The Los Angeles Condo Loft » Los Angeles Real Estate

Miracle Mile — Minutes From Everywhere You Want To Be

Lela Winston — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:22:46 +0000

The Los Angeles Miracle Mile stands as a trendy cultural mecca, just minutes away from Korea Town, Larchmont, Westwood and Beverly Hills. Strangely, the Miracle Mile is actually about two miles, stretching from Western Avenue to Fairfax Boulevard along the Wilshire Corridor which begins in Downtown Los Angeles and reaches to the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood is mostly composed of apartments and lofts peppered with condos, cultural exhibitions, and art and entertainment venues. The Miracle Mile spans two Los Angeles city districts. The area was largely transformed in the mid-twenties by developer A.W. Ross who sought to create a commercial district comparable to downtown Los Angeles out of a rough road and farmland west of Western avenue. The result was the Miracle Mile which attracted huge commercial interest, making Ross’ venture a resounding success. Since that time, the Miracle Mile has managed to stay relevant for over 80 years. The Miracle Mile boasts a few high rises and multistory commercial buildings like the Variety building and the Samsung building, but it remains mostly a low rise neighborhood. Many of its apartments, condos and commercial properties remain only a few stories high. The low rise buildings reduce the urban aesthetic and inject a hint of suburbia that is refreshing. Many of the apartments rent for between $2000 to $5000 and some studios go for as little as $1000. Condos and houses in the area average between half a million and $1.5 million dollars. This is definitely a neighborhood for the trendy urban dweller that likes to be just within reach of everything. The Miracle Mile sparkles with the magic of possibility and excitement. It also has a relatively young demographic which ranges between 20-40 year-olds and the seasonal influx of UCLA students. On an average day you will find strolling couples, joggers, and foodies enjoying their favorite meal or beverage at a local eatery or coffee shop. The historic Wiltern Theater and El Rey Theaters are just minutes apart on the Miracle Mile giving way to a bastion of ethnic and local eateries, offering cuisine from India and Italy to Africa and Korea. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of the Miracle Mile. It houses a number of fine art collections, hosts cultural events year round and is located only seconds from the La Brea tar pits, a naturally occurring phenomenon in Southern California. The famous Peterson Automotive Museum along with LACMA are among the many museums and cultural spots in the neighborhood. While the Miracle Mile appears mostly untouched by the economic downturn, the neighborhood has seen some changes. It has seen the demise of a few local businesses and many have been replaced with big box commercial venues and franchises. Additionally a number of newer condos are being developed in the area, along with a luxury car dealership. And while many of the changes have been beneficial, there are markedly more commercial, residential and medical office vacancies. The neighborhood has also seen foreclosures on a few of its condos and single family residences. These changes may be a temporary sign, but shrewd buyers and renters may want to remain vigilant in the current bear real estate market. Overall, the Miracle Mile has remained relatively stable. The area has many factors working in its favor. Its proximity to Hollywood, UCLA and Beverly Hills has helped to keep this a vibrant and economically resilient neighborhood. The La Brea Tar Pits, Museum Row and its numerous entertainment venues also help to keep the Miracle Mile a hot spot for affluent Angelenos, students, and tourists. Its cultural diversity and proximity to many of Los Angeles’ notable neighborhoods make it a desirable location for those who like accessibility and variety.

The area was largely transformed in the mid-twenties by developer A.W. Ross who sought to create a commercial district comparable to downtown Los Angeles out of a rough road and farmland west of Western avenue. The result was the Miracle Mile which attracted huge commercial interest, making Ross’ venture a resounding success. Since that time, the Miracle Mile has managed to stay relevant for over 80 years.

The Miracle Mile boasts a few high rises and multistory commercial buildings like the Variety building and the Samsung building, but it remains mostly a low rise neighborhood. Many of its apartments, condos and commercial properties remain only a few stories high. The low rise buildings reduce the urban aesthetic and inject a hint of suburbia that is refreshing. Many of the apartments rent for between $2000 to $5000 and some studios go for as little as $1000. Condos and houses in the area average between half a million and $1.5 million dollars.

