Areas to Live in Los Angeles
Downtown
Downtown is the central hub of the LA metropolitan area where the city’s Financial District, fashion, arts and culture, freeway, train, and bus networks converge. Many of the best architecture, art spaces, and restaurants are easily accessible in one of LA’s few places where having a car is not essential to existence. And, what is better news for expats and American transplants is that there has been a recent overhaul of historic office and commercial buildings which has created some of the hippest luxury apartments, renovated lofts, and condos in the city. This year alone, nearly 15,000 residential units have been created and with this residential growth a new lease of life has been given to the surrounding areas. Most of these modern and fancy apartment buildings, condos and residential units inside hotels such as the superb Ritz Carlton Hotel fall under the zipcode of 90012 (Chinatown) through 90015 and 90017. It was not too long ago when downtown LA was a business town by the day and a not-so-safe, ghost town by the night. One should remember, however, that some parts of downtown still requires safety caution.
Chinatown and Little Tokyo continue to provide an excellent variety of restaurants and knick-knack stores. And downtown’s swanky hotels, restaurants, bars, and theatre district are certainly giving Hollywood a run for its money. LA’s cultural center impresses with the Walt Disney Concert Hall that is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Museum of Neon Art (MONA), and the fifty plus galleries of the Downtown Art Walk. Downtown also has more than two-dozen parks and community gardens for city folk to enjoy, including the State Historic Park and the Vista Hermosa Natural Park.
Life is a bit more casual in LA, so downtown never feels the energy, buzz, and some might say stress of New York, but that’s a good thing. And getting around has never been easier with LA’s shiny and new Metro system – the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Lines are color-coded and will take you as far north as North Hollywood. Another main line is under construction as is a new light railway project. If that wasn’t enough, the impressive 1939 Art Deco Union Station that services local and cross-country rail, metro, and bus transportation, will be a major stop for the California High-Speed Railway, due to begin construction in 2012.
International Schools:
Los Angeles International School – Charter school
625 Coleman Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 257-1499
Grades: 9-11, 131 students
Supermarkets:
Grand Central Market in Homer Laughlin Building – The city’s largest and oldest open-air market serving the public produce and old world charm since 1917.
317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 624-2378
http://www.grandcentralsquare.com
Ralphs – US grocery store chain located throughout California.
645 W 9th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
http://www.ralphs.com
(213) 452-0840
Smart & Final – Is a popular non-membership warehouse grocery store that provides bulk food and kitchen supplies at wholesale prices.
1216 Compton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90021
http://www.smartandfinal.com
(213) 747-6697
Restaurants:
There are restaurants to fit every style, budget and ethnicity in the downtown area. Here are some top recommendations.
The Water Grill – The Water Grill has managed to stay the course as plenty of local competition diverges on hip downtown. Executive Chef David LeFevre seafood menu has been hailed the best in the city.
544 South Grand ave.
Los Angeles, CA, 90071
(213) 891-0900
http://www.watergrill.com
Patina – Chef and founder, Joachim Splichal won “Restaurateur of the Year” on the Food Network and for Bon Appetit. His fine dining LA cuisine is served under the ornate arches of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
141 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213)972-3331
http://www.patinagroup.com/
NOE Restaurant & Bar – Is a favorite for theater-goers, serving contemporary American cuisine that has been wowing diners and food journalist since its inception in 2003.
251 S Olive Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 356-4100
http://www.noerestaurant.com
Cinemas:
LA Live – Conveniently located; theater inside LA Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
http://lalive.com/movies
Regal LA Live Stadium 14 –Right next to LA Live.
1000 W Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 763-6070
http://www.regmovies.com
Fitness Centers:
Gold’s Gym – has dominated the world and with good reason. This super chain provides multiple locations around Los Angeles and the rest of the world. Services, facilities, and value for money are second to none.
735 S Figueroa Street, #100,
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 688-1441
http://www.goldsgym.com/
24 Hour Fitness – This all-hours gym has clubs all over America and Asia. Membership prices are so cheap that gyms are often overcrowded.
