Downtown
Los Angeles is the heart of the city. Not only does it encompass many other of LA's most prominent districts, but it's also the most urban part of this massive metropolis. Skyscrapers and beloved landmarks convey the power and impact on the city at large, yet, at the same time, the place stays notorious for its crime rates and sketchy corners. Simply put, it's not easy to sum Downtown LA up in a single word or even a single sentence! It's one of the most complex parts of Los Angeles and is worth learning more about.
Where is Downtown Los Angeles?
True to its name, Downtown Los Angeles lies at the center of the city. The district is a bit complex, as many people regard other
central LA neighborhoods as part of the Downtown area. Specifically, the place is bordered by Echo Park to its northwest, Chinatown to its northeast, Boyle Heights to its east, Vernon to its west, and Pico-Union & Westlake to its west. Some, on the other hand, still consider places like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and more as part of Downtown LA itself. Whether you agree with that or not, there's no denying that this neighborhood is right at the heart of Tinseltown.
Is it Safe in Downtown Los Angeles?
Yes and no! Generally speaking, Downtown LA stays safe during the day, even for tourists who aren't that familiar with the area. As long as you take the necessary safety precautions, you'll have nothing to worry about. But that's only during the day. Come nightfall, you'd do well to avoid some parts of the district entirely. Skid Row, for example, is largely considered among the most dangerous spots in the city. Not only do they contribute to
LA's high crime rates, but they also have one of the largest concentrations of homeless people on the West Coast.
What's The Vibe in Downtown Los Angeles?
Highly urban and eternally vibrant. Downtown LA is the city's main slice of big city life, more akin to the likes of New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more. Los Angeles is still a big city, too, but most of it is not as urban as America's other major metropolises. Downtown LA, with its tall skyscrapers and busy streets, looks and feels more like the quintessential big city that it is. It's also a major business hub, boasts an exciting nightlife scene, and features a treasure trove of famous landmarks. Moreover, the district also arguably serves as the easiest place to settle down when
moving to Los Angeles.
Is it Expensive in Downtown Los Angeles?
While Downtown Los Angeles certainly features high prices, many people wouldn't go so far as to say it's expensive. Does it cost a lot to stay here? Without a doubt!
LA's living costs stay notoriously high, since it's one of America's biggest and most important cities. With that said, however, the prices here don't necessarily compare to other neighborhoods in Los Angeles. For instance, while Beverly Hills boasts a whopping $12,000.00 per month in average rent, it's only about $2,300.00 per month in Downtown LA. The disparity is such that these two districts don't even seem like they're located in the same city/county anymore!
What to See in Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles lures in locals and tourists alike with its fantastic and famous landmarks. Right off the bat, there's The Broad Museum, a mecca of contemporary art and beloved for Yayoi Kusama's iconic Infinity Mirrored Room exhibit. Not too far from that is The Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic. Designed by Frank Gehry, the premier music venue stands out with its avant-garde architecture. It's a man-made marvel that's not to be missed in Downtown LA! If you're up for something more historic, check out the Bradbury Building on S Broadway. Built in 1893, it stands as one of the oldest structures in the district.
What to Do in Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA is the best place to live out a big city lifestyle. For those who prefer to live in more urban districts, this is the neighborhood for you! Great restaurants and cool cafes are just around the corner. Its many office buildings provide ample employment opportunities beyond the usual show business that LA is known for. And spots like The Grove, The Bloc, and Macy's Plaza provide ample shopping, too. All your needs and wants are provided here, unlike other parts of LA that will require you to drive everywhere!
The Best Restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles
As the most urban part of the city, Downtown LA naturally boasts an exciting culinary scene, too. The place has everything, from your usual fast-food staples and emerging eateries to some of the
finest Michelin-starred restaurants in Los Angeles. There's BADMAASH Downtown LA on W 2nd Street, which is an Indian gastro-pub, and Bestia on E 7th Place, an authentic Italian trattoria, to name a few. No matter what you're craving—and more importantly, what you can afford—there's a place for you to dine in Downtown LA!
You’ll want to check out every amazing hotspot in Downtown Los Angeles listed below:
- Water Grill on S Grand Avenue
- De La Nonna on E 4th Place
- Bottega Louie on S Grand Avenue
- Bestia on E 7th Place
- JOEY DTLA on W 7th Street
- Girl & The Goat Los Angeles on Mateo Street
- Maccheroni Republic on S Broadway
- BADMAASH Downtown LA on W 2nd Street
- Pine and Crane DTLA on S Grand Avenue
- Redbird on E 2nd Street
What to Know About Renting in Downtown Los Angeles
As already mentioned, the average median rent in Downtown Los Angeles is about $2,388.00 per month. Though still comparatively higher than the national average, this is nevertheless not too bad for LA. The city is notorious for its high rent, with places like Beverly Hills and Malibu boasting averages as high as $6,000.00 to $12,000.00 per month. To make things better, Downtown LA is such a dense district that it features all sorts of
luxury apartments to rent in Los Angeles. Ranging from studio apartments to massive penthouses, the neighborhood boasts one of the most diverse rental real estate markets in the city.
Downtown LA is the heart of the city. Featuring many of LA’s popular neighborhoods, its main business district, and all sorts of famous landmarks, the area defines Tinseltown beyond its Hollywood glamour and West Coast appeal.
