Downtown LA
Downtown Los Angeles is the area of the city that comprises most of the LA skyline. It’s an exciting place to live, especially if you want that urban, big-city feel that other LA neighborhoods just don’t provide.
DTLA is an eclectic mix of new-build skyscrapers and beautiful Art Deco high rises. There are wealthy residential areas and bustling centers for trade and industry.
DTLA is far from being homogenous. There are actually several distinct “mini neighborhoods” inside. Here are some popular neighborhoods to know:
Art’s District – True to its name, this area is home to professional artists and plenty of indie galleries. Over the past years, it’s become a magnet for creative restaurants and business owners. Most apartments are loft-style, in converted industrial warehouses.
Chinatown – On the outskirts of DTLA, this area is exactly what you’d expect for a Chinatown. There are plenty of Chinese restaurants and businesses, as well as kitschy Chinese-inspired architecture.
Civic Center – This central part of downtown houses most of the stately government buildings for the city.
Financial District – Marked by sleek, metallic high rises, this area has a lot of corporate offices but is also becoming a popular residential spot.
South Park – Home to the STAPLES center and a couple of convention centers, South Park is getting more new apartment buildings (with all the built-in amenities you could want) every day.
Historic Downtown – Mostly stretching along Broadway, you’ll be delighted by the number of buildings built before 1930 in this area. Each one has its own character and an immense amount of detail.
Little Tokyo – To learn about Japanese-American culture, go no further than Little Tokyo. You’ll find plenty of museums on the subject, as well as charming Japanese- inspired architecture.
Fashion District – Still very much a hub for the apparel industry, the Fashion District features many fashion companies or wholesalers who have set up shop in this industrial area of DTLA.
Jewelry District – This area right in the middle of DTLA is where you can find plaza after plaza of jewelry industry professionals, selling loose stones or offering lapidary services.
The residential crowd is made up of… high-rise apartment buildings. Depending on the neighborhood, you’ll find artsy converted warehouses, luxury new-builds, or renovated historic buildings.
The lifestyle offered is… busy and cultural! The streets and sidewalks are always crowded
with an eclectic crowd of professionals and artisans.
The most popular building type you’ll find is… truly a mix! While most buildings are several stories tall, you’ll find everything from built-last-year to restored Victorian buildings.
The average home price is… $725,000.
The area’s greatest highlight is… Over 100 years of history! Take a walking tour of the area’s hidden historical gems.
The area’s best driving distance getaway is… the relaxed beachside city of Long Beach. It’s just a straight, 35-minute drive down the highway.
The best spot to dine fancy is… 71Above. This stunningly gorgeous restaurant is located on the 71 st floor, offering panoramic views of downtown all the way to the ocean.
The best spot to find entertainment is… Two Bit Circus. This inventive space is a virtual- reality amusement park for adults.
The best spot to go shopping is… The ROW DTLA. This is a huge outdoor mall in a historic district where you’ll find unique boutiques and businesses selling artisanal goods and apparel.