This is definitely a neighborhood for the trendy urban dweller that likes to be just within reach of everything. The Miracle Mile sparkles with the magic of possibility and excitement. It also has a relatively young demographic which ranges between 20-40 year-olds and the seasonal influx of UCLA students. On an average day you will find strolling couples, joggers, and foodies enjoying their favorite meal or beverage at a local eatery or coffee shop. The historic Wiltern Theater and El Rey Theaters are just minutes apart on the Miracle Mile giving way to a bastion of ethnic and local eateries, offering cuisine from India and Italy to Africa and Korea.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of the Miracle Mile. It houses a number of fine art collections, hosts cultural events year round and is located only seconds from the La Brea tar pits, a naturally occurring phenomenon in Southern California. The famous Peterson Automotive Museum along with LACMA are among the many museums and cultural spots in the neighborhood.

While the Miracle Mile appears mostly untouched by the economic downturn, the neighborhood has seen some changes. It has seen the demise of a few local businesses and many have been replaced with big box commercial venues and franchises. Additionally a number of newer condos are being developed in the area, along with a luxury car dealership. And while many of the changes have been beneficial, there are markedly more commercial, residential and medical office vacancies. The neighborhood has also seen foreclosures on a few of its condos and single family residences. These changes may be a temporary sign, but shrewd buyers and renters may want to remain vigilant in the current bear real estate market.

Overall, the Miracle Mile has remained relatively stable. The area has many factors working in its favor. Its proximity to Hollywood, UCLA and Beverly Hills has helped to keep this a vibrant and economically resilient neighborhood. The La Brea Tar Pits, Museum Row and its numerous entertainment venues also help to keep the Miracle Mile a hot spot for affluent Angelenos, students, and tourists. Its cultural diversity and proximity to many of Los Angeles’ notable neighborhoods make it a desirable location for those who like accessibility and variety.

Baldwin Hills – A Neighborhood on the Mend

Steven John — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:09:13 +0000

Los Angeles has long been associated with endemic gang violence and crime issues. Unfortunately, for much of the city’s history, this association has been a relatively fair one. In the late 60s and again in the early 90s riots ripped much of the city asunder. In the times between regular criminal activities with occasional large flare ups of violence have been a sad part of the fabric of our city. In recent years, much of the city has been very much on the rebound, as it were. From Downtown to South Los Angeles (as it was re-designated to break the stigma of the area’s former name, South Central), Los Angeles is becoming a much safer place to live, to work and to raise a family. And what does that mean? Well, many things. But for our purposes, it means that for the home hunter who is willing to bet the city’s ascendance will continue, now is the time to buy! Baldwin Hills is a neighborhood of Los Angeles it would be easy enough to overlook. It is tucked to the south of the 10 Freeway and to the east of Culver City. It shares borders with some historically unpleasant areas on its own eastern edge and, as such, is an area many seek to avoid. But this reaction is out of date. Restaurants and shops are cropping up and homes are available. Take a look yourself and see if maybe you can’t picture what this neighborhood could look like in a few years’ time. Take a look at these stats (as of 10/18/11): 1 BR: Active Listings – 5 • Lowest – $190,000 • Average – $197,200 • Highest – $199,000 2 BR: Active Listings – 8 • Lowest – $269,900 • Average – $308,675 • Highest – $349,000 3 BR: Active Listings – 6 • Lowest – $250,000 • Average – $347,500 • Highest – $389,000 Interested? Contact us and we can help you participate in the Baldwin Hills renaissance. CondoDomain.

In recent years, much of the city has been very much on the rebound, as it were. From Downtown to South Los Angeles (as it was re-designated to break the stigma of the area’s former name, South Central), Los Angeles is becoming a much safer place to live, to work and to raise a family.

And what does that mean? Well, many things. But for our purposes, it means that for the home hunter who is willing to bet the city’s ascendance will continue, now is the time to buy! Baldwin Hills is a neighborhood of Los Angeles it would be easy enough to overlook. It is tucked to the south of the 10 Freeway and to the east of Culver City. It shares borders with some historically unpleasant areas on its own eastern edge and, as such, is an area many seek to avoid. But this reaction is out of date. Restaurants and shops are cropping up and homes are available. Take a look yourself and see if maybe you can’t picture what this neighborhood could look like in a few years’ time.

