Contrary to popular belief, West Hollywood is not a neighborhood in
Los Angeles, per se. It's technically a separate city altogether, complete with its own districts like the iconic Sunset Strip and the ever-gritty Arts District. No one can blame you for thinking otherwise since the city is so close to LA, both in association and geography, but West Hollywood has its own distinct identity. The place stands out with its trendy vibes and electric nightlife, luring in locals and tourists alike with its hip bars, popular nightclubs, upscale restaurants, and more. It's among the chicest parts of the West Coast!
Where is West Hollywood in Los Angeles?
As mentioned in the intro, West Hollywood is technically a different city from Los Angeles. It's just that the area is located so close to
LA's central neighborhoods, specifically Hollywood, that it's largely considered part of the city. True to its name, the city lies directly on the west side of entertainment capital, right by the famous Sunset Strip and Melrose Avenue. While the place itself has garnered considerable fame over the years, its proximity to LA's other popular areas makes it a coveted address within the county. Not to mention the efficient public transport system and its scenic hills to boot.
Is it Safe in West Hollywood, Los Angeles?
Yes, it is. Despite how high
LA's crime rates tend to get, West Hollywood stands out as among the safest parts of the county. It helps that the neighborhood itself is fairly affluent, home to many upper-middle-class residents. As a vital business hub within Los Angeles, many of those who live in the city's wealthier areas work here, too, resulting in a more bustling district. Even its most popular areas, from the iconic Sunset Strip to parts of the chic Melrose Avenue, are well-lit enough that they're relatively safe to explore at night.
What's The Vibe in West Hollywood, Los Angeles?
Many would argue that West Hollywood stands as LA's most vibrant area, and they're not necessarily far from the truth. For one thing, it serves as the county's premier “gayborhood,” home to the city's LGBTQ+ community. Drag bars and queer clubs even dominate the nightlife here, guaranteeing a “gay” old time when you go out at night. There's also the fact that West Hollywood has transformed into a major business hub over the years, championing various creative industries like entertainment, fashion, visual arts, and the like. This helped the district gain more affluence, making it one of the best options for those
moving to Los Angeles.
Is it Expensive in West Hollywood, Los Angeles?
You'll likely have to spend a lot to stay comfortable in West Hollywood. The
living costs in Los Angeles already skew high no matter where you are, but it's especially pricey in this popular district. The rent, for example, more or less costs around $2,500.00 per month. It's not necessarily the highest average rent in the city, but it's still considerably higher than the national average, which is only $1,553.00 per month. And when you eat out, the meals in West Hollywood typically cost a minimum of $16.00 to a maximum of $170.00 per person.
What to See in West Hollywood, Los Angeles
Hollywood glamour still reigns supreme in West Hollywood, albeit in a more modern sense. The famous Sunset Strip remains the only bastion of Old Hollywood in this ever-evolving metropolis, including the iconic Sunset Boulevard, the historic Chateau Marmont, and the influential 'The Comedy Store' comedy club. More contemporary attractions include the viral-inducing “Urban Light” public art installation and The Grove shopping centre, among many others. The former is especially beloved as the quintessential selfie spot in West Hollywood. And for those who want to get into the city's famous drag scene, don't miss going to brunch at Hamburger Mary's WeHo!
What to Do in West Hollywood, Los Angeles
West Hollywood is all about having a good time, no matter the time of day. If you're up for it, you can start the day with a drag brunch at the famous Hamburger Mary's WeHo, where you might even see famous queens from the hit reality TV show, “RuPaul's Drag Race.” Afterwards, you can spend the rest of the day shopping at either The Grove or perusing through Melrose Avenue's beloved strip of boutiques. The latter famously offers the most fascinating fashions, ranging from unique vintage pieces to designer brands. And to cap off the night in style, experience West Hollywood's iconic nightlife scene!
The Best Restaurants in West Hollywood, Los Angeles
Part of why West Hollywood has emerged as one of LA's major night hubs is that it boasts a slew of popular restaurants. Melrose Avenue alone features the famous Craig's, Gracias Madre, Cecconi's West Hollywood, and Catch LA, among others. These are all chic eateries where you might bump into a celebrity if you're lucky! That's how upscale they truly are! At the same time, West Hollywood has no scarcity of
LA's finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including Merois on Sunset Boulevard and Amour WeHo on Beverly Boulevard, to name a few.
West Hollywood boasts some of the best restaurants in LA, especially:
- Craig's on Melrose Avenue
- Catch LA on Melrose Avenue
- Cecconi's West Hollywood on Melrose Avenue
- Gracias Madre on Melrose Avenue
- La Boheme on Santa Monica Boulevard
- Robby's West Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard
- Merois in The Sun Rose on Sunset Boulevard
- The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker on Sunset Boulevard
- BOA Steakhouse in 9200 Sunset on Sunset Boulevard
- Amour WeHo on Beverly Boulevard
What to Know About Renting in West Hollywood, Los Angeles
As already mentioned, the rent in West Hollywood is fairly high. It's at an average $2,500.00 per month, and you're not even guaranteed that such a price will apply to a spacious
luxury apartment in Los Angeles. You'll find many studio apartments, one-bedroom flats, or even a few two-bedroom properties that cost as much, but if you want a bigger place, expect to pay more! Fortunately, West Hollywood's rental real estate is diverse enough that it's not difficult to find the right apartment at the right price. You'll just have to look hard for it!
West Hollywood brings about the glitz and glamour that Los Angeles is known for. Though it’s technically a different city, its vibe, hotspots, and even residents are LA all the way! See the place for yourself!