505 S Flower Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 683-1400
http://www.24hourfitness.com
Beverly Hills
The world famous zip code 91210 is the epitome of affluent Hollywood where celebs, producers and the like shop, get their hair and nails done, and rub elbows with each other at a café or a restaurant for power talks. Of course, many tourists from all over the world come to this area for the rows of top-notch brand shops aligned on the street of Rodeo Drive and the surrounding streets. The restaurants are all fancy and fantastic if you have a pocket that’s big enough.
The residential area of Beverly Hills is spectacular enough for tourist buses to come take a peek with envy. The city owns its own police force, The Beverly Hills Police, also made famous by movies.
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Whole Foods Market
239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 274-3360
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
Pavilions
9467 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 553-5734
http://www.pavilions.com
Restaurants:
The Ivy – American comfort food with some Southern touch on some of the dishes.
113 N Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 274-8303
Matsuhisa – Top of the line Japanese cuisine for its taste, freshness, beauty and overall quality of the food.
129 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 659-9639
http://www.nobumatsuhisa.com/
Maestro’s Steakhouse – Try this place for excellent steaks and seafood appetizers.
246 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 888-8782
http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/
Cinemas:
Laemmle’s Music Hall 3
9036 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, 90211
310-478-3836
http://www.laemmle.com/viewtheatre.php?thid=4
Sports Facilities:
The Sports Club/LA – Beverly Hills – State of the art gym for all fitness goals.
9601 Wilshire Blvd. at Camden
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 888-8100
http://www.thesportsclubla.com
La Cienega Tennis Center / Beverly Hills Tennis
325 S. La Cienega Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Pro Shop / Customer Service:
(310) 652-7555
http://beverlyhillstennis.com
Bel Air
Although not too far from Beverly Hills, Bel Air is a hilly, much quieter affluent residential area with limited access to everything. For shopping, dining and activities, Bel Air residents would just come down the hill to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood or Sherman Oaks/Encino area if you choose to go on to the other side of the hill. Excellent for those who prefer to live in a secluded neighborhood.
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Bel Air Markets – Not a ‘supermarket’; very much a cozy neighborhood market that carries fresh organic produce.
2323 Roscomare Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
(310) 472-5010
http://belairfoods.com/
Glen Market
1603 N Beverly Glen Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90077
(310) 474-1272
Restaurants:
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air (Open to public on November 1, 2011) – Restaurant inside the Bel Air Hotel is getting a make-over by the one and only Wolfgang Puck.
701 Stone Canyon Road,
Los Angeles, CA 90077, USA
(310) 472-1211
http://www.hotelbelair.com/wolfgang-puck-bel-air
Cinemas: None
Sports Facilities: None
East of Hollywood: Silver Lake, Los Feliz
If you are looking for an apartment in these areas, both Los Feliz and Silver Lake have the historic, artistic atmosphere.
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is an area that sits between Echo Park on its east side and Hollywood on its west. The area’s namesake is neither silver nor a lake but is a reservoir with some of the areas nicest houses set around its curve. Silver Lake gloats its bohemian lifestyle that has shades of San Francisco mixed with the left of center entertainment industry. LA’s hip and cool live and hang out within its leafy suburbs and frequent its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars on the edges of Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard, an area known to the world as Sunset Junction. Don’t be surprised to see musicians sipping coffee or jamming at one of the local bars. Silver Lake attracts hipsters, creative types, and a sizeable LGBT community who like to mock the vulgarities of Hollywood’s tinsel town. Housing and renting prices have continued to rise here as LA’s well-kept secret is finding an audience. However, the area still continues to draw all economic levels, whether it’s a house share you are looking for or that dream house purchase of some of the most famous modernist architecture in North America.
International schools: None
Judson International School – A non-denominational school that focuses on Bible study as part of the wider curriculum.