Take a look at these stats (as of 10/18/11):

1 BR: Active Listings – 5 • Lowest – $190,000 • Average – $197,200 • Highest – $199,000

2 BR: Active Listings – 8 • Lowest – $269,900 • Average – $308,675 • Highest – $349,000

3 BR: Active Listings – 6 • Lowest – $250,000 • Average – $347,500 • Highest – $389,000

Interested? Contact us and we can help you participate in the Baldwin Hills renaissance. CondoDomain.

El Monte – Yet Another City in a City

Steven John — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:54:49 +0000

If you don’t live in Los Angeles, you have probably never heard of El Monte. If you do live here, you may well have heard of the place but know nothing about it. That, more and more these days, would be to your detriment. Did you know, for example, that El Monte is a fully incorporated city in the central-eastern part of L.A. (in the San Gabriel Valley, for those in the know)? Or that it is home to well over 100,000 residents? Or that in the 18th century Spanish settlers, missionaries and soldiers frequented the area? And were you aware that next year, 2012, marks the centennial of the founding of El Monte? If you didn’t know any of that, I forgive you. You also probably didn’t know that there are dozens of 3 bedroom condos available there for under $250k. And 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos for around $150 thousand. That’s right: scarcely 10 miles down the 10 Freeway from Downtown is a city just begging for you to take a look (and then stake a claim… this is the historic “End of the Santa Fe Trail,” after all!). Take a look at these three homes, in ascending order of size, price and amenities, and then tell me where else around here you can find that kind of value! (What? Oh… right… in many of your past articles. Well, just doin’ my job, then.) $190k… Under $300k… Just over $300k… If you are interested in seeing any of these amazing homes just enter your information into the box on your right and an expert real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Did you know, for example, that El Monte is a fully incorporated city in the central-eastern part of L.A. (in the San Gabriel Valley, for those in the know)? Or that it is home to well over 100,000 residents? Or that in the 18^th century Spanish settlers, missionaries and soldiers frequented the area? And were you aware that next year, 2012, marks the centennial of the founding of El Monte?

If you didn’t know any of that, I forgive you. You also probably didn’t know that there are dozens of 3 bedroom condos available there for under $250k. And 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos for around $150 thousand. That’s right: scarcely 10 miles down the 10 Freeway from Downtown is a city just begging for you to take a look (and then stake a claim… this is the historic “End of the Santa Fe Trail,” after all!).

Take a look at these three homes, in ascending order of size, price and amenities, and then tell me where else around here you can find that kind of value! (What? Oh… right… in many of your past articles. Well, just doin’ my job, then.)

$190k…

Under $300k…

Just over $300k…

If you are interested in seeing any of these amazing homes just enter your information into the box on your right and an expert real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Los Angeles Living to Leave the Car Behind

