right choice, this article will lay out some pros and cons to think about. Please contact us if you need any additional perspective as you weigh the decision. Our goal is to provide an honest look at what life might be like so you can figure out what's best for your situation. Alternatively, take a tour of California real estate by driving over and discovering why this developing city is so alluring!

What Parts Make Up Downtown LA?

In the early pioneer days, Downtown LA was just a small cluster of blocks close to where City Hall stands today. However, over the past century or so, the downtown footprint has expanded significantly thanks to revitalization projects.

The DTLA zone now stretches from the highway on the west side, north past First Street, and eastward down to Main and Hill Streets. The southern edge falls along Olympic Boulevard and 9th Street. Several neighborhoods, each with a unique charm are woven together within these borders:

• Arts District: Renovated warehouses have brought new life to this neighborhood's streets, attracting artists, galleries, and creative businesses. It's a hub for cultural inspiration.
• Historic Core: Grand theaters and iconic architecture pay homage to the city's past here. Meander around and imagine earlier eras of development and progress.
• Fashion District: Design and deals attract bargain-hunters and fashionistas alike to this commercial hotspot. Retail therapy is in full swing.
• Civic Center: Home to revered landmarks like City Hall and the Disney Concert Hall, this is where civic activities and artistic vision come together.
• South Park: Sleek residential towers and live music venues contribute to an energetic atmosphere. City life is in full effect here.
• Little Tokyo: Explore this area to get a sense of the rich fabric of Japanese culture, where tradition and modernity coexist in tandem.

Downtown LA truly has something for everyone, whether your interests lie in art, history, fashion, or simply SoCal city vibes. Come explore the dynamic urban landscape.

Pros and cons of living in Downtown LA summary table:

Pros of Living in Downtown LA

Convenience and Accessibility

Downtown LA ranks very high when it comes to walkability. With a Walk Score of over 90, it's easy to navigate this neighborhood whether commuting to the office, touring cultural sites, or simply strolling around. The business community here is truly booming, offering many job prospects across different industries. To add on, Downtown LA has a good public transit system ideal for longer commutes.

Amenities? There are endless options for the residents. Whether grabbing a bite at a gourmet cafe, shopping the trendy boutiques, relaxing in parks, or staying fit at a yoga studio, Downtown has every lifestyle need covered. With such a vibrant mix of things to do, the neighborhood truly feels like your own urban playground.

Thriving Arts Scene

Downtown Los Angeles is brimming with art everywhere you look. A well-curated selection of artwork at Hotel Indigo showcases the dynamic inventiveness of the city. Stroll along Grand Avenue and you'll happen upon a sizable collection of postwar and contemporary art, all contained within the stunning, angular Broad Museum building. Two renowned cultural institutions, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Museum of Contemporary Art, enhance the rich arts scene.

Nearby is the Arts District, where a growing number of galleries, art studios, and creative cafes are found. The Arts District has truly become a hub for artistic inspiration and exchange. Walking through its streets feels similar to being in the thriving art worlds of Brooklyn or downtown New York. There’s a real sense of creative energy in the air. The district’s arts scene does not only transcend conventional venues. It permeates the streets, transforming each corner into an authentic, pulsating gallery.

Nightlife in Downtown Los Angeles

During the day, it's impossible to ignore the city's palpable vitality. But the true enchantment takes place at sunset. The nightlife in Downtown LA features a ton of pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues to suit every kind of taste and preference. On a night out on the town, discover anything you're looking for in the city center. Explore the speakeasies, and pulsating dance floors, or unwind at a classy lounge atmosphere.

Safe access to all the action without having to drive is one of the perks of downtown LA's nightlife. Hop from one hotspot to the next without worrying about the commute. Of course, all the excitement works up an appetite. Good thing there are plenty of late-night eateries available. DTLA satisfies any late-night cravings. Enjoy everything from upmarket Korean chicken wings to soul food kitchens and iconic taquerias.

Shopping and Dining in Downtown Los Angeles

In recent times, Downtown LA has flourished into a vibrant hub for both dining out and shopping. Significant growth in both residential and commercial spaces has characterized this transition. The growth has been positive, breathing life into hitherto neglected and crime-ridden areas. This revival has been noticeable around the Crypto.com Arena, an established venue for NBA games and other sporting events.

Where to shop

For shopping enthusiasts, Downtown LA presents many great options both high-end and unique. From large upscale malls like The Grove to iconic streets like Rodeo Drive and the hip boutiques in the Arts District, you're sure to find stores catering to every taste. This is the perfect place to indulge in a little retail therapy. Do you wish for the most value for your money? You only need to look around the Fashion District and Jewelry District, where great deals are the norm and every transaction is a delight.

Where to eat

You're bound to work up an appetite after all the shopping. Foodies will appreciate the availability of every cuisine in DTLA, from fast deli nibbles to sumptuous fine dining experiences. Want a quick, affordable lunch? FIG, located at 7th and The Bloc next to 7th Street Metro Center, has plentiful outdoor space and a wide selection of dishes. Do you wish to eat it in a more upscale setting? DTLA is replete with modern fusion eateries and upscale New American dining establishments.

Or maybe you prefer some adventure? Grand Central Market is truly a one-of-a-kind place to sample foods from every corner of the globe. Downtown LA combines the best of eating and shopping, so you can indulge your taste buds while treating yourself to new finds. It's the perfect spot for culinary adventures and retail therapy which go hand in hand. Bon appétit and happy shopping!

Family Life in Downtown

Despite the area's reputation for its young professionals and date night spots, DTLA is fast emerging as one of the best places in Los Angeles to raise children.