1610 E. Elizabeth St.
Pasadena, CA 91104
http://www.judsonschool.org
Supermarkets:
Vons – Charles Von der Ahe opened his first store in downtown LA in 1906. Vons has expanded all over southern California and Nevada and boast 325 stores that sell everything from apples to toothpaste.
311 W. Los Feliz Blvd
Glendale, CA 91204
818-246-7161
http://www.vons.com
Trader Joes – Catering for people who care about food and where it comes from, Trader Joes provides locally grown food and manufactured products to an environmentally conscious public, which is why every store is different across the USA. Prices are cheap enough for daily visits.
2730 Hyperion Ave,
Los Angeles. CA 90027
(323) 665-6774
http://www.traderjoe.com
Ralphs – US grocery store chain located throughout California.
2520 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 99039
(323) 666-5392
http://www.ralphs.com
Gelson’s – One of the better supermarket chains with stores in middle-class areas throughout southern California.
2725 Hyperion Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-0387
http://www.gelsons.com/
Restaurants:
As with all of Los Angeles, there are plenty of options for dining out, from upscale to reasonable and affordable.
Taix French Restaurant – An institution in east side French dining since 1927. This family owned and operated restaurant doesn’t empty your paycheck.
1911 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tel 213-484-1265
http://www.taixfrench.com/
Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Café – A slice of Chicago, quite literally with authentic Chicago deep-dish pizzas that are enough to fill you for a week. The bakery and café has local community feel.
1800 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-989-1558
http://www.masaofechopark.com
Cha Cha Cha – The fusion of contemporary Caribbean and South American cuisine has been served to the Silver Lake community for more than 20 years and has received accolades from top food journalist and celebrities.
656 N. Virgil Avenue.
Los Angeles CA 90004
http://www.theoriginalchachacha.com
(323) 664.7723
El Cid – D.W. Griffith built El Cid at the turn of the last century and used the space to screen his “Birth of a Nation.” It was converted to a mini-theatre in the 1950’s until the restaurant took over in 1961. This converted 16th century Spanish tavern and exterior courtyard with gardens and fountains continues to feature dinner shows and serves an eclectic mix of entrees and tapas.
4212 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 668-0318
http://www.elcidla.com
Cinemas:
Echo Park Film Center – This non-profit community driven media arts center host small screenings of independent films for and by local filmmakers, provides film rentals and educational programs.
1200 N. Alvarado Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213 484 8846
http://www.echoparkfilmcenter.org
Sports Facilities:
Lord’s Gym – Neighborhood gym is small but convenient.
626 Coronado Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 273-7000
Body Builders Gym – Thirty year old neighborhood gym and one of the best in the city.
2516 Hyperion Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323 668 0802
http://www.bodybuildersgym.com/
Los Feliz
Los Feliz is Silver Lake’s older and more comfortably-off sister and sits on its west side and across the northern borders of east Hollywood. Once home to Hollywood’s golden era elite, homes here are on a grander scale and people are drawn to the area’s enormous Griffith Park, the largest city-run park in the USA and home to Griffith Observatory, Greek Theatre, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Perfect views of a hazy downtown LA are enjoyed from this location as well as closer peek at the Hollywood sign.
Los Feliz is an enviable location that draws middle-class hip and bohemia to its chic bars and restaurants. The area around Hollywood Boulevard and North Vermont Avenue is bustling with restaurants and shops, and further north on Franklin Avenue the area is pedestrian-friendly for window shoppers. Rental homes and rooms, as in Silver Lake, fly out like hot cakes, so be prepared to take time to find a place.
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Gelson’s – One of the better supermarket chains with stores in middle-class areas throughout southern California.
2725 Hyperion Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-0387
http://www.gelsons.com/
Jons – More than a dozen stores in LA providing specialist food from all over the world.
1601 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323 660 0220
http://www.jonsmarketplace.com
Albertsons – Nationwide supermarket chain selling a wide range of groceries.
2035 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-0687
http://shop.albertsons.com
Restaurants:
Hip and trendy to upscale and ritzy restaurants populate Los Feliz.
