Los Angeles, CA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Los Angeles, CA: What You Need to Know

Los Angeles is inextricably linked with Hollywood, making it the film capital of the world. It’s home to 3.9 million people, the second-most populous city in the U.S., behind New York.

Things to Do in L.A.

Universal Studios Hollywood, a working movie studio that’s also a theme park, is usually the first stop for most visitors. Take a tour of the studio lot, consisting of 13 blocks on four acres, and see the sets or props from popular movies. Visit Griffith Park and the famous Griffith Observatory, which has made cameos in films like “La La Land” and “Rebel Without a Cause.” The observatory, perched atop Mount Hollywood, is one of the best places to view the iconic Hollywood sign. For a change of pace, stop by Getty Center, which features galleries filled with masterpieces dating back to the Middle Ages. 

The Cost of Living in Los Angeles

The City of Angels is no heaven when it comes to expenses – the cost of living and housing costs are 42.6% and 27.9% higher than the national average, respectively. California’s 1% to 13.3% income tax rate is among the highest in the country. The sales tax rate, ranging from 7.25% to 10.50%, is also considered high. The good news is, the state’s 0.77% effective property tax rate is below the national average. Median gross rent is $1,376 while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,820.

Know Your Neighborhoods

You’ll find affordable studios in Hollywood where new high-rise apartments are being developed. The neighborhood is ideal for people who want to be close to jobs, from major companies such as Netflix and Viacom, and other startups. It’s no secret that L.A. traffic is one of the worst in the world, so newcomers are drawn to Mid-City because it’s accessible by bus and subway. In the suburbs, Santa Monica is a popular choice among renters for its amenities and proximity to the beach. Alhambra’s affordability and access to public transportation are also drawing newcomers—plus, it has great schools.

A City of Champions

Why have one when you can have two? That seems to be the motto for Los Angeles, which has two NBA teams and two NFL teams. The city is home to the Lakers, which has won 16 NBA championships, and the Clippers. The city’s two NFL teams are the Chargers and the Rams. The following professional teams are also based in the city: Dodgers (MLB), Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Football Club (MLS), the Galaxy (MLS), and the Sparks (WNBA).

Getting Around in L.A.

Most residents rely primarily on their cars. For those who want an alternative, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (or Metro) operates light rail, heavy rail, bus, and bus rapid transit services. Metro has six rail lines that service key business areas and tourist attractions. The Los Angeles International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports. Those who want to avoid it can travel to smaller airports in nearby Burbank and Long Beach.