Steven John — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:09:28 +0000

A little while back I wrote an article on Westwood, an area of Los Angeles that is very walking friendly, and got some positive responses. People seem to like the idea of living in a place where they can actually get their groceries, grab a bite, see a movie, etc. without having to jump in their cars and sit in slow-and-go traffic for 40 minutes (that seems to be the magic number, by the way… whenever anyone asks me how long it takes to get anywhere, I just say 40 minutes and it’s usually pretty damn close to right). So I thought, “Hey! Let’s run with that!” Thus today I shall profile three areas where you could live (almost) entirely without your car. Unless you wanted to go see a friend in Venice or Pasadena or South LA. All those will require some driving – say… 40 minutes worth? Anyway, I’ll give you briefs on each area, then one fine example of a condo that could be yours in said area. We start with… SANTA MONICA: A famous city, right by the beach, beautiful, blah blah. Santa Monica is a great place, we all know that. But so is, say, Malibu, and good luck without a car there. In many areas of Santa Monica, however, you can live in a lovely home and be within a five minute walk of groceries, fine upscale dining, casual cafes, bars, a movie theater and shops ranging from department stores to an REI to Rite Aid and beyond. (Oh and there’s that whole beaches along the Pacific Coast thing). Santa Monica is a large city, and much of it is more suburban and not as walking friendly. But as you move toward its charming downtown, see the laudatory list above and take a look at this awesome place. BURBANK: Much of Burbank is entirely residential and does not fit our narrative of today. But we’re not talking about that part. Nor are we talking about the Warner Brothers or Disney lots. You can’t live there, sorry. Where I’m going to focus is on the downtown of the city, which is actually, ironically, near its very northern border, just north of the 5 Freeway. Along Glenoaks and San Fernando Boulevards from the east to west and roughly between Burbank Blvd. and Alameda Street running north to south is an area of Burbank where you can shoot pool, grab groceries, hit the mall, see films in several theaters, go to Ikea, eat at all types of restaurants and taverns… and so on. You could live on foot indefinitely. (And ironically, the DMV is not far down the road either!) Check out this available home for a taste: WEST LOS ANGELES: Lots of people have trouble nailing down exactly where “West Los Angeles” denotes, exactly. Well, let me elucidate it for you… it’s east of the 405 but also some on the west of it. It’s north of the 10 Freeway (if you ask most people). It’s south of and not to be confused with Westwood and it’s west of Century City which kind of stops at… um… Overland? Or before that? OK! Fine! It’s hard to define. So I’ll find you a home near the intersection of Olympic and Sepulveda. That will give you what many Anglenos dream of… close access to two major highways! Wait! Forget I said that, we’re talking about NOT using your car! (Oh well, it’s still true.) This area affords you a shopping center, various ethnic restaurants, grocery stores, etc. The rent/mortgage here is decidedly lower than other areas and perhaps it’s got more… character… but stand by… I smell gentrification in the air…Check it out If you want to see any of this fabulous LA real estate or take a look at some different listings simply enter your information into the box on your right and a expert LA real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

So I thought, “Hey! Let’s run with that!” Thus today I shall profile three areas where you could live (almost) entirely without your car. Unless you wanted to go see a friend in Venice or Pasadena or South LA. All those will require some driving – say… 40 minutes worth? Anyway, I’ll give you briefs on each area, then one fine example of a condo that could be yours in said area.

We start with…

SANTA MONICA: A famous city, right by the beach, beautiful, blah blah. Santa Monica is a great place, we all know that. But so is, say, Malibu, and good luck without a car there. In many areas of Santa Monica, however, you can live in a lovely home and be within a five minute walk of groceries, fine upscale dining, casual cafes, bars, a movie theater and shops ranging from department stores to an REI to Rite Aid and beyond. (Oh and there’s that whole beaches along the Pacific Coast thing). Santa Monica is a large city, and much of it is more suburban and not as walking friendly. But as you move toward its charming downtown, see the laudatory list above and take a look at this awesome place.

BURBANK: Much of Burbank is entirely residential and does not fit our narrative of today. But we’re not talking about that part. Nor are we talking about the Warner Brothers or Disney lots. You can’t live there, sorry. Where I’m going to focus is on the downtown of the city, which is actually, ironically, near its very northern border, just north of the 5 Freeway. Along Glenoaks and San Fernando Boulevards from the east to west and roughly between Burbank Blvd. and Alameda Street running north to south is an area of Burbank where you can shoot pool, grab groceries, hit the mall, see films in several theaters, go to Ikea, eat at all types of restaurants and taverns… and so on. You could live on foot indefinitely. (And ironically, the DMV is not far down the road either!) Check out this available home for a taste:

WEST LOS ANGELES: Lots of people have trouble nailing down exactly where “West Los Angeles” denotes, exactly. Well, let me elucidate it for you… it’s east of the 405 but also some on the west of it. It’s north of the 10 Freeway (if you ask most people). It’s south of and not to be confused with Westwood and it’s west of Century City which kind of stops at… um… Overland? Or before that? OK! Fine! It’s hard to define. So I’ll find you a home near the intersection of Olympic and Sepulveda. That will give you what many Anglenos dream of… close access to two major highways! Wait! Forget I said that, we’re talking about NOT using your car! (Oh well, it’s still true.) This area affords you a shopping center, various ethnic restaurants, grocery stores, etc. The rent/mortgage here is decidedly lower than other areas and perhaps it’s got more… character… but stand by… I smell gentrification in the air…Check it out