Vermont Restaurant & Bar – Serving contemporary American cuisine and drinks to a hip crowd.
1714 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-6163
http://www.vermontrestaurantonline.com/
El Chavo – Serving authentic Mexican cuisine for more than forty years. Live music every Sunday.
4441 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
http://www.elchavorestaurant.com
Fred62 – The hippest diner in Hollywood. Fred62’s diner has been used in countless movies. Open 24/7.
1850 N Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323 667 0062
http://www.fred62.com
Cinemas:
Los Feliz 3 Cinemas – Small local cinema showing three mainstream movies.
1822 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.losfeliz.com/online/losfel3.htm
Vista Theatre – Small local theatre playing one movie at a time. Small local theatre playing one movie at a time.
4473 Sunset Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-6639
Sports:
Mind and Body Fitness
Pilates studio opened in 1998. Private and group instruction.
1947 ½ Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-2711
http://www.mind-bodyfitness.net
Curves – Fitness center for women, encouraging exercise and good nutrition.
1727 N. Vermont Ave, #107
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-644-9898
http://www.curves.com
Los Feliz borders on Griffith Park. Here you can enjoy hiking, golf, tennis, bike riding, horseback riding, running, swimming, and picnicking. http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/griffith.htm
Sports Center – Sports center, tennis club, health club, and personal training.
6711 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 851-6000
http://www.sportscentertltc.com
Hollywood, West Hollywood
Hollywood
For movie fans, Hollywood is a fun place to live. The history of Hollywood is fascinating and Hollywood has its fair share of landmarks, yet apart from Paramount Pictures’s massive studio, four smaller film studios and the scores of TV studios in the area, Hollywood celebrities stay clear of Tinsel Town during the day. Between Vine Street and LA Brea Avenue, Hollywood Boulevard is a gaudy tourist trap full of cheesy gift shops, ticket touters, and numerous between-work actors dressed in comic book hero costumes. The Hollywood & Highland is a four-story development that contains the Kodak Theatre, home to the annual Academy Awards, and an unprecedented amount of tourists. Next door is the world famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and if you look down on the sidewalk between N. La Brea and N Argyle Avenues you’ll see the stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But once you’re over the tourist trap, Hollywood is a pleasant and convenient area to live in, close to cinemas, restaurants, bars, shopping, as well as an ideal central location between West Hollywood and Los Feliz. What’s more, you’ll have the Hollywood sign as your backdrop.
Public transport serves Hollywood well. The Metro Red Line light railway stops at Hollywood and Vine and Hollywood and Highland. The DASH Hollywood-Wilshire runs every 15 minutes and Metro buses run up and down Hollywood Boulevard.
The history of Hollywood is in its architecture. There are numerous classic and affordable Hollywood studios, apartments, bungalows and free-standing houses. Prices are lower in the neighborhood that rubs shoulders with its pricier neighbors in North and West Hollywood.
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Trader Joe’s – Affordable yet wonderful line-up of own brand food products and fresh produce has earned the loyal clientele.
1600 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 856-0689
http://traderjoes.com/
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market – UK supermarket giant Tesco brought their success to the USA with smaller stores selling local good quality food. The response wasn’t initially spectacular, with locals loyal to the excellent Trader Joe brand. But Fresh & Easy are slowly getting there and UK expats liken the store to Marks & Spencer.
7021 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028-6027
(323) 466-0097
http://www.freshandeasy.com
Ralphs – Large supermarket chain selling with in store pharmacy.
7257 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 512-8382
http://www.ralphs.com
Hollywood Farmer’s Market – Even farmer’s markets get the Hollywood treatment at one of the biggest and best farmer’s market in the city. It takes place in the heart of Hollywood every Sunday, expect to see a lot of beautiful people.
1600 Ivar Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 463-3171
http://www.farmernet.com/
Restaurants:
Hollywood is filled with restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
Palm Thai Restaurant – A Hollywood institution for more than 15 years. The food is great but what sets it apart is the award winning Thai Elvis impersonator.
