All About West LA - FAQs
Have you ever just sat and wondered, “what’s up with the Westside?” Today, we’re going to take a look at the reasons West LA is taking off, and emerging as one of the city’s newest “it” locations.
Where is West LA vs. the Westside?
For starters, we’ll need to define what we’re referring to when we talk about “West LA.” While the term might immediately bring to mind the entirety of the city’s western half, “West LA” is actually a specific region within the westside of LA, generally accepted as being near the 405 Interstate, though the specific bounds will vary depending on who you ask.
According to sources like the LA Times Mapping LA Project, the westernmost part of West LA doesn’t even reach the 405, with a rough outline that includes the following:
- North: Bordered by Santa Monica Boulevard
- South: Bordered by Pico Boulevard
- East: Bordered by Sepulveda Boulevard
- West: Bordered by Beverly Glen Boulevard
Turn to other sources, though, like the West Los Angeles Community Plan, and you’ll see more generous boundaries that include Centinela Avenue on the west; Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard on the north; National Boulevard, Pico Boulevard, and Exposition Boulevard on the south; and Durango Avenue, Robertson Boulevard, and Canfield Avenue on the east.
Where are Linea Apartments?
Located within West LA proper, Linea can be found at the intersection of Pico and Sepulveda Boulevards, making it an ideal neighborhood where westside meets eastside convenience. The closest other local neighborhoods are Sawtelle / Japantown (to the southwest), Rancho Park and Cheviot HIlls (to the south/southeast), Century City (to the east), and Westwood (to the north).
Why choose to live in on the Westside?
- Proximity to the coast - Located near the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, the western side of LA offers beach lifestyle, including activities like sunbathing, surfing, and beachside recreation.
- Central location - Centrally located and convenient to access other parts of the city, the Westside is a relatively easy commutes to downtown and points beyond.
- Amenities and services - From shopping centers and grocery stores to diverse restaurants, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities, the Westside offers a wide range of amenities, services, and conveniences.
- Cultural and recreational opportunities - Enjoy access to a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues.
- Educational institutions - The Westside is home to esteemed institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Loyola Marymount University.
- Community and diversity: - From the pop-culture boutiques and delectable restaurants of Sawtelle / Japantown to the Elote (Mexican street corn) and Afghan Bolani that can be found at the Westwood Farmer’s Market, the Westside fosters a multicultural atmosphere.
- Climate - The coastal location provides a mild and pleasant climate with relatively moderate temperatures throughout the year.
What other Westside neighborhoods are close to Linea?
- Westwood - Best known as the home of the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Westwood offers a mix of both residential and commercial spaces. Westwood Village is the neighborhood's central hub, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, theaters, and entertainment venues.
- Century City - Recognized for its modern architecture, high-rise buildings, and thriving commercial center, Century City is home to numerous corporate offices, luxury hotels, and upscale shopping destinations like the Westfield Century City Mall.
- Sawtelle - Renowned for its rich Japanese cultural influence, Sawtelle is a hub for food lovers and attracts both locals and visitors looking to indulge in everything from traditional ramen and sushi to modern fusion cuisine. A mix of residential and commercial spaces creates a lively and bustling atmosphere.
- Rancho Park - Known for its peaceful residential streets and abundant green spaces, this neighborhood is most notably home to the picturesque Rancho Park Golf Course, a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.
- Cheviot Hills - An affluent westside neighborhood known for picturesque winding streets and mostly single-family homes, residents of Cheviot Hills enjoy access to a range of amenities, including the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, which offers sports fields, tennis courts, and a golf course.
What are the Demographics of West LA?
Just over 16,000 people call this slice of LA home, and it’s typified by an urban-but-cozy feel. That may be a holdover from the time that this was more of an agricultural district, but no matter the reason, it makes for a well-ordered street layout that makes most of the neighborhood east to navigate.
Within the many enclaves of this neighborhood, you’ll find residents who are both well-educated and well-to-do. The median income here is close to $90,000, and nearly half of the adult residents here hold at least a four-year college degree. Crime here is low, commutes around the neighborhood are a breeze, and the population is also a fairly diverse one.
The majority of the West LA population is white, but there are also Asian, Latino, and Black communities present within the neighborhood as well. There’s a roughly even split between male and female members of the community and a broad spread for ages. The median age is 38, with the largest percentage of the population between 19 and 34 years of age.
What Higher Educational Institutions Near the Westside?
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Located in Westwood, UCLA is a prestigious public research university and one of the most well-known educational institutions in the area.
- Santa Monica College - Santa Monica College (SMC) is a community college that offers a variety of associate degree programs and transfer opportunities to four-year institutions.
- West Los Angeles College (WLAC) - Located in Culver City,, WLAC is a community college that offers associate degree programs, vocational training, and transfer pathways.
- Loyola Marymount University (LMU) - Located near Westchester, LMU is a private Jesuit university known for its strong programs in business, communications, film, and other fields.
- Otis College of Art and Design - Situated in the Westchester neighborhood, Otis College is a private art and design school that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various artistic disciplines.
In short: West LA is a sought-after location because of its proximity to the coast, convenient access to the city, diverse amenities, vibrant culture, esteemed educational institutions, and pleasant climate. Come join us!