Where is the best place for a single person to live in L.A (Santa Monica: apartments)

[impik]

Hello

I plan to move from overseas to LA for work purpose, and I'd like to know which parts of the city are best suites for a single (woman) who really loves the feel of a "real city", community, coffee shops, restaurants, book stores etc., and to be able to walk around and not just be inside a car all day. I'm looking for a studio or 1 bedroom not-too-expensive but nice apartment.

I'd appreciate any help. Thanks you so much.

[disgruntled la native]

Depends on your scene. I'll say there's different scenes for a single person that wants activity:


WESTSIDE:

Santa Monica (by Main St or Downtown - but this is expensive), Westwood/West LA, Brentwood. Plenty of bars and restaurants in the Westside, but it tends to be more laid back. Not as wild. closer to the ocean and I think the people are more mature than weho/hollywood

WEST HOLLYWOOD/Midwilshire miracle mile/Hollywood

The hip younger scene with the hottest nightlife and the most "industry" influence. Also the most walkable and social. The most options will be here but it's stressful and congested.

Silverlake/los feliz/echo park

The hipster scene, artsy and alternative.

A lot of single professional types live in downtown too, which I could compare to santa monica since it has lots of nightlife and restaurants and stores but still fairly tame

[impik]

Thank you so much. If I can ask one more question: How expensive the apartments for rent in all these areas?

[disgruntled la native]

It varies, even in the areas. Santa Monica/Brentwood/Westwood are the most expensive generally, followed by West Hollywood. But there are apartments in Downtown LA that are super nice and will cost as much as one in Santa Monica.

I think for a one bedroom the range in those areas will be 1100-well past 2000. If you need something closer to 1100 Hollywood and Echo park are better bets. I think the average for a one bedroom in West Hollywood is around 1300. One bedrooms can be found in parts of Santa Monica for around 1500-1600 too.