If you want to see any of this fabulous LA real estate or take a look at some different listings simply enter your information into the box on your right and a expert LA real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Independent (but assisted) Living for Los Angeles Area Seniors

Steven John — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:47:47 +0000

Are you ready to have a comfortable, stable home life but far, far from ready to, quote, “settle down?” Well then I have the article for you. This one! Los Angeles is full of so-called senior citizens who may be ready for a safe, reliable place to call home and are certainly at a time in their lives when they appreciate and deserve the finest amenities available, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to check in and check out. Not by a long shot. First let’s do the basic numbers. According to the report by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000, 4% of the population of L.A. County was between 55 and 59 years old. 60 to 64 year olds made up 3.2%, 65 to 74 year olds came in at just over 5% and older than that equaled about 4.5% of the county’s total population. So that’s about 33.5% of the total population of Los Angeles County aged over 55 years. Now, let me clear the airwaves and say that 55 is not old. Nor is 65, anymore. And 75? Not like it used to be, certainly. But with age come certain benefits, such as the wisdom to plan ahead. If you can find a great deal on a great home that could be your own indefinitely, even as your needs do start to change in your older years, why not jump on it? There are also a number of great condos in LA with a number of amenities that let you live your golden years in comfort and luxury. You can check out some of those listings HERE or enter your information into the box on your right and an expert real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

First let’s do the basic numbers. According to the report by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2000, 4% of the population of L.A. County was between 55 and 59 years old. 60 to 64 year olds made up 3.2%, 65 to 74 year olds came in at just over 5% and older than that equaled about 4.5% of the county’s total population. So that’s about 33.5% of the total population of Los Angeles County aged over 55 years. Now, let me clear the airwaves and say that 55 is not old. Nor is 65, anymore. And 75? Not like it used to be, certainly. But with age come certain benefits, such as the wisdom to plan ahead. If you can find a great deal on a great home that could be your own indefinitely, even as your needs do start to change in your older years, why not jump on it?

There are also a number of great condos in LA with a number of amenities that let you live your golden years in comfort and luxury. You can check out some of those listings HERE or enter your information into the box on your right and an expert real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Manhattan Beach Bliss

Steven John — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:38:45 +0000

You could do a lot worse than Manhattan Beach when looking for a place to call home. While it is not, shall we say, gentle on the wallet to live there, I’ve found a few deals for you that will soften the blow. And when you see the area, you’ll be more ready to take the proverbial punch. Manhattan Beach is a fully incorporated, independent city within the County of Los Angeles. And in fact it has been since 1910, making it a decently old city by west coast standards. The population is only around 35,000 and those folks are spread across just less than four square miles of land. The downtown of this scenic city has plenty of restaurants and shops, many of them unique boutiques (sorry, that rhyme was not planned and came across sounding canned. Damn! Twice!). There is also a shopping mall – the Manhattan Village Mall – with department stores, a Pottery Barn, a Williams & Sonoma… the standard fare. Manhattan Beach is quite close to Los Angeles International Airport, thus getting away from home and then back again is a snap. It is something of a commute, however, to get to downtown LA and beyond. But why leave home? Just look at that beach! And while we’re talking about homes… here you go, in order of ascending price: 729 MANHATTAN BEACH Boulevard 121 32ND STREET 230 ANDERSON Street If you want to check out any of these awesome Manhattan Beach properties just enter your information into the box on your right and a rock star LA real estate agent will get in touch with you right away! image credits: CityofManhattanBecah.org

Manhattan Beach is a fully incorporated, independent city within the County of Los Angeles. And in fact it has been since 1910, making it a decently old city by west coast standards. The population is only around 35,000 and those folks are spread across just less than four square miles of land.

The downtown of this scenic city has plenty of restaurants and shops, many of them unique boutiques (sorry, that rhyme was not planned and came across sounding canned. Damn! Twice!). There is also a shopping mall – the Manhattan Village Mall – with department stores, a Pottery Barn, a Williams & Sonoma… the standard fare. Manhattan Beach is quite close to Los Angeles International Airport, thus getting away from home and then back again is a snap. It is something of a commute, however, to get to downtown LA and beyond. But why leave home? Just look at that beach!

