Accommodation in Los Angeles
Unlike east coast cities, LA has grown in girth rather than height, birthing scores of unique and spread-out neighbourhoods. The best place for an expat to live in Los Angeles is largely dependent in which area of the city the workplace is located – as congestion can cause commutes to work to be treacherous – proximity is a most important factor.
Choosing a neighbourhood can be dizzying in a city with so many areas and it is typical to hire a realtor. In general, house prices are high, averaging around half a million dollars; renting is considerably cheaper though still expensive. In the west side a nicer apartment will cost over $1000 a month.
There are any number of neighbourhoods that could be attractive due to workplace proximity and economically pleasing rental costs, but there are also the general stereotypes that may draw expats based on their storied character or high profile reputations.
West LA is more expensive and up-market than the east and south where some of the poorer neighbourhoods are located. Many expats living in LA want to be near the ocean; in which case Santa Monica is a favoured beach community. This neighbourhood sports a festive and fun atmosphere and is a more residential and up-scale version of Venice Beach, another expat and tourist centre. For quieter, but more expensive beach property, expats should consider Malibu, a city suburb stretching out to the north.
Farther inland, are the lavish homes of the Westside rich and famous. Although neighbourhood names including Beverly Hills, Bel Air and 90210 may be familiar to people worldwide, few expats move there. More common are the areas of Hollywood that range from expensive hilltop mansions to seedy low-rise tenant buildings. No matter the level of accommodation, however, living here is all part of the racy charm that defines the Sunset Strip and other hotspots made iconic by the film industry.
Downtown is primarily business real estate.
Choosing a neighbourhood can be dizzying in a city with so many areas and it is typical to hire a realtor. In general, house prices are high, averaging around half a million dollars; renting is considerably cheaper though still expensive. In the west side a nicer apartment will cost over $1000 a month.
There are any number of neighbourhoods that could be attractive due to workplace proximity and economically pleasing rental costs, but there are also the general stereotypes that may draw expats based on their storied character or high profile reputations.
West LA is more expensive and up-market than the east and south where some of the poorer neighbourhoods are located. Many expats living in LA want to be near the ocean; in which case Santa Monica is a favoured beach community. This neighbourhood sports a festive and fun atmosphere and is a more residential and up-scale version of Venice Beach, another expat and tourist centre. For quieter, but more expensive beach property, expats should consider Malibu, a city suburb stretching out to the north.
Farther inland, are the lavish homes of the Westside rich and famous. Although neighbourhood names including Beverly Hills, Bel Air and 90210 may be familiar to people worldwide, few expats move there. More common are the areas of Hollywood that range from expensive hilltop mansions to seedy low-rise tenant buildings. No matter the level of accommodation, however, living here is all part of the racy charm that defines the Sunset Strip and other hotspots made iconic by the film industry.
Downtown is primarily business real estate.
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