Every major city seems to have its own university district. New York City has Midtown, where NYU and its colorful students reign supreme. Paris has the Latin Quarter, where many of the city's prestigious institutions gloriously stand in all their academic glory. And in
Los Angeles, there's Westwood, home to the famous University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the historic Westwood Village. As expected, student residents dominate the district, providing a more youthful population in this part of town. They hang out in the hip hotspots, cool cafes, and other awesome establishments nearby.
Where is Westwood in Los Angeles?
Westwood lies in a comfortable location in the northern central part of LA's western region. It's not exactly part of central Los Angeles, but it's still surrounded by many of the West Coast's most prominent districts. Beverly Hills is directly to its east, while Brentwood Heights is to its east, and Century City is to its south. Westwood's proximity to these popular areas is another reason why it remains a coveted area itself, even amongst many of
LA's central neighborhoods. Even those who have nothing to do with UCLA would want to settle down here.
Is it Safe in Westwood, Los Angeles?
Despite how busy it tends to get, Westwood remains a largely safe neighborhood in Los Angeles. Not only does it have some of the lowest
crime rates in LA, but it helps that its population skews to the more youthful side. As already mentioned, UCLA reigns supreme in Westwood, taking up most of its northeastern corner. This resulted in university students dominating the area's population, and in turn, making it a much safer part of the big city. This isn't to say that Westwood is crime-free—no city district truly is—but other neighborhoods have proven much more dangerous over the years.
What's The Vibe in Westwood, Los Angeles?
Westwood is a mix of different vibes. At times youthful and vibrant, the place also stays bustling with its urban attractions, peaceful in the more residential areas, and intellectual with the prestigious academic institution nearby. Don't forget that Westwood also serves as another important business hub in LA, specifically for the entertainment industry. Hence, the place has a bit of Hollywood glamour, too. All of this blends perfectly, resulting in an exciting neighborhood with much to offer to anyone and everyone living and
moving to Los Angeles. What's not to love?
Is it Expensive in Westwood, Los Angeles?
Yes, it is. Even with
LA's living costs already skewing high, the costs in Westwood tend to be especially pricey. Take a look at the rent here, for instance, which is at an average of about $3,200.00 per month. That figure is already high on its own, but when you compare it to the city-wide average rent in LA, which is $2,500.00 per month, you get a better sense of just how expensive it is here. And if you eat out in Westwood, expect to pay around $11.00 to $15.00 for cheap meals and as much as $75.00 to $170.00 at a mid-range restaurant.
What to See in Westwood, Los Angeles
As the most prominent part of Westwood, it's no surprise that UCLA is the most notable landmark in the neighborhood. More than just a university campus, the prestigious school also features a number of cultural attractions that are open to the public. There's the Fowler Museum and the Mathias Botanical Garden, to name a few, not to mention its striking campuses like the Royce Hall. Outside of UCLA, Westwood also has the Hammer Museum and The Getty. The former features an interesting mix of historic and contemporary art, while the latter highlights classic American and European works housed in what is already an architectural marvel.
What to Do in Westwood, Los Angeles
Get cultured in Westwood! The area is the perfect place to satiate your artistic and intellectual cravings. Many of the aforementioned museums offer enriching cultural experiences that you won't find anywhere else, especially in other parts of Los Angeles. There's also the Geffen Playhouse, Westwood's premier theatre. It's the best place to immerse yourself in performing arts, ranging from dramatic plays and musicals to dance recitals and orchestral performances. Moreover, let's not forget that the neighborhood still has a largely young population, which means it also has its fair share of exciting hotspots, including The Escape Game LA, the Santa Monica Boardwalk nearby, and more.
The Best Restaurants in Westwood, Los Angeles
It's a shame that Westwood tends to be forgotten when it comes to LA's foodie spots. There's no doubt that popular areas like the Sunset Strip, Hollywood Boulevard, and Beverly Hills have much more exciting culinary scenes, but this neighborhood is not too far behind. It may not have
LA's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but it still boasts a diverse range of restaurants with all sorts of cuisines, vibes, and more. Westwood Boulevard alone has the likes of Asuka, Pomodoro Trattoria, and La Bruschetta, to name a few. These places serve some of the most authentic of their foreign cuisines this side of LA.
Check out Westwood’s finest hotspots, especially:
- Asuka on Westwood Boulevard
- La Bruschetta on Westwood Boulevard
- Pomodoro Trattoria on Westwood Boulevard
- Napa Valley Grille on Glendon Avenue
- STK Steakhouse on Glendon Avenue
- Violet L.A. on Glendon Avenue
- Wolfsglen on Glendon Avenue
- Cava on Broxton Avenue
- Hamasaku on Santa Monica Boulevard
- The Tuck Room on Wilshire Boulevard
What to Know About Renting in Westwood, Los Angeles
With an average rent of about $3,200.00 per month, there's no doubt that Westwood has an expensive rental real estate scene.
Renting a luxury apartment in Los Angeles is costly enough on its own, but in places like Westwood, you're bound to spend more. Even that average $3,200.00 per month doesn't guarantee a big space! Figures like these tend to be applied to studio flats and one-bedroom homes. So if you want a bigger place, expect to pay as much as $5,000.00 to $15,000.00 per month.
Home to the prestigious UCLA, Westwood serves as LA's resident university district. Many of the famous school's students live here, dominating the neighborhood with their youthful energy and exciting hotspots.
