Top Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Dorothy Parker famously described Los Angeles as seventy-two suburbs in search of a city. While she might have meant this as a criticism, Angelinos look at it as an advantage. With all the differing enclaves, neighborhoods and suburbs, the mix in Los Angeles is decidedly eclectic and not exactly what you would imagine when you think of the movie capital of the world. It's not all about blond bombshells and Botox. Los Angeles is home to some of the most interesting, diverse neighborhoods in the country. Sprawling is an adjective often used to described Los Angeles and within its city limits lie smaller cities and neighborhoods each with their own numerous distinctions. Here are the Seven Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

1. Mt. Washington

Mt. Washington is home to current Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Located in the northeast section of Los Angles, the city is minutes from downtown Los Angeles, yet situated on one of the little hills that make up the Los Angeles basin. This makes it a perfect blend of urban and natural beauty. Surrounding areas such as Silver Lake and Glassell Park have gone through major gentrification in the last decade making this little pocket of L.A. both eclectic and centrally located.

Mt. Washington was founded by Colonel Henry Washington in 1909 as a luxurious suburb of the city. Home to some of the most beautiful and important architectural properties in the area, the neighborhood boasts many Classic Mediterranean revivals and Modernist masterpieces by architects Nuetra and Schindler.

For years, the area was home to a large working class Mexican American population. Now, it's current demographic make it a wonderful mix with a diverse population, although the majority is still Latino. Working class and professionals live together in Mt. Washington. The schools are in the Los Angeles Unified School district, but unlike some parts of L.A., Mt. Washington has some of the cities finest educational institutions.

Neighborhood attractions include the Southwest Museum, which hosts California archaeological material, and the Cabelleria collection of Spanish mission books and paintings. With all the great Latino culture in the neighborhood, one can only expect the best Mexican food in a town of great Mexican food. The very best is La Abeja at 3700 Figueroa St. People travel from miles around for the most authentic, delicious tasting food in town.

Housing isn't cheap in Mt. Washington, but none is in Los Angeles. However it is one of the more affordable neighborhoods with prices starting at $500,000 for a small bungalow to $1,100,000 for a larger home in the hills with a view. For a great taste of L.A., visit Mt. Washington.

2. Leimert Park

Director John Singleton called his hometown, the Black Greenwich Village. With a flourishing arts scene, jazz and blues clubs everywhere, he isn't far off. Leimert Park was built in 1928 by developer Walter H. Leimert. Once a mostly white community, it was known primarily as the location of the so called "Black Dalia" murder in the 1947. Black families started to move into the area in the 1940's with whites moving to the suburbs. An unfortunate series of events led to the area being crime ridden and unattractive. However, after the Los Angeles riots in 1992, the city started coming back thanks to thriving community involvement and a lot of perseverance.

Today, the predominately black neighborhood is a well thought out urban mecca with an abundance of trees and parks surrounding the streets and homes. The main drag of Degnan Boulevard is boasts numerous shops, restaurants and galleries. The culturally rich neighborhood is home to Project Blowed which hosts the longest running hip hop open mic night in the world, held every Thursday in Leimert Park Village. For great jazz and even better food, check out Lucy Florence Coffee House at 3351 W. 43rd St., where performances are held most evenings. Don't forget to visit the Creole Chef on 3715 Santa Rosalia Dr. and order up the pecan encrusted catfish. Yummy!

One of the last affordable neighborhoods in L.A., homes run from a low of $250,000 for a small Spanish style home, to $600,000 remodeled bungalow on a large lot. Area schools are also making a comeback much like the neighborhood itself. It's up and coming and a great neighborhood in the heart of Los Angeles.

3. Laurel Canyon

Made famous in the sixties by the Joni Mitchell song, Ladies of the Canyon, Laurel Canyon was at the apex of the hippie counter culture and rock scene. Laurel Canyon was home to Mitchell, David Crosby, Graham Nash and Frank Zappa to name a few. Located in the canyon dividing the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood, this funky little enclave still hangs on to the bohemian spirit of days past with many famous artists and songwriters still calling it home.
The neighborhood also inspired a 2002 movie called, Laurel Canyon and a 2006 book by Michael Walker titled, Laurel Canyon, the Inside Story of the Legendary Rock and Roll Neighborhood. With that kind of pedigree, one might be intimidated by the area, but it is a welcoming friendly environment full of artsy types and young families. In fact it is home to one of the best elementary schools in Los Angeles, Wonderland Elementary. The school shares a name with the infamous rehab center attended by many a Hollywood starlet. Lindsey Lohan was a resident at Wonderland treatment center but even with it's bucolic environment and stunning views, it's a bit too close to the Hollywood nightspots of Hyde and LeDeux. Not good for a newly sober actor, but very good for people in the neighborhood.

Laurel Canyon was settled in 1920. Between 1912 and 1918 a tract-less trolley ran up the canyon from Sunset Boulevard to Lookout Mountain, which displayed fabulous views of the city and the valley. Today, it's still one of the highest points in L.A. and has incredible vistas from most homes, but you absolutely need a car to get there. Traffic can be slow going during rush hour as Laurel Canyon Blvd is a main artery of travel in Los Angeles.

Houses are considered either on the Valley side or the Hollywood side with Mulholland Drive dissecting the neighborhood. Prices run from a low of $700,000 for a 700 square foot bungalow that needs work to $2,000,000 for a Hampton's style home with a valley view. Laurel Canyon also boasts one of the most beautiful and hip dog parks in the city. You'll defiantly see a lot of French Bulldogs and Puggles, but you might also spot local residence Anthony Kiedies or Justin Timberlake.

4. Venice

Once known as the Ghetto Beach and Slum by the Sea, Venice has morphed into one of priciest, albeit coolest places in L.A. The little town is home to great restaurants, funky shops and fabulous art galleries. The homes vary from beat up bungalows to urban mod.

Walking distance to world famous Venice Beach, it is also home to the canals of Venice built in 1905 by tobacco millionaire, Abbott Kinney. Kinney modeled the canals after the original Venice in Italy and today homes on the canals run the gamut in price with a high of $5,000,000. Old timers from Venice stare in disbelief as the neighborhood has drastically changed into a hip enclave of writers, artists and actors.

Back in the roaring 20's, the pier by the ocean was a magnet for families looking for fun. Ferris wheels, arcades with Venetian style architecture, a roller coaster and carousel were attractions in Venice along with the beautiful beaches where one could rent a cottage on the sand. Sadly bankruptcy, mismanagement and fires led to the final demo of Pacific Ocean Pier and by the mid 50's Venice had sunk into a community of drug addicts, gangs and wayward surfers. But like a phoenix, it has arisen from the ashes to become a beacon to artists and people who like the eccentric.

Abbott Kinney Dr. is a main stretch where you'll find vintage furniture shops such as Surfing Cowboys (1624 Abbott Kinney) and beautiful nature photography at the newly opened G2 Gallery located across the street. Stop for lunch at Austrian inspired restaurant Three Squares Bakery and Cafe at 1121 Abbott Kinney. Order the pretzel burger and watch the people walking along the busy street. Unlike most of Los Angeles, Venice has a lot of pedestrian traffic. Walkways between houses and streets make it walker friendly. Add to the gentle weather and Venice is a modern day heaven.

5. Magnolia Park-Burbank

Burbank is known by locals as the 'real Hollywood', where many studios such as Warner Bros. and Disney have back lots and sets. Over the hill from Tinseltown and on the edge of the San Fernando Valley, Burbank is independent of Los Angeles city services. With it's own police, fire department and schools, it's a safe little enclave with a small town feel.

A majority of the residences work in some aspect of the film industry as behind the camera types. Writers, set designers, art directors abound. With this blend of creative occupants, the little city has come a long way from its' days as the butt of the late Johnny Carson's Tonight Show jokes.

One of the up and coming neighborhoods in Burbank is known as Magnolia Park. Dissected by the street Magnolia Boulevard, the area is home to antique shops, vintage clothing stores, art galleries and restaurants. Anchored by Porto's Bakery on Magnolia and Hollywood Way, the neighborhood is bustling with shoppers and eaters. Porto's is a Cuban bakery and restaurant with the most sublime desserts this side of Havana. During the holidays, the neighborhood opens stores and shops late with music, food and local art.

