Ask any local about the best places to live in
Los Angeles, and there's a good chance they'll mention Mar Vista. This up-and-coming neighborhood on the west side of LA offers a fabulous mix of residential areas and a commercial district full of local businesses. In a way, this is one of the best places to get to know Los Angeles at its core, from its unique, local creativity to its inspiring indie spirit. There's a special kind of excitement in the air here, fairly different from the more famous Hollywood glam that the rest of LA is known for.
Where is Mar Vista in Los Angeles?
Though it's located on the Westside of Los Angeles, Mar Vista still lies at the heart of the city. The area is right by the 405 freeway, which makes it fairly easy for anyone coming from
LA's central neighborhoods to get here. At the same time, various popular districts also border Mar Vista, the most famous of which is Venice. There's also Santa Monica, Culver City, and Del Rey right next to it, too, so the place is far from boring. Even when most of it is largely suburban, you'll still be close to the exciting attractions in these nearby areas.
Is it Safe in Mar Vista, Los Angeles?
Yes, fortunately, it is. Some would even go so far as to say that Mar Vista is among the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and they're not exactly wrong. For one thing, the area enjoys some of the lowest
crime rates in LA. The crimes reported here are approximately 48% lower compared to the city-wide average. That alone should tell you just how safe this place truly is. Moreover, Mar Vista's largely suburban atmosphere helps it maintain a level of peace that's practically unheard of in LA's more central neighborhoods.
What's The Vibe in Mar Vista, Los Angeles?
Mar Vista boasts a fabulous mix of a tranquil LA suburb off to the city's westside and a hip, urban district with many hotspots. Its residential areas are peaceful enough that the neighborhood itself is slowly but surely becoming one of the best places to live for families in the city. While its more commercial corners offer a treasure trove of restaurants, shops, bars, cafes, and more, where people can enjoy a day (and night) out on the town. So, it's no wonder many who
move to Los Angeles usually consider settling down in Mar Vista compared to other, more central parts of the city.
Is it Expensive in Mar Vista, Los Angeles?
Without a doubt! While it's not exactly considered an affluent area, Mar Vista is pricey enough to be considered upscale, at the very least. It's the quintessential (often upper) middle-class neighborhood in Los Angeles, offering a mix of big estates and apartment units in safe parts of the district. Hence, the average rent here is about $2,527.00 per month, a little over the city-wide average, which is $2,185.00 per month. And if you eat out in Mar Vista, you can expect prices to be as high as $75.00 per meal in a mid-range restaurant.
What to See in Mar Vista, Los Angeles
Mar Vista itself may not have any notable landmarks that draw in tourists, but its proximity to other, equally popular areas places it near various famous spots. The best example is Venice, which is located right beside the neighborhood. You can stay in Mar Vista and easily get to well-known places like the iconic Venice Beach and the scenic Venice Canal Historic District. There's also the Santa Monica Boardwalk, perfect for enjoying a day out with friends and family, which is only an 11-minute drive away from Mar Vista.
What to Do in Mar Vista, Los Angeles
Take advantage of staying in Mar Vista and enjoy all of its sides. You can live peacefully in the neighborhood's more suburban areas, perhaps even raise a family here, and stay away from LA's hustle and bustle. But when you want some excitement in your life, it's easy enough to get to the more electric districts of Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, and beyond. Mar Vista also has its own amazing shops, restaurants, bars, and more to keep you well-fed and entertained without staying too far from home. What's not to like?
The Best Restaurants in Mar Vista, Los Angeles
Don't underestimate Mar Vista's foodie scene just because it doesn't have that many famous hotspots. Other neighborhoods in Los Angeles may boast legendary eateries that Hollywood stars and even movie legends once dined in, including many of
LA's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but they're not that different from Mar Vista's best places to eat. Alibi Room on Washington Boulevard, for example, serves a diverse menu of various cuisines within a relaxed bar setting. And if you want a chicer setting, enjoy brunch at Cafe Laurent on Ventura Boulevard, beloved for its classic American comfort food.
Mar Vista has a treasure trove of awesome eateries, including:
- Alibi Room on Washington Boulevard
- Cafe Laurent on Ventura Boulevard
- Hatchet Hall on Washington Boulevard
- Little Dynamite on Washington Place
- Little Fatty on Grand View Boulevard
- Lost and Found Cocktails in Colonial Corners on National Boulevard
- Quiadaiyn Restaurant on Venice Boulevard
- Tangaroa Fish Market on Washington Boulevard
- TAVERNA at The Mar Vista on Venice Boulevard
- The Hive on National Boulevard
What to Know About Renting in Mar Vista, Los Angeles
As mentioned previously, rent in Mar Vista is expensive. The average rent here is about $2,527.00 per month, which is already slightly higher compared to the city-wide average. On top of that, such a figure doesn't even guarantee that you'll stay in a big place. $2,000.00 already applies to some of the smallest
luxury apartments to rent in Los Angeles, specifically studio flats and one-bedroom rentals. So if you want to get a bigger place, expect to have to pay a lot more per month, possibly closer to how much it'd cost to stay in Central LA.
Mar Vista is an emerging neighborhood that’s bound to be one of the best places in all of Los Angeles. This fabulous mix of a lovely suburb and a bustling urban district combines the best of both worlds.