Nature Spots and Activities

The parks in DTLA provide welcoming outdoor areas full of grass, trees, and activities, offering a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For example, Grand Park is a large green space perfect for letting kids burn off some energy in the heart of downtown. There are also new activities at the park. Events such as the "Splash and Surprises", encourage playing in the fountain. Similar activities take place at the playground in Spring Street Park.

Furthermore, there have been discussions about developing more family-friendly green spaces in light of the ongoing Los Angeles River revitalization project. More family fun activities await you beyond the green spaces. They include the California Science Center's interactive exhibits, performances at the historic Orpheum Theatre, or a stroll through the vibrant Grand Central Market.

Educational opportunities

Considering the area's modest family population and a history of business zoning, educational options in DTLA may appear to be scarce. Nonetheless, there are some excellent schools within downtown's boundaries. The Los Angeles Unified School District serves the city's public schools. There are also private options like the Mission Dolores School. Cal State University campus and specialty colleges provide easier access to higher education. You can always consider placement options in surrounding neighborhoods if you're unable to find the ideal fit in DTLA.

Employment Opportunities in Downtown LA

Beyond being the city of Hollywood dreams, Los Angeles serves as an employment hub for different industries. The major employers are in technology, tourism, and finance. These sectors offer a great potential for career advancement and employment opportunities. Some of the Fortune 500 companies with headquarters domiciled in DTLA include:

• The Walt Disney Company
• Activision Blizzard Inc.
• Farmers Insurance Exchange
• Sketchers U.S.A.

There are also a plethora of small and medium-sized enterprises from which to select, providing a varied and abundant job market. You will find ongoing recruitment for a variety of careers—Ad agencies, music moguls, tech gurus—you name it.

Are you an outgoing, social person who enjoys helping others navigate the ins and outs of the housing market? Take a look at our careers page for current openings that may be a good fit. We're always on the lookout for motivated, customer-oriented individuals.

Cons of Living in Downtown LA

Traffic and Limited Parking

In DTLA, rush hour is like an endless story, and navigating the maze of streets may be treacherous at times. According to research from TomTom, Los Angeles experiences high levels of traffic congestion. The 2021 Traffic Index report showed LA ranking near the top nationally, with the average drive taking about 39% longer than it would be in uncongested conditions. To put it simply, a typical 30-minute commute would extend an extra 11-12 minutes on average due to road congestion. It's something potential residents may want to factor into their transportation plans.

At the same time, parking on the street in DTLA is rather unpredictable, and garages may be quite expensive. Though parking is available in certain newer apartment buildings, it might cost more than $200 in some places. The Metro system allows commuters to access the entire city. Meanwhile, cycling is widely embraced by those seeking greener transportation choices. Other convenient options include traveling by foot to discover the city up close or using transportation apps to help facilitate rides.

Homelessness in Downtown LA

Although there are many opportunities in DTLA, it is impossible to overlook the homeless aspect of this area. Sadly, homelessness is a major issue visible throughout the city, with tents lining many sidewalks. Reports show the number of homeless people in LA County has risen sharply in recent years to over 50,000 total—a truly troubling statistic. The Downtown Skid Row neighborhood has about 4,000 homeless folks. The roots of the crisis are deep. The factors include a lack of affordable housing, unemployment, disability, drug addiction, and mental health struggles.

The good thing is there are initiatives underway to assist. Organizations focused on homeless services, such as the Downtown Women's Center and LAHSA, provide crucial assistance with housing, healthcare, job training, and more. Promising strategies also emphasize placing people directly into stable housing as the foundation for achieving other goals. While much remains to be done, these efforts offer ways forward on this complex community challenge.

Housing Costs

Whereas rent is not cheap in Los Angeles, DTLA rentals are particularly high in comparison to other areas. Home prices in the area tilt on the higher end, with a median price per square foot currently around $4. This is more costly than similar nearby neighborhoods like WeHo, K-Town, and Echo Park. You can generally expect to pay a minimum of $2,500 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment.

Apartments that offer updated amenities or nice views will likely cost at least $3,000 in rent. Moreover, finding a suitable two-bedroom apartment for less than $3,500 nowadays is a hard ask. For buyers, the average price range for condos in DTLA is around $600k. On the plus side, a convenient location is the trade-off, guaranteeing you value for your money.

Safety and Crime Rates

There are specific safety concerns when living in Downtown Los Angeles. Certain parts of Southwest Downtown have seen more violent criminal incidents relative to other areas locally. The majority of offenses reported involve theft such as car break-ins, which unfortunately plague many neighborhoods across Los Angeles.

While the majority of Downtown is safe to explore during the day, some sections remain desolate and unsafe when night falls. This is when break-ins and burglaries are common. For instance, there are many homeless people, drug users, and illicit activities at Skid Row. So, how safe is DTLA? This depends on one's location and time. You can enjoy downtown's lively atmosphere without taking needless risks. Just exercise caution and heed safety advice.

Embrace Downtown Los Angeles Living

The housing costs and the higher density of living are factors to consider while weighing the pros and cons of living in Downtown Los Angeles. For young career-minded individuals, artists, and those who love urban living, Downtown LA truly fits the bill. The eclectic atmosphere, multitude of cultures, and proximity to local entertainment appeal to creative spirits.

There's a contagious energy pulsating through the streets that draws in people who crave excitement and new experiences. If you think DTLA aligns with your passions and priorities, feel free to reach out—we'd love to chat about housing that lets you fully embrace this vibrant lifestyle. An adventuresome new chapter awaits!