5900 Hollywood Blvd. Ste. B
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-5073
http://www.palmsthai.com/
Floridita Restaurant – One of the best Cuban restaurants in the city for the last 20 years. There are also salsa dance lessons every Monday and Friday.
1253 N. Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90038
(323) 871-8612
http://www.elfloridita.com
Falcon Restaurant – Chef Walter Castillo has been pleasing Hollywood diners with his contemporary American cuisine at this trendy restaurant and bar. They offer a Rock Star Package starting at $100, which includes dinner, bottle service, personal photographer, and limo service to and from the restaurant. Or go for the Me and My Broke Ass Friends Package for $25 per person.
7213 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046-3405
(323) 850-5350
http://www.falconslair.com
Cinemas:
Arclight Cinema – Boasts the best sound system in the USA and it’s an entertainment industry favorite. Bar, restaurant, and gift shop onsite.
6360 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 464-1478
http://www.arclightcinemas.com
Chinese Theatres – The famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre hosts blockbuster movies and red carpet movie premiers. The exterior ground shows off hand and foot imprints from Hollywood’s golden era stars.
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 461-3111
http://www.chinesetheatres.com/
Sports:
Gold’s Gym – One of the biggest and best gym chains.
1016 Cole Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 462-7012
http://www.goldsgym.com
Hollywood Gym & Fitness – Open 24 hours and provides gym and fitness center, boxing and chiropractic care.
1551 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 845-1420
http://www.hollywoodgym.com
LA Fitness – LA gym chain with more than twenty years experience.
7021 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-5199
http://www.lafitness.com
West Hollywood
The area is best known for its nightlife, celebrity culture, and diverse population. One of the largest gay populations in the country call WeHo their home. There’s also a large Eastern European and Jewish population added to the mix. But it is the area’s numerous restaurants, bars, music clubs, art galleries, and dance clubs which make the area a favorite hang out for locals and local celebrities. Residential streets are lined with trees and there’s a real urban feel about the place. Studio and apartment blocks predominate in this area.
West Hollywood is fiercely democratic and environmentally conscious. Human rights and civil rights dominate local legislation, with the sale of handguns and smoking in public areas strictly prohibited. Local legislators were also the first to create same sex domestic partnership registration. West Hollywood is also pet friendly, designing a law that stipulates that pets must be called Companions.
The people of West Hollywood also fiercely object gentrification of large-scale chain store developments and increased housing and rental prices.
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Whole Foods Market – It’s not for nothing that Wholefoods Market is dubbed “Whole Paycheck.” Yes, the food is expensive when you consider that the same branded items are much cheaper down the road, but it’s the quality of the natural and organic food and the knowledge that every item in the store is healthy and has not harmed animals or the environment, that you are paying for.
7871 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 848-4200
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Trader Joes – Catering to people who care about food and where it comes from, Trader Joes provides locally grown natural and organic food as well as manufactured products imported from around the globe to an environmentally conscious public, which is why every store is different across the USA. Prices are cheap enough for daily visits.
7304 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, Ca 90046
(323) 851-9772
http://www.traderjoes.com/
Bristol Farms – California chain selling quality fresh, local food at a price. The selection of cheeses alone is enough to warrant repeat shopping. In store café, plus catering available.
7880 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 874-6301
http://www.bristolfarms.com
Cinemas:
Laemmle’s Sunset 5 – one of many Lammle’s location.
8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, 90046
310-478-3836
http://www.laemmle.com/viewtheatre.php?thid=2
Pacific El Capitan – Official movie theater by Disney. Many Disney movie premieres are held here with special exhibit, etc.
6838 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 467-7674
http://elcapitan.go.com/
Restaurants:
Angelini Osteria – Excellent Italian in a cozy atomosphere. Fresh pastas here are unbeatable.
7313 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 297-0070
http://angeliniosteria.com
Lucques – French/American chic restaurant offers modern rustic beautiful dishes.
8474 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 655-6277
http://www.lucques.com
Sports:
Equinox – Gym, personal training, yoga, and spa. Upmarket trendy sport facilities with swimming pool.
