When it comes to
Los Angeles, its Downtown area tends to be rather infamous. Many people still like it and live here, but for the most part, it’s notorious for being one of the sketchier parts of the city. It makes sense to want to avoid it when you can always luxuriate in Beverly Hills, relax in Pasadena, or have fun in Santa Monica. But Downtown LA? Does it deserve your time and attention? Perhaps if you know more about it, you'll want to go here too. It is the most urban part of the metropolis, has some of the finest real estate out there, and there are loads to see and do in the district.
What's The Weather in Downtown Los Angeles Like?
When someone tells you that Los Angeles is a sunny city, believe them. LA boasts a Mediterranean climate, which tends to stay sunny all year round and never snows. Seasonal changes are also marked by rainfall, but even then, the overall climate remains warm. Even during February, its coldest month, the city has an average high temperature of 64.94°F (18.3°C) and an average low temperature of 46.4°F (8°C). So in Downtown LA, you can always expect high temperatures and bright days. It's one of the main reasons why people
move to Los Angeles.
Where is Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA is the
central neighborhood of Los Angeles. It's right smack in the middle of the city and is surrounded by other prominent districts. Lincoln Heights, Silver Lake, Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Fairfac, and Vernon are just some of the neighborhoods right next to Downtown LA. Hence, when people refer to West LA or South LA, they're talking about the quadrants on the western and southern sides of the Downtown area. As the most urban part, Downtown LA also serves as the central business district of Los Angeles. Big corporations and famous companies have their headquarters here.
Is it Safe in Downtown Los Angeles?
Unfortunately, Downtown LA is far from the safest place in town. It's even accurate to say that it's among the more dangerous parts of the city.
LA's crime rates already range from mid to high and this district's crime rates are definitely along the latter. The general crime rate of Downtown LA is 72%, which is even higher than the entire city's general crime rate, 60.80%. To put it into perspective, around 85,000 live in the Downtown area and its rate of violent crime is around 26.51 per 1,000 residents.
What to Know About Downtown Los Angeles Apartments
Despite its infamous reputation and high crime rates, real estate in Downtown LA remains highly in demand. Some of the most
luxurious apartments in Los Angeles are in this area, from high-end penthouses to multi-room complexes. Since the district has several high-rise buildings, many apartment complexes here offer extra amenities such as in-house gyms, pools, common areas, and even workspace rentals. A few of the more upscale ones also provide housekeeping services and dog runs. Hence, renting an apartment here tends to be more expensive than staying in other parts of the city.
How Much is Rent in Downtown Los Angeles?
Since the real estate market usually fluctuates, there's no specific answer to how much the rent in Downtown LA is. What is undeniable, however, is that it's expensive to live and rent here. According to Numbeo, the common rental prices in Downtown LA range from $2,000.00 to $3,500.00 per month. That's on top of the other
living costs in Los Angeles, which can total to up to $1,313.20 per month for a single adult and over $4,757.70 for a four-person household. For more context, purchasing an apartment in Downtown LA can cost you around $6,964.25 to $8,500.00 per square meter.
What to Do in Downtown Los Angeles
Perhaps the best thing about living in Downtown LA is that there's a lot to see and do around here. Most famously, the district is home to the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, the historic Union Station, Grand Park, and the Downtown Arts District. Since the place is a lot more urban compared to other parts of LA, it's also easier to get around here. There are taxis and buses all over, as well as easy access to Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing apps. Despite its notorious reputation, even locals from other neighborhoods go here when they can spend a free day in Los Angeles.
Downtown LA is an infamous part of Los Angeles. If you plan to stay or even relocate here, you'd do well to learn more about the notorious district. Know if it's safe in Downtown LA or not, the best things to do, and if you think you'll fit the vibe here.