Houses are located perpendicular to Magnolia Blvd and run from a low of $550,000 for a small mid century modern fixer to $1,000,000 for a brand new Mediterranean style with a pool. Traffic is not bad on the weekends, but during the hustle and bustle of the work week, it's a slow pace. Luckily there is plenty of public parking.

The schools in Burbank are some of the best in the state and much of the activity and social events revolve around John Burroughs High School. Friday night football during the fall and music concerts by the schools' world class music program are staples of the community. The small town vibe smack in the middle of a big city gives Magnolia Park the best of both worlds.

6. Bird Streets- Calabasas

Some might think of Calabasas as the epitome of gated community, McMansion-land. Think again. The historic neighborhood of the Bird Streets gives a bit of interest to an otherwise run of the mill suburb.

A former artist colony, it's past inhabitants included Jimmy Durante and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Birds, aptly named because of winding rural streets called Meadow Lark, Black Bird and Hummingbird, is located in the east end of Calabasas. Calabasas itself is on the western border of the San Fernando Valley and just over the canyon from the Pacific Ocean. It's location makes it very environmentally beautiful with lots of open space, yet close to the shopping and restaurants of the Valley.

The neighborhood is centrally located and full of interesting architectural homes. An Adobe home sits at the top of a hill surrounded by a ranch with sheep and goats.

Walking distance to The Commons, the toney mall in Calabasas, you can sit outside most nights and people watch while listening to live music played in the courtyard surrounded by Italian Renaissance inspired statuary and overflowing gardens and waterfalls. For the best food, hit The Blue Table, located at 4775 Park Granada. The Blue Table is an Italian deli and wine shop with a walk in cheese closet filled with exotic cheeses from all over the world. Order one of the custom made pizza and savor every bite. Maybe you'll see one of the Kardashians of the reality show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, as their clothing store, Dash is right next door.

The Bird Streets are located in the world renowned Las Virgenes Unified School district and the elementary, middle and high school are within walking distance as is Wild Walnut Park, a hiking and nature preserve where you can spot hawks and the occasional coyote running free.

Houses in the neighborhood are low for Calabasas and start at around $700,000 and go up to $1,200,000. It's not cheap, but it's the perfect balance of the Los Angeles lifestyle without the urban sprawl.

7. Beachwood Hollywood

Famous for it's world renowned landmark, the Hollywood sign, Beachwood is a funky, fun little neighborhood nestled in the canyons in the eastern end of Hollywood above the chaos of Hollywood itself. Up in the cozy enclave one can escape into a beautiful mountainous wonderland that boasts tree lined, winding streets with views of the entire city and beyond to the ocean.

Built in 1923 bydeveloper H.R. Woodruff, the Hollywood sign was actually a glitzy marketing ploy to gain attention to his new housing development, known as Hollywoodland. The homes range from Mediterranean, French Country and English Manor. The original office for the developer was a Hansel and Gretal style cottage. It still stands today and is a real estate office. Towering stone gates flank the main street with a sign reading, "Welcome to Hollywoodland. Now Slow Down and Relax." Many a tourist has been known to stand in the middle of Beachwood Dr. aiming for the perfect shot of the Hollywood sign in the background.
Besides sign watching, the neighborhood also boast a stable where one can ride horses around the canyons into neighboring Griffith Park. Sunset Ranch offers Friday Night Margarita rides where riders can ride through Griffith Park to a local Mexican restaurant and back again in four hours.

Hiking is another favorite pastime in Beachwood. There are six sets of 1920's era stairs scattered about the canyons that were created by European stonemasons. These artisans also built the roadway walls of Hollywoodland that connect hillside streets to the canyon floor. One set of stairs feature cascading ponds. The downside of this neighborhood is you need to be a famous movie star or director to afford the prices. Small cabins start at $1,100,000 and the majestic view homes can cost an astounding $6,000,000. But hey, this is Hollywood and you never know what might happen. One day you're working at the Fat Burger on Sunset, the next you're the lord and master of an incredible manse in Beachwood.

These are just a few of the best neighborhoods of Los Angeles. There are so many more fun, interesting places in the place called L.A. One only needs a car and a sense of curiosity to explore all the glory of the city. Welcome to Los Angeles. Now slow down and relax!