8590 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 289-1900
http://www.equinox.com
Fortune Gym – A 1950’s style boxing gym, boxing classes, martial arts and power yoga.
7574 B Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 845-4755
http://www.fortunegym.com/
Ultra Body Fitness – Fully equipped gym for one-on-one personal training.
828 La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 464-5300
http://www.ultrabodyfitness.com
Santa Monica and Venice
Santa Monica and Venice have long been homes to European and Australasian expatriates drawn to the areas 325 days a year of sunshine, spectacular beaches and laid back lifestyle. British expats enjoy British pub food beside the seaside and the local rugby club which has won the national championships, off and on, since its inception in 1972. Medium incomes are in the high seventies but the beaches attract a multitude of people, and there are plenty of studios, apartment blocks, and house shares to accommodate most people.
Surfing, skateboarding, jogging, and beach sports feature predominately in this area. The Third Street Promenade draws crowds from all over the city to its pedestrian shopping streets and boasts more than a dozen movie screens, many UK high street clothing brands, and a popular farmers’ market. Walking is also encouraged along Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, and Palisades Park, which overlooks the Pacific.
Santa Monica runs its own bus service with buses such as the Metro 704 traveling from the city, all the way east to Downtown.
Take a walk across Santa Monica Beach and you’ll hit Venice Beach in no time. Venice attracts tourists to its active beaches and the boardwalk with numerous stores and has a reputation as being Santa Monica’s artsy sister. Famous for its Muscle Beach, where body builders work out under blue skies, there are also many public sporting areas such as basketball courts, volleyball courts, and bike trails. Many streets are pedestrian only.
Rental properties are more affordable in Venice with many studios and one bedroom apartments costing under $1,000 a month.
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Albertsons – Nationwide supermarket chain selling a wide range of groceries.
2627 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 452-3811
http://www.albertsons.com/
Whole Foods Market – It’s not for nothing that Wholefoods Market is dubbed “Whole Paycheck.” Yes the food is expensive when you consider that the same branded items are much cheaper down the road but it’s the quality of the natural and organic food and the knowledge that every item in the store is healthy and has not harmed animals or the environment, that you are paying for.
2201 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 315-0662
and
225 Lincoln Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 566-9480
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
Vons – Charles Von der Ahe opened his first store in downtown LA in 1906. Vons has expanded all over southern California and Nevada and boast 325 stores that sell everything from apples to toothpaste.
1311 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 394-1414
http://www.vons.com
Co-opportunity – Santa Monica’s conscious chose cooperative and natural grocery store.
1525 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 451-8902
http://www.coopportunity.com
Cinemas:
Laemmle Theatres Inc. – Showing independent mainstream and art house cinema with theatres across Los Angeles.
1332 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-9741
http://www.laemmle.com/
AMC – Cinema chain showing mainstream movies as well as special movie events.
1441 Third Street Promenade ,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(888) 262-4386
http://www.amctheatres.com/
Aero Theatre – Excellent theatre for film lovers with classic, foreign, art house, and contemporary film screenings.
1328 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
http://www.aerotheatre.com
Sports:
Gold’s Gym – Gold’s Gym has dominated the world, and with good reason. This super chain provides multiple locations around Los Angeles and the rest of the world. Services, facilities, and value for money are second to none.
360 Hampton Drive
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-6004
http://www.goldsgym.com
24 Hour Fitness Sport – Gym chain providing 24-hour sports facilities. Pool, weights, aerobics, personal training, etc.
2929 31st Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450-4464
http://www.24hourfitness.com/
The Easton Gym – Flagship gym opened in Hollywood in 1938 and is the longest running gym company on the west coast. Cycling and yoga classes, personal trainers and full gym facilities.
1233 3rd St. Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-4441
http://www.eastongym.com
The San Fernando Valley
Nearly half of city of Los Angeles sits within the San Fernando Valley, also simply known as the “Valley”. The area consists of North Hollywood, Studio city, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Burbank, Glendale and other cities around them. These cities also consist of many residential properties as well as trendy commercial and industrial businesses. Many of these cities are technically the backstage of Hollywood with numerous production companies, post-production studios and alike, including major studios such as Disney, Warner Brothers, NBC in Burbank.
As far as the residences are concerned in general, you can get a little more square footage for your money whether you are looking for a house or an apartment, for sale or for rent. Temperatures in the valley are approximately 10F degrees higher than the majority of Los Angeles city.
North Hollywood, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Vons
4033 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
818-985-5401
http://www.vons.com/
Gelsons
4520 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 377-4140
http://gelsons.com
Trader Joe’s
11976 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 509-0168
Restaurants:
Asanebo – If you are in the mood for fresh Sushi and other Japanese delicacies such as Halibut Sashimi with Black Truffles, and have an ample budget to spend, this place is an excellent choice.
11941 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 760-3348
Pinot Bistro – Elegant French bistro offers great lunch sets and dinner courses.
12969 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 990-0500
http://www.pinotbistro.com
Cinemas:
AMC Universal Citywalk Stadium 19 – Inside Universal Studios’s Citywalk. $8 for the parking; get a $5 parking rebate at the box office.
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
888-AMC-4FUN
http://www.amctheatres.com/
ArcLight Cinema Sherman Oaks – High-end movie theater facilities in town. Three other locations, Hollywood, Pasadena and El Segundo.
15301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 501-0753
https://www.arclightcinemas.com
Sports Facilities:
Weddington Golf and Tennis – Located in Studio City, this par 3, 9-hole course is highly recommended by the locals.
4141 Whitsett Ave
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 761-3250
http://www.weddingtongolfandtennis.com
24 Hour Fitness
15301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 728-6777
http://www.24hourfitness.com
Black Dog Yoga
4454 Van Nuys Blvd
Ste 206
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 380-0331
http://www.blackdogyoga.com
Body Women Only – Women only club with Yoga and Spinning class. Equipped with a small pool.
4070 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 766-5657
http://www.bodywomenonly.com/
Burbank, Glendale
International Schools: None
Supermarkets:
Albertsons – Conveniently located in a shopping plaza.
3830 West Verdugo Avenue,
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 954-0817
http://www.albertsons.com/
Ralphs’ – Located throughout the city. This location is next to CVS drug store.
1100 North San Fernando Boulevard,
Burbank CA 91502
(818) 845-6424
http://www.ralphs.com/
And
1416 E Colorado St
Glendale, CA 91205
(818) 548-0945
Restaurants:
Portos Bakery and Café – Cuban bakery and café has a showcase full of beautifully decorated cakes and pastry. Cuban sandwiches are great for lunch; mini-potato balls (with meat inside) are local favorite.
3614 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91505-2913
(818) 846-9100
http://www.portosbakery.com/
And
315 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, California 91203
(818) 956-5996
Clancy’s Crab Broiler – Founded in 1975, Clancy’s has the eclectic yet classic seafood dishes.
219 N Central Ave
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 242-2722
http://www.clancyscrabbroiler.com/
Cinemas:
AMC Burbank 16 – Located in downtown Burbank with 16 theaters.
125 East Palm Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502-1833
888-AMC-4FUN
Pacific Theatres Glendale 18 – Founded more than 60 years ago, Pacific Theatres operated drive-in theaters in 50’s. This one is located in the Americana shopping mall in Glendale.
322 Americana Way, Glendale, CA
(866) 722-9790
http://www.pacifictheatres.com
Sports Facilities:
Power House Gym – Sports gym equipped with a child care facilities, basketball and Racquetball court.
10950 Sherman Way #160,
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 565-5533
http://www.powerhousegymsocal.com/
Burbank Athletic Club – Inside Burbank Media Center Shopping Mall – Child care, Yoga/Pilate studios and more.
226 Palm Ave
Burbank, CA, 91502
(818) 954-0021
http://burbankathleticclub.com
