Are you California dreaming of sunny skies, sandy beaches, mountain views, and a cultural blend of cuisines all in one trendy metropolis? Of course you are! And if you aren’t, may I suggest you join us in said dreaming by searching for your next apartment in Los Angeles, California? La La Land is a city unlike any other. Whether you’re intrigued by the city’s famous fashionistas, thriving film industry, or the hype of potential celebrity sightings, Los Angeles is a highly sought-after destination for renters.
I could give you a million reasons why living in LA is amazing, but with every perk comes a struggle – just like any other popular metropolitan area. But that’s no reason to deter your longtime (or fairly new) dream of renting a beachfront condo or inner city studio apartment in Tinseltown. Whether you’re planning a move to LA or you’re a current resident of the area or its nearby counterparts, it’s still important to become aware (or refresh your memory) of what it’s like to live and rent in Los Angeles.
What's Everyday Life Like in LA?
The smell of salt in the air (or in your hair) and the sound of crashing waves awaits—sounds perfect, right? But what about the rugged mountains, sprawling parks, major attractions, trendy boutiques, hip cafes, and vibrant nightlife scene? The best part about LA is that every part of the metro area offers a different atmosphere, community, and opportunities. So asking, “What’s it like to live in LA?” will get hundreds of differing answers. The most important tip of all it to just enjoy the diversity of this one-of-a-kind city! After all, diversity is one of its defining factors.
What Are the Perks?
Residents and visitors of this splendid city enjoy surfing at Manhattan Beach, strolling the eclectic boardwalk at Venice Beach, experiencing Disneyland and Universal Studios with family and friends, snapping pictures along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and taking in the views after hiking to the Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory.
I could stop there, but I won’t – because you can’t forget about the Santa Monica Pier, LA Farmers’ Market, Dodger Stadium, and Griffith Park! There are so many attractions to be seen, parks to be explored, beaches to be visited, and food to be tasted in LA. Just think about this – these are just a few of the city’s major attractions, so what about the sights and adventures that aren’t as heavily publicized, such as going on a brewery crawl on the east side or in Downtown, kayaking down the Los Angeles River, wine tasting through Malibu, or cruising along Mulholland Drive? Okay – so driving along Mulholland Drive isn’t exactly a well-kept secret – but that’s because everyone enjoys picture-perfect views of the city, and you will too!
What Are the Struggles?
Speaking of driving, let’s face the reality of the situation (an unpopular concept – I know). Public transportation in LA is limited, as in almost nonexistent. Though they’re slowly increasing public transit options in the metro area, the main form of travel throughout the city is by motorized vehicle. This is due to how widespread the Los Angeles metro area is. Unlike New York City, you can’t walk a few blocks from your office building to meet a friend at a local coffee shop on your lunch break or easily go for a drink with coworkers at the end of a long day. So gear up and prepare for a slow crawl from one destination to the next.
LA is unfortunately known for having the worst traffic congestion nationwide, but at least the views are great! Whether you’re driving near the coast, through city streets, or along the mountainside on the outskirts of town, you have to admit that the views are pretty great. Though the time spent in your car isn’t ideal, LA is still an incredible place to live. Just like with any major city, you have to take the good with the bad and appreciate what makes your city so unique and perfect for you. And because LA is so wonderfully diverse with abundant neighborhoods to choose from, it’s very likely you’ll find somewhere you can feel at home.
LA’s Cost of Living
I’m sure you’ve heard about the high cost of living in Los Angeles. Affordability is out there; it just takes a bit more searching to find it. It’s all about choosing the right neighborhood and the apartment that best fits your needs.
As of June 2023, the average rent for an apartment in Los Angeles, California is $2,426. However, just like most major cities, there are expensive neighborhoods and cheaper neighborhoods. Check out more affordable neighborhoods in LA to compare costs, such as Van Nuys, a residential neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley with a vintage vibe. Its current market rent is $2,322.
Though LA is often considered one of the more expensive cities nationwide, take this quick comparison into consideration. Currently, average apartment rent in San Francisco is $2,690, while the average rent in New York City is $4,170. Before you decide against taking the plunge into LA, compare its cost of living and rental rates to other major metropolitan areas, and you just may find that LA is the right place for you as a renter!
Tips for Renting in Los Angeles
Similar to finding an apartment in any major city, you’ll need to follow a few guidelines. First, set a budget. You don’t want to become rent poor (a dreaded term) by spending the majority of your paycheck on rent. Next, find the perfect neighborhood for you and decide what you need in an apartment so you can narrow your search. Decide between things like having a full kitchen, a pet-friendly community, a swimming pool, proximity to the beach, or easy access to restaurants and shops. After you find a few places you like, tour the apartment in person (if you can) just to be sure it’s actually what you want.
Now for some LA specific tips: when you find an apartment that checks all (or most) of your boxes, apply immediately. I’m not suggesting that you rush into signing a lease (after being approved, of course), but if you’re sure about an apartment, it’s likely that someone else (another potential tenant) is just as sure as you are. LA's vacancy rate hovers around 4%, so renting an apartment is a competitive process. Do your research and make wise decisions, but don’t hesitate to start the application process.
Rent control (or rent stabilization) is likely a term you’ve heard before if you’ve lived in a bustling metropolis. It’s defined as a law that limits the amount of rent a property owner or landlord can charge for certain rental properties. Similar to finding an apartment in NYC, LA also has some rent-controlled apartments. To find out if the apartment you’ve seen or are interested in is rent controlled, simply enter the address into ZIMAS (the city of LA’s property database). If you see a “yes” by “Rent Stabilization Ordinance,” then this apartment is rent controlled. However, you will likely only find this kind of apartment in major areas of Metro Los Angeles like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills.
In LA, you have so many choices of where to live, and better yet, of what scenery you get to wake up to every morning. By now, you’re a little wiser about what it’s like to live and rent in LA. Just remember, the traffic may be rough and the rent can be high, but the views make it all worth it. Good luck in your apartment search, my fellow California dreamers.
*Apartment data is provided by CoStar Group’s June 2023 market and submarket reports.
