Thinking about moving to West Los Angeles? Smart move! But before you pack your bags and dream about perfect weather, sushi on every corner, and spotting celebrities at Whole Foods, let’s get real about what life is like in this iconic part of LA. West LA is more than just beaches and bougie coffee shops—it’s a whole vibe.
So, to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into, here are 10 things you absolutely must know before calling West Los Angeles home.
- Yes, the Weather is as Amazing as You Think
West LA’s climate is like nature’s way of apologizing for traffic. Think sunshine almost year-round, with average temperatures hovering between 60°F and 80°F. Unlike the scorching heat of the San Fernando Valley, West LA benefits from the cool Pacific breeze.
Bonus Trivia:
Did you know LA has more than 284 sunny days a year? That’s more than Miami!
- Traffic is a Lifestyle, Not an Obstacle
If you’re moving to West LA, know this: the 405 freeway is your new arch-nemesis. The traffic here is legendary (and not in a good way). Even a short trip can turn into a podcast marathon.
Pro Tip: Want to survive LA traffic? Embrace the Waze app, learn every backroad shortcut, and get comfortable with audio books.
- You’ll Pay for the Privilege of Living Here
West LA is pricey. The median home price hovers around $1.5 million, and renting a one-bedroom apartment will set you back $2,500 – $3,500 per month—minimum. If you’re dreaming of a beachfront home in Santa Monica, double (or triple) those numbers.
Cost Breakdown:
Median Home Price: $1.5M+
Average Rent (1-Bedroom): $2,800
Gas Prices: Painful, but you get ocean views
- The Food Scene Will Ruin You for Life
West LA is a foodie paradise. From iconic taco trucks to Michelin-starred sushi, your taste buds will be on a never-ending adventure.
Must-Try Spots:
Best Sushi: Sugarfish (you’ll never eat grocery store sushi again)
Best Tacos: Tacos 1986 (life-changing, trust me)
Best Vegan Spot: Cafe Gratitude (where your order comes with an affirmation)
Best Late-Night Munchies: Fatburger (because, priorities)
- You’ll Probably Get a Dog (Even if You Weren’t Planning On It)
West LA is obsessed with dogs. You’ll see them everywhere—at brunch, in yoga classes, in baby strollers (yes, really). It’s basically the law that every resident must own an adorable rescue pup.
Dog Parks You’ll Visit Weekly:
Santa Monica Airport Park
Brentwood Dog Park
Westwood Park (puppy heaven!)
- Public Transit Exists, But Let’s Be Honest… You’ll Still Drive
Yes, LA has public transit. No, it’s not always convenient. The Metro Expo Line can take you from Santa Monica to Downtown LA, but most West LA residents still rely on their cars. Parking, however, is a blood sport, so good luck with that.
Secret Weapon: Get a bike! The beach bike path from Santa Monica to Venice is one of the best commutes you’ll ever experience.
- West LA is a College Town in Disguise
With UCLA in the heart of the neighborhood, you’ll find a youthful, energetic vibe. This means great coffee shops, late-night eateries, and an unusually high demand for acai bowls.
Fun Fact:
Did you know UCLA has over 47,000 students and is ranked among the top 20 universities in the world?
- You’ll Get Used to Seeing Celebrities (But Pretend Not To)
West LA is celebrity central. Whether you’re grabbing coffee in Brentwood or grocery shopping in Santa Monica, you will run into someone famous. The trick is to act like you don’t care (even though you totally do).
Star-Spotting Hotspots:
Erewhon (LA’s most expensive grocery store, but hey, organic vibes)
Brentwood Country Mart (Reese Witherspoon sightings = weekly occurrence)
Soho House West Hollywood (if you can get in)
- It’s One of the Most Walkable Parts of LA (Which is Saying A Lot)
Unlike other parts of Los Angeles, West LA is actually walkable. Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Westwood have pedestrian-friendly areas where you can grab a coffee, shop, and people-watch without needing to hop in your car.
Best Walkable Areas:
Montana Avenue (Brentwood/Santa Monica)
Third Street Promenade (Santa Monica)
Westwood Village (near UCLA)
- The Beach is Your Backyard, But You’ll Probably Still Complain About the Drive
West LA is just minutes from some of the best beaches in the world—Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu. But ironically, even residents sometimes groan about the “long” drive to the beach (which, spoiler: it’s only 10-20 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Skip the crowded tourist beaches and head to Will Rogers State Beach or El Matador Beach in Malibu for a more peaceful experience.
Final Thoughts: Is West LA Right for You?
West Los Angeles is expensive, traffic-heavy, and absurdly beautiful. If you can handle the costs and the occasional frustration of parking, you’ll be rewarded with incredible food, gorgeous weather, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
So, are you ready to make the move?
Contact me today
𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧
Realtor|Broker #𝟢𝟣𝟫𝟧𝟦𝟫𝟣𝟦
Super Woman Super Realtors
877-245-7597
vicki@vickigalvan.com
vickigalvan.com
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