Chinatown is a historic neighborhood in central Los Angeles, located just north of downtown. Its convenient access to public transportation and proximity to downtown make it increasingly popular among people looking for an urban lifestyle. Some of the area’s architecture still mirrors its Chinese cultural heritage, although modern amenities attract a diverse population. Real estate inventory is limited, making it somewhat challenging to find a home in the area.
In the 1930s, the city demolished the original Chinatown to build Union Station, displacing thousands of residents in the process. Shortly after, a group of Chinese and Chinese American business owners teamed up to purchase land and form this new community — one centered around a vibrant, walkable shopping plaza. Many buildings in this area reflect traditional Chinese architecture, featuring tile roofs with upturned eaves, ornate windows and red and gold accents.
While many of the early structures remain and some businesses have stayed in the same families for generations, the community’s focus has begun to shift. Galleries and boutiques are moving in, and the area is attracting artists and restaurants of all kinds. “It has a real multicultural vibe," says Mark Mullin, Realtor on the Tracy Do Team at Coldwell Banker, who has lived in LA for more than 40 years. "You have newer places like Café Tondo, an upscale Mexican restaurant, and Italian-themed bars, like Café Triste.”
Most real estate listings are in the western section of Chinatown, which is sometimes referred to as Victor Heights. Townhouses and condos are common, and there's a limited supply of remaining houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s. In central Chinatown, buyers might find a storefront with an upstairs apartment, while the section to the east of Los Angeles State Historic Park is a mix of industrial properties and newer, mid-rise apartment buildings. Overall, “buying in Chinatown is tricky, only because there’s not much available to purchase,” Mullin says.
Condos and townhouses generally sell between the upper $400,000s and upper $800,000s, while mixed-use and multifamily buildings range in price from approximately $1 million to $1.6 million.
Chinatown is just a mile from downtown, and the neighborhood itself is relatively compact and pedestrian friendly. “When you live in Chinatown, you have the ability to walk in a way that some Angelenos don’t,” Mullin says. “It’s an appealing neighborhood for people who don’t want to drive.” With bus stops and a Metro light rail station in the community, as well as Union Station directly south, public transportation options are plentiful. Residents who own cars have access to several major highways, including Interstate 5 and U.S. Route 101.
Chinatown remains a popular tourist destination, which helps sustain a variety of local businesses, including bakeries, art galleries and souvenir shops. You can enjoy traditional Cantonese dim sum at Won Kok or try modern fusion flavors at Firstborn and Majordomo. Bars like General Lee's and Melody Lounge keep Central Plaza lively after dark.
Fresh produce is available at Yue Wa Market and the weekly LA River Farmers' Market, and Lax-C sells prepared foods and imported specialty ingredients. “There are plenty of markets, but it lacks a really good supermarket,” Mullin says. “The people I know who live in Chinatown kind of grumble about that.”
Despite its location near the heart of Los Angeles, there are several ways to stretch your legs in Chinatown, including:
Dodger Stadium sits directly north of the community, making it an ideal spot for sports fans. “You can literally walk up to the stadium,” Mullin says. Game days bring a celebratory energy to the neighborhood, but they can also mean heavier traffic. “Chinatown tends to fill up before Dodgers’ games,” Mullin says, adding that many residents keep a schedule of games on their fridges to plan around crowds.
Miguel Garcia
RE/MAX MASTERS REALTY
(626) 727-7715
35 Total Sales
1 in Chinatown
$585,000 Price
Mike Chou
K.W. EXECUTIVE
(626) 653-4295
172 Total Sales
1 in Chinatown
$698,000 Price
Tracy Do
Coldwell Banker Realty
(626) 658-3878
795 Total Sales
27 in Chinatown
$775K - $1.1M Price Range
Diana Cifuentes
Keller Williams Realty
(323) 745-8876
28 Total Sales
1 in Chinatown
$1,090,000 Price
Luther Sanchez
Century 21 Allstars
(424) 296-8550
92 Total Sales
1 in Chinatown
$1,015,000 Price
Chad Schlotterback
JohnHart Corp.
(424) 369-0214
30 Total Sales
1 in Chinatown
$480,000 Price
Airport
Bob Hope
22 min drive
Subway
Chinatown Station
Bus
Centennial & Alpine St.
Bus
College & Hill St
Bus
Main & College
Bus
Alameda & College
Bus
Broadway & Alpine
Bus
Vignes & Main
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Chinatown | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 6 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 9 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 8 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 7 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 4 |
| Larceny | 8 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Chinatown, Los Angeles sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Chinatown, Los Angeles over the last 12 months is $577,500, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$2,217 - $4,511 per month
$2,552 - $5,209 per month
$1,742 - $4,852 per month
$1,850 - $2,289 per month
$2,399 - $3,369 per month
$1,850 - $2,667 per month
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