And while we’re talking about homes… here you go, in order of ascending price:

729 MANHATTAN BEACH Boulevard

121 32ND STREET

230 ANDERSON Street

If you want to check out any of these awesome Manhattan Beach properties just enter your information into the box on your right and a rock star LA real estate agent will get in touch with you right away!

image credits: CityofManhattanBecah.org

Downtown Los Angeles – The Arts District

Steven John — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:41:21 +0000

You probably already know that Downtown Los Angeles is rapidly becoming a pretty cool place to live. Even longtime Angelenos are often surprised at just how “urban” the actual city center can feel. One tends to picture the Hollywood Sign, Bel Air mansions, surfers, wide boulevards cutting among hip neighborhoods and past rolling mountains when someone says “Los Angeles.” But the actual downtown – the place where city hall, sky scrapers, court houses, etc. come together – feels like a “real city.” It’s flavored by a pinch of New York, a dash of San Francisco, dare I say a sprinkle of… what’s that… Denver? And, of course, its own unique characteristics. If you read my earlier article on the housing market in Downtown, you know that now is a decent time to buy a condo in the area. They are abundant and run the gamut of prices, from ultra-luxury homes to, shall we say, homes with lots of “character.” But what we still need to discuss is just why you might want to live downtown. I could talk about the beautiful, Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall or the stunning cathedral or all the dining and retail opening up around the city, but today we’re going to focus on something else. If you read the article’s title… um… yeah, you already know… The L.A. Art District’s nascent days were the later 1970s. Artists from surrounding areas – with a large number of them from western communities like Venice – began to flock to eastern downtown thanks to the wide availability of large loft spaces for cheap rents. In fact, the area was previously known as the “Warehouse District.” As so often happens, the decline on one thing, in this case business, led to the ascendance of another, here being art. (Think of the Meat Packing district in NYC.) Many of these first downtown artists lived an essentially squatter’s lifestyle, living illegally in the commercial spaces they used as studios. Eventually, in 1981, the zoning ordinances were altered to meet the new reality of downtown, and by the mid-80s there was a bustling (and legal) community of artists living and working in Downtown L.A. By the 2000s, the area was popular not only among artists but also among young, usually affluent young people who rapidly gentrified the area. In 2006, the community voted to usher in a Business Improvement District measure, which brought heightened security, cleaning and maintenance services and infrastructure improvement, essentially cementing the area as a place both hip and safe to call home. Today, among the studios and loft-style apartments and condos, many signs of the area’s roots are still in exisitence. A rail line still links up to a functioning rail yard and active warehouses, food and industrial processing plants still occupy city blocks. What’s newer is the abundance of shops, restaurants and cafes. Visitors (or residents) in search of the eponymous mainstay of the area – namely artists – would do well to start off with a stroll down “Gallery Row” off Main Street. Well over a score galleries are there for you to visit. And don’t forget about the nearby museums and theaters, from world-famous MOCA to the unique Museum of Neon Art. And for those looking for an LA art primer, why not try the Art Walk? On the second Thursday of every month, a street in downtown is transformed, for the afternoon, into one giant – and free – art show to be strolled through by the aficionados and the curious alike. If your thinking of buying a condo in the area simply enter your information in the box on your right and a rock star real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

If you read my earlier article on the housing market in Downtown, you know that now is a decent time to buy a condo in the area. They are abundant and run the gamut of prices, from ultra-luxury homes to, shall we say, homes with lots of “character.” But what we still need to discuss is just why you might want to live downtown. I could talk about the beautiful, Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall or the stunning cathedral or all the dining and retail opening up around the city, but today we’re going to focus on something else. If you read the article’s title… um… yeah, you already know…

The L.A. Art District’s nascent days were the later 1970s. Artists from surrounding areas – with a large number of them from western communities like Venice – began to flock to eastern downtown thanks to the wide availability of large loft spaces for cheap rents. In fact, the area was previously known as the “Warehouse District.” As so often happens, the decline on one thing, in this case business, led to the ascendance of another, here being art. (Think of the Meat Packing district in NYC.) Many of these first downtown artists lived an essentially squatter’s lifestyle, living illegally in the commercial spaces they used as studios.

