In notoriously unwalkable Los Angeles, Downtown LA is one of the few areas where residents might live without a car. Here in the cultural and financial heart of America's second-largest city, residents have world-class shops, restaurants, museums and entertainment venues — all within walking distance. Those allures weren’t always there, though. “When I moved here in 2002, we didn’t have a bonified, walkable downtown. Now we do,” says Bill Cooper, a manager with Coldwell Banker Exclusive that specializes in Downtown Los Angeles. He’s been the president of the Downtown Los Angeles Real Estate Association since its founding in 2007, which works with city government to promote growth. “They’ve been building up the arts district for some time now, and it keeps growing. It’s taken on its own personality, where it used to be just warehouses. We also have the Olympics on the books for 2028, and a lot of funding has been poured into the area because of that." Downtown LA, or DTLA, is also the hub for the city’s fast-growing light rail system, which grants easy access to Santa Monica, Hollywood and other major destinations.
Apartments and condos in the Financial District, Little Tokyo
In urban DTLA, housing options are generally apartment-style condos and lofts. Buildings range from historic and ornate to sleek and modern, often with beautiful views of the city or surrounding mountains. One-bedroom units average $525,000; two-and three-bedroom units range from $700,000 to $1.5 million; and luxury condos that sprawl 3,000 square feet or more average $7.5 million.
Cultivating artists at Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts
Los Angeles Unified Schools here include San Pedro Street Elementary and the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts, both of which earn 5 out of 10s from GreatSchools. The latter is one of the city's top performing arts schools. Hollenbeck Middle in adjacent Boyle Heights earns a 6 out of 10 for its test scores and academic progress, with slightly higher marks for equity. Lottery charter schools offer an alternative, and private options include the Colburn School, an elite music conservatory.
Not just a concrete jungle: Downtown Los Angeles’ green spaces
Downtown Los Angeles is better known for concrete than green space, but it does have some neighborhood parks. Gloria Molina Grand Park stretches from The Music Center to City Hall, and it has music festivals in the summer. Spring Street Park has a playground, and dog parks are nearby. Pershing Square, a downtown landmark, also has an ice skating rink in the winter. A couple of miles north, Elysian Park has roughly 600 acres with hiking trails, a bike path and Dodgers Stadium.
Angelino culture, entertainment and more
Culture and entertainment are a major draw in DTLA. The Music Center has four venues, including the Ahmanson Theater for Broadway musicals and the Walt Disney Concert Hall for the LA Philharmonic. ear-round, you can enjoy music events in the Center's fairy-lit courtyard. Catch Taylor Swift or a Los Angeles Lakers game at the Crypto.com Arena, immerse yourself in cutting-edge contemporary art at MoCA and The Broad, and if you're an architecture fan, you'll delight in the art deco movie palaces along Broadway, some of which now house permanent flea markets or cocktail bars. Residents have everything from the poolside, rooftop Upstairs Bar and the dimly lit Seven Grand, a whisky bar with pool tables and a jukebox. Brewery crawls can start at Boomtown or Angel City, while the Alamo Drafthouse caters to both beer and movie lovers. The iconic Grand Central Market serves oysters, egg sandwiches and everything in between. Bavel has a spin on Middle Eastern cuisine, and 715 has Michelin-starred sushi. Local businesses, such as The Last Bookstore, are around downtown, and The Bloc is a mixed-use development with a Macy’s. The Fashion District has on-street vendors, where visitors can haggle. Grocery options range from Nijiya Market in Little Tokyo to a Whole Foods on downtown’s west side.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Downtown LA, Los Angeles sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown LA, Los Angeles over the last 12 months is $620,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to your west-facing 1-bedroom unit in the highly desirable South Park neighborhood of DTLA. This beautifully updated condominium features a private balcony with sweeping views of the DTLA skyline. Inside, the home boasts a remodeled kitchen with sleek white custom European cabinetry, Patagonia Granite Quartzite polished countertops, and new stainless steel appliances. The open layout
New York style Two-story penthouse unit with views and private roof deck in the historic Higgins door man building. Offers a rare opportunity to own a truly unique private residence in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Designed with soaring high ceilings, Eastern views and a live/work loft-style layout, the space blends dramatic architecture with flexibility and character. Boasting breathtaking
Little Tokyo PENTHOUSE CONDO! This unit belonged to the builder of the condo because he saved this one for himself! And it's easy to see why: it has the best views in the building of the downtown skyline. It's perched at the very top with no one above you. It offers sweeping views with an unmatched sense of privacy. Inside, enjoy TWO oversized bedrooms, TWO beautifully updated bathrooms, and
Newly remodeled exterior facing unit in the historic Bartlett building with great views of the DTLA streetscape! Large original windows let in tons of light. Kitchen features ebony stain cabinets, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Concrete floors abound throughout and bathroom boasts oversized soaking tub. Building is walking distance to Restaurant Row, Bottega Louie, Whole Foods,
Conveniently located at the SB Grand, this rare 2 bedroom spacious open loft with fantastic urban industrial character is located on Broadway in the Historic Core. It features high, open concrete ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen boasts solid wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Bathroom has washer/dryer hookups and oversized soaking tub. The location is
Extraordinary lofted home with inspiring views of Downtown LA's exquisite high-rises. Situated in the historical Biscuit Company Lofts, experience true industrial warehouse living with soaring 15' high ceilings, original century old brickwork, and towering windows installed with motorized roller shades revealing Western facing views drawing in an abundance of natural light. The main level
**Price Improvement. The actual Lease Rate is $3,900; the advertised rate of $3,622 is based on a 14-month lease term with a 1-month lease concession included.** Experience an authentic loft lifestyle in the heart of the arts district! Situated in the historic Brick Lofts is this live/work loft that offers the best of both worlds; Historic architectural details including exposed brick walls and
**Price Improvement. The actual Lease Rate is $3,400; the advertised rate of $3,158 is based on a 14-month lease term with a 1-month lease concession included.** Experience an authentic loft lifestyle in the heart of the arts district! Situated in the historic Brick Lofts is this live/work loft that offers the best of both worlds; Historic architectural details including exposed brick walls and
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
