Introduction
Apartments in Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic cities in the United States, attracting people from across the globe for its weather, culture, job opportunities, and vibrant lifestyle. With so many diverse neighborhoods, choosing where to live can feel overwhelming. If you are looking for apartments in Los Angeles, this guide will walk you through the best neighborhoods, key property features, average rental and sale prices, and everything you need to know before making a decision.
1. Why Choose Apartments in Los Angeles?
Apartments in Los Angeles offers a wide range of apartment options — from luxury high-rises in Downtown to affordable suburban flats. Living here puts you close to top universities, creative industries, and some of the best entertainment in the world. The city’s diverse communities also make it possible to find an apartment that fits any budget or lifestyle.
2. Factors to Consider Before Renting or Buying in LA
- Location: Proximity to work or school.
- Price Range: LA neighborhoods vary from affordable to ultra-luxury.
- Amenities: Pools, gyms, and modern interiors.
- Lifestyle: Nightlife, family-friendly areas, or quiet suburban living.
3. Average Apartment Prices in Los Angeles
- 1-Bedroom Rental: $2,000 – $3,500 per month.
- 2-Bedroom Rental: $3,000 – $5,500 per month.
- Luxury Units: $7,000+ per month depending on area and amenities.
- For Sale: Median apartment/condo price is $650,000 – $1.2M depending on neighborhood.
For more budget-friendly options, explore:
4. Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
Downtown LA is the beating heart of the city, offering modern high-rise apartments with incredible skyline and mountain views. Residents enjoy walking distance to museums, top restaurants, shopping centers, and a thriving nightlife scene. While rents are higher than average, the value comes with luxury amenities such as rooftop pools, fully equipped gyms, and exclusive lounges.
5. Hollywood
Hollywood is one of the most iconic places to find apartments in Los Angeles, combining historic charm with modern living. The neighborhood is a hub for young professionals, creatives, and entertainment industry workers who love its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions. Rental prices typically range from $2,500 for 1-bedroom units to over $4,500 for spacious apartments.
6. Beverly Hills
Known worldwide for luxury, Beverly Hills is home to some of the most prestigious apartments in Los Angeles. Residents enjoy tree-lined streets, high-end boutiques, and celebrity neighbors, making it a symbol of success. Rental prices usually fall between $4,000 and $10,000 per month, while buyers can expect upscale condos starting at around $1.5M.
7. Santa Monica
Santa Monica offers the perfect mix of beachfront living and urban amenities, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in LA. Apartments here often include ocean views, modern interiors, and access to gyms and pools. Rental rates average $3,500 to $6,000 per month, with condos for sale ranging from $900,000 to $2M+.
8. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is famous for its artistic vibe, outdoor culture, and lively boardwalk, attracting renters who prefer creativity and lifestyle over luxury. Apartments are trendy, many with loft-style designs or beach access. Average rents range from $2,500 to $4,500, making it a more affordable coastal alternative to Santa Monica.
9. Westwood
Westwood is a popular choice for students and young families, thanks to its proximity to UCLA and its mix of affordable and mid-range apartments. The neighborhood offers plenty of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Rentals start around $2,000 per month for 1-bedroom units, with larger apartments priced higher.
10. West Hollywood (WeHo)
West Hollywood, or WeHo, is known for its trendy nightlife, upscale living, and inclusive community atmosphere. It’s a hotspot for young professionals who enjoy a walkable lifestyle with bars, restaurants, and shopping nearby. Apartments here average between $3,000 and $5,000 per month, with many luxury and furnished options.
11. Koreatown
Koreatown is one of the most vibrant and affordable areas to find apartments in Los Angeles. It’s packed with restaurants, karaoke lounges, and cultural attractions, making it a lively place to live. Rent prices are significantly lower than in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, with 1-bedroom units starting at around $1,800.
12. Silver Lake
Silver Lake is the go-to neighborhood for artists, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals who want a trendy, community-oriented lifestyle. Known for its indie music, art galleries, and unique loft-style apartments, Silver Lake is both stylish and practical. Rents usually range from $2,200 to $3,800, depending on the unit size and location.
13. Echo Park
Echo Park combines affordability with a trendy lifestyle, offering apartments with scenic views of Echo Park Lake. The area is ideal for young professionals priced out of Hollywood who still want to be near downtown. Rental prices here average $2,000 to $3,500, making it a great balance between cost and location.
14. Burbank
Burbank is a family-friendly neighborhood with excellent schools and easy access to entertainment studios like Warner Bros. and Disney. Apartments here are spacious, modern, and slightly more affordable compared to central LA. Rent prices typically range from $2,200 to $3,800, making it a good option for professionals and families alike.
15. Pasadena
Pasadena blends historic charm with modern apartment living, offering tree-lined streets, cultural attractions, and a family-friendly environment. Known for the Rose Parade and stunning architecture, the area is highly desirable. Rental prices range from $2,300 to $4,200, with plenty of condo-buying opportunities as well.
16. Culver City
Culver City has grown into one of LA’s media hubs, home to Sony Pictures and major creative companies like Netflix. Apartments are modern, stylish, and cater to professionals working in the entertainment industry. Rents here average $2,800 to $4,500, with strong demand for furnished and luxury units.
17. Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks offers suburban comfort while keeping residents close to central Los Angeles. Apartments are larger and more affordable compared to neighborhoods like Beverly Hills or WeHo. Average rents range from $2,200 to $3,800, making it a great choice for families who want more space at a reasonable price.
18. Encino
Encino is a calm, residential neighborhood ideal for families seeking spacious apartments with access to community amenities like pools and tennis courts. Rental prices start around $2,000, making it more affordable than other upscale LA areas. The peaceful environment is a big draw for those wanting suburban living without leaving Los Angeles.
19. Brentwood
Brentwood is an upscale neighborhood with a quieter, more refined atmosphere compared to Beverly Hills. Apartments here often come with luxury features such as rooftop lounges, fitness centers, and high-end finishes. Rents typically fall between $3,500 and $6,000, attracting professionals and families seeking both elegance and privacy.
20. Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey offers the best in waterfront living, with apartments overlooking private marinas and yachts. Residents enjoy luxury amenities such as rooftop pools, fitness centers, and direct water access. Rental prices range from $3,000 for smaller units to over $7,500 for premium penthouses.
21. Glendale
Glendale is a diverse, family-friendly neighborhood with modern apartment complexes, shopping centers, and good schools. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking community and convenience. Rent prices typically range between $2,200 and $4,200, offering better value than central LA neighborhoods.
22. Long Beach
Though just outside Los Angeles proper, Long Beach is a popular alternative thanks to its affordable apartments and beachfront lifestyle. Residents enjoy ocean views, cultural attractions, and lower costs compared to Santa Monica or Venice. Rents average between $2,000 and $3,500, making it a budget-friendly coastal option.
23. Affordable Apartments in Los Angeles
For renters on a budget, Los Angeles has neighborhoods that balance affordability with convenience. Areas like Koreatown, Echo Park, and Long Beach offer apartments well below the city’s luxury prices but still provide access to restaurants, shopping, and transit. Many renters explore options here: Cheap Apartments for Rent in Los Angeles to find cost-effective choices without sacrificing location.
24. Family Homes and Larger Properties
For families who need more space, apartments may not always be enough. Many opt for houses in Los Angeles, which provide larger layouts, private yards, and family-friendly amenities. These homes are popular in suburban areas like Burbank, Pasadena, and Glendale, where schools and parks are nearby. Explore options here:
25. Buying Homes in Los Angeles
While renting is common, many people consider buying property in LA as a long-term investment. Home values have remained strong, making condos and single-family homes a smart purchase for those planning to stay long-term. Buyers often find opportunities in both luxury neighborhoods and up-and-coming areas. Browse listings here:
26. Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments in Los Angeles
Furnished apartments are move-in ready, ideal for short-term professionals, students, or those relocating. They save time and hassle, though rent may be higher. Unfurnished units are more affordable and allow tenants to design their space with personal furniture and style, making them a better fit for long-term residents.
27. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals are popular in tourist-heavy neighborhoods like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice, catering to visitors and temporary workers. Long-term leases dominate suburban regions such as Pasadena, Burbank, and Sherman Oaks, where families and professionals prefer stability. Each option has different rental rates and terms, so tenants should choose based on lifestyle needs.
28. Key Features of Apartments in Los Angeles
Apartments in LA often come with premium features to enhance urban living. Common amenities include rooftop pools with skyline views, modern fitness centers, and secure parking facilities. Many newer buildings also offer smart home technology and pet-friendly spaces, making them attractive to both young professionals and families.
29. Transportation and Connectivity
Los Angeles is known for its car culture, but many neighborhoods also have excellent public transit. Easy access to Metro rail lines, major freeways, and bus routes can greatly influence apartment prices and convenience. Living near transit hubs often reduces commute times, making areas like Koreatown, Downtown LA, and Culver City more appealing to renters.
30. Lifestyle & Community Vibes
Every neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own personality and vibe. Santa Monica is ideal for beach lovers, Hollywood attracts nightlife enthusiasts, Silver Lake is a hub for artists, and Beverly Hills offers unmatched luxury. Choosing the right community depends on whether you value affordability, creativity, family-friendly living, or upscale experiences.
FAQs
Q1. What is the average price of apartments in Los Angeles?
1-bedroom apartments average $2,000–$3,500/month.
Q2. Which neighborhoods are best for affordable apartments?
Koreatown, Echo Park, and Long Beach.
Q3. Are there luxury apartments in Los Angeles?
Yes, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Marina del Rey have ultra-luxury units.
Q4. What is the price of buying an apartment in LA?
Between $650,000 and $1.2M depending on location.
Q5. Are apartments in Los Angeles pet-friendly?
Yes, most modern complexes are pet-friendly.
Q6. Which area is best for students?
Westwood near UCLA and Koreatown for affordability.
Q7. Which area is best for families?
Pasadena, Burbank, and Glendale.
Q8. Are there short-term rental options?
Yes, especially in tourist-heavy neighborhoods.
Q9. Which neighborhoods are closest to the beach?
Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey.
Q10. Which neighborhoods are safest for living?
Brentwood, Pasadena, and Sherman Oaks are considered safe.
Conclusion
Choosing the best neighborhood for apartments in Los Angeles depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. From luxurious Beverly Hills penthouses to affordable Koreatown studios, LA offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to rent short-term, lease long-term, or invest in property, Los Angeles remains one of the most attractive cities in the U.S. for apartment living.