Eventually, in 1981, the zoning ordinances were altered to meet the new reality of downtown, and by the mid-80s there was a bustling (and legal) community of artists living and working in Downtown L.A. By the 2000s, the area was popular not only among artists but also among young, usually affluent young people who rapidly gentrified the area. In 2006, the community voted to usher in a Business Improvement District measure, which brought heightened security, cleaning and maintenance services and infrastructure improvement, essentially cementing the area as a place both hip and safe to call home.
Today, among the studios and loft-style apartments and condos, many signs of the area’s roots are still in exisitence. A rail line still links up to a functioning rail yard and active warehouses, food and industrial processing plants still occupy city blocks. What’s newer is the abundance of shops, restaurants and cafes. Visitors (or residents) in search of the eponymous mainstay of the area – namely artists – would do well to start off with a stroll down “Gallery Row” off Main Street. Well over a score galleries are there for you to visit. And don’t forget about the nearby museums and theaters, from world-famous MOCA to the unique Museum of Neon Art. And for those looking for an LA art primer, why not try the Art Walk? On the second Thursday of every month, a street in downtown is transformed, for the afternoon, into one giant – and free – art show to be strolled through by the aficionados and the curious alike.

If your thinking of buying a condo in the area simply enter your information in the box on your right and a rock star real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Go Uptown to Downtown

Lela Winston — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:20:59 +0000

Downtown Los Angeles has been a major focus for the city government for nearly a decade. Officials in this part of town have sought to introduce new life into an area once forsaken. The goal in this quickly gentrifying area has been to rid it of its massive homeless population and transform it into a desirable residential and commercial location. That work has been paying off. A recent study by The Downtown Center Business Improvement District concluded that the location is now a hotspot for the young and affluent. The news doesn’t come as a shock to those familiar with downtown and its intensive redevelopment projects. Downtown Los Angeles has been the recipient of countless millions in foreign and domestic dollars to restore and enhance the neighborhood. Condos, lofts and condominiums have become a major part of that redevelopment effort. The many old buildings in downtown Los Angeles have been remodeled and developed into luxury apartments, lofts and condominiums. There are also great areas within walking distance where condo dwellers can stop for a bite to eat, see a movie, attend a sporting event, or have a coffee at a sidewalk shop.

That work has been paying off. A recent study by The Downtown Center Business Improvement District concluded that the location is now a hotspot for the young and affluent. The news doesn’t come as a shock to those familiar with downtown and its intensive redevelopment projects. Downtown Los Angeles has been the recipient of countless millions in foreign and domestic dollars to restore and enhance the neighborhood.

Condos, lofts and condominiums have become a major part of that redevelopment effort. The many old buildings in downtown Los Angeles have been remodeled and developed into luxury apartments, lofts and condominiums. There are also great areas within walking distance where condo dwellers can stop for a bite to eat, see a movie, attend a sporting event, or have a coffee at a sidewalk shop.

Pacific Palisades — Beaches, Mountains and Lovely Homes

Steven John — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:00:48 +0000

Tucked between the cities of Santa Monica to the south and Malibu to the north and framed by the Pacific Ocean and a mountain chain to the west and east, respectively, Pacific Palisades is a beautiful but largely unknown neighborhood. Unknown, at least, to those new to or unfamiliar with the area. And perhaps that’s how the 28,000 or so residents of this affluent Los Angeles neighborhood like it. But… with apologies, I’m shedding some light on the place anyway. It’s a fine place to call home, so why keep it a mystery for those looking for a new home? Let’s set the record straight right off the bat: this is not a cheap place to live. The real estate in Pacific Palisades is premium stuff, and you’ll pay for it. This is not likely to be the neighborhood for first time home buyers. But it may just be the place for that forever home. I mean, just take a look… There is, however, a catch. (There’s always a catch, isn’t there? Well this time it’s the good kind!) One word… here it is: CONDOS! OK, maybe you saw that coming from us. But if you want the Pacific Palisades address but are still building up that portfolio or 401k, here are a few examples of how you can get it. I’ll list the listings (I know… I know) in order of least expensive to most (which does indeed top out well into seven figures). Less than $500k… Less than $750k… Just under $950k… And… $1.25 million! Image Courