Los Feliz often comes up in any conversation about the best neighborhoods in
Los Angeles, and it's no surprise to see why. This hillside enclave offers a fairly relaxed district of hip hotspots, cool cafes, old-school landmarks, and lots of nature. It has the best of both worlds—a nature-centric area where lush greenery grows abundant and a trendy LA district with a fascinating history and an electric nightlife scene. Who wouldn't want to stay in such an exciting part of town? Even many of the city's elites, from A-list celebrities to up-and-coming creatives, have settled down here.
Where is Los Feliz in Los Angeles?
Los Feliz is unique in that it's a largely suburban neighborhood located in central LA. Usually, such suburbs lie along the outskirts of the big city, a fair distance away from the hustle and bustle. But since the Santa Monica Mountains provide a hilly terrain at the heart of LA County, many
neighborhoods in Los Angeles get to enjoy relative peace in such central locations. Even when Los Feliz is surrounded by the likes of Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills, the iconic Sunset Strip, Silver Lake, and more, the area remains just as tranquil as ever.
Is it Safe in Los Feliz, Los Angeles?
Yes, it is. Let's not forget that Los Feliz is largely residential, and its location near the Santa Monica Mountains enables it to have a more nature-centric environment. Even with its very central location, the neighborhood mostly stays peaceful, thereby leading it to have fairly low
crime rates in Los Angeles. There's also the fact that Los Feliz is affluent, too. Its wealthy population makes it relatively exclusive, to the point where it feels closed off from the rest of the city. LA's sketchier characters don't find it easy to just get to this part of the city.
What's The Vibe in Los Feliz, Los Angeles
Don't think that just because Los Feliz is one of the more peaceful neighborhoods in LA, that it's also boring here. Far from it. The place stands out with its unique combination of a tranquil, suburban-like area and a vibrant city district with a bohemian flair. Its creative-heavy population gave rise to all sorts of local businesses, from indie boutiques to homegrown eateries that serve one-of-a-kind cuisines. The various famous landmarks nearby amp up the excitement, too, especially since they're LA's famous tourist attractions. This fabulous blend of both worlds is what makes Los Feliz a coveted neighborhood for anyone living or
moving to Los Angeles.
Is it Expensive in Los Feliz, Los Angeles
There's no doubt that Los Feliz is a costly place. Is it the most expensive part of Los Angeles? Fortunately, no! Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, and Pacific Palisades still have it beat. With that said, however, there's also no denying that things are pricey in Los Feliz, arguably a little more so than the general
living costs in LA. Though the average rent here starts at around $2,500.00 per month, it's not uncommon to find rentals here that cost as high as $18,000.00 per month. And if you want to eat out here, prepare to pay as much as $75.00 to $170.00 per meal in a mid-range restaurant.
What to See in Los Feliz, Los Angeles
Part of why Los Feliz stays a coveted neighborhood is its proximity to notable spots in LA. Right off the bat, there's the iconic Griffith Park atop the Santa Monica Mountains nearby. The famous green space, marked by its world-famous observatory at the very top, never fails to enchant locals and tourists alike. The place itself is as much a movie star as Hollywood celebrities! And if you want to see what looks like a movie set come to life, look no further than Barnsdall Art Park, specifically its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hollyhock House. The UNESCO World Heritage site looks straight out of the set of “Cleopatra” (1963), which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
What to Do in Los Feliz, Los Angeles
There are mainly two things to do in Los Feliz in Los Angeles. The first is to enjoy the rare peace of this largely suburban neighborhood at the heart of the big city. This may sound boring, but the moment you get to places like Downtown LA and Hollywood, you'll miss the district's tranquility in an instant. The second is to immerse yourself in the local creativity of the area. Shop at the indie boutiques founded by local designers. Eat at the homegrown eateries where you can enjoy the most unique dishes. And at night, go to the various live music venues and clubs and check out emerging artists.
The Best Restaurants in Los Feliz, Los Angeles
Los Feliz doesn't get enough credit for its incredible culinary scene. The neighborhood may not boast many of
LA's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but the few ones that are here will still captivate your taste buds at first bite. Morihiro on Glendale Boulevard is one such hotspot, offering up the most scrumptious Japanese delicacies this side of the Santa Monica Mountains. Messhall Kitchen on Los Feliz Boulevard, on the other hand, never fails to fascinate with its modern takes on classic American comfort food.
Los Feliz has countless exceptional eateries, including:
- Tam O'Shanter on Los Feliz Boulevard
- Messhall Kitchen on Los Feliz Boulevard
- Little Dom's on Hillhurst Avenue
- Alcove on Hillhurst Avenue
- Trattoria Farfalla Los Feliz on Hillhurst Avenue
- La Pergoletta on Hillhurst Avenue
- Figaro Bistrot N Vermont Avenue
- Morihiro on Glendale Boulevard
- The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge on N Vermont Avenue
- Loupiotte Kitchen on N Vermont Avenue
What to Know About Renting in Los Feliz, Los Angeles
As already mentioned, part of why Los Feliz is one of LA's expensive neighborhoods is its average rent. Though it's easy enough to
rent a luxury apartment in Los Angeles, specifically in this district, for only $2,500.00 per month, that still doesn't guarantee that it'll be a big place. The more spacious rentals in Los Feliz can cost as much as $18,000.00 per month! It also doesn't help that the neighborhood has more houses with lots than apartment buildings. You'll have to look much harder to find a place that's right for you in terms of its size and price.
Los Feliz is arguably the best place to live in Los Angeles, and many locals agree. This beautiful blend of a peaceful suburb and an exciting city district offers the best of both worlds. You can live in peace and still enjoy the many hotspots in LA.
