Apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA

Getting to Know Los Angeles, CA

Ranging from beachfront to mountainside, the Los Angeles metropolitan area is the second largest in the United States with almost 20 million residents. The city caters to the entertainment whims of almost every resident, with a seemingly endless variety of restaurants, theaters and adventures.

Insider Tip: Sound like a local by learning the lingo: Think Venice Beach when you hear the boardwalk," and try to avoid traffic on "the 405" (the San Diego Freeway).

Los Angeles Apartments and Neighborhoods

• Downtown Los Angeles: Close to Union Station, this centrally located area makes commuting a breeze.

Koreatown: This is a hip, fast-paced neighborhood with plenty of nightlife.

Greater Wilshire: With the La Brea Tar Pits and the LA County Museum of Art both on Wilshire Boulevard, you'll find plenty to do in this downtown-adjacent neighborhood.

Westwood: Three miles from the Getty Museum, this neighborhood has outstanding local culture.

Encino: It's a weird mix of celebrities and regular people, but this affluent neighborhood manages to still feel like a tight-knit community anyway.

LA Public Transportation, Commuting & Jobs

With low unemployment, a robust entertainment and tourism industry, and more than 300 aerospace companies, Los Angeles is a great place to work. Hop on the LA Metro to commute on the country's third-most comprehensive public transit system. Air transport links are also plentiful, with international flights at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and domestic routes out of suburban airports in Ontario, Burbank and Santa Ana.

Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles

LA crackles with energy all year long, offering everything from foodie festivals and holiday events to major concerts and massive parties. Here are our top five picks for the best festivals and events in Los Angeles:

• Tournament of Roses Parade: Ring in the new year with flower-covered floats at this annual parade that's been around since 1890.

Chinese New Year Festival and Parade: Listen for the drums in Chinatown as the Golden Dragon Parade marks the start of another year on the lunar calendar.

Eagle Rock Music Festival: Focused on local acts that span all genres, the city's biggest free music festival is also one of its best.

Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival: Watch celebrity chefs prepare mouthwatering dishes and then head to one of the many tastings at this four-day festival.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval: Join 500,000 other party-goers for outrageous fun and sensational costumes at the world's largest Halloween celebration.

Los Angeles also abounds with fun free things to do, such as beachfront yoga, world-class museums like The Broad, and concerts by performers on the verge of stardom.

LA's Art & Music Scene

With more museums and theaters than any other American city, Los Angeles offers something for nearly any taste, from LA Philharmonic concerts to DJ-driven dance parties.

Los Angeles Activities for Families with Kids

Family activities are nearly limitless, from train rides at Griffith Park to the Los Angeles Zoo to amusement parks like Universal Studios Hollywood. If schools are at the top of your priority list, rent an apartment in the more affordable eastern LA school districts of Walnut Valley or Temple City.

Top Five Los Angeles Adventures

1. Buy an annual pass to Disneyland: Disneyland is more than just a playground for kids. Downtown Disney is packed with restaurants and concerts, so take advantage of living nearby and pick up an annual pass. It pays for itself pretty quickly, especially if you add on a parking pass.
2. Head down to Santa Monica Beach: Lined by palm trees, this broad beach features 245 acres of sand with walking trails, bike trails and great surfing. Parents love easy access to delicious food and plenty of entertainment for younger kids nearby. Keep an eye on the calendar for festivals and shows which are commonly going on by the beach.
3. Do a little stargazing in Hollywood: Whether you're looking to get a view of the famous Hollywood sign, search for your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or compare your footprints at the Chinese Theatre, you can enjoy a brush with the stars in this neighborhood.
4. Gaze at a different kind of star at Griffith Observatory: You can look through telescopes, watch live shows and enjoy the planetarium at this Los Angeles staple. Hop on the shuttle from the observatory to a great view of the Hollywood sign.
5. Cruise down Rodeo Drive: Shopping and sightseeing are popular reasons to visit Beverly Hills. Among the fabulous homes, this upscale city has also added numerous public art displays, trolley tours and farmers markets.

Pet-friendly Things to Do in LA

Moving to Los Angeles with your four-legged companion? You'll be thrilled to learn just how pet-friendly this city is, from dog parks to inclusive restaurants and breweries. Don't miss a trip to the Arts District Dog Park on the corner of 4th and Molino in downtown.

Outdoor Living in LA

With more than 180 days of sun every year and easy access to the Pacific Ocean, the City of Flowers and Sunshine is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Hike Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon Park, surf and swim at the beach, or head to The Strand for 22.5 miles of cliff-top bicycling.

Did You Know?

You may have heard that "Los Angeles" means "The Angels," but the original name for the city is up for debate. Some historians say the first settlers called it "El Pueblo de la Reina de los Angeles Sobre el Rio de Porciuncula". Thankfully, the city name has greatly shortened since then.

Getaways from Los Angeles

LA is nearly synonymous with postcard-worthy spots like Venice Beach and Santa Monica State Beach, both famous for great people watching. The best beaches in Los Angeles also include El Porto Beach, known for its surfing opportunities, and Rosie's Dog Beach, the only sands in LA County that allow dogs to roam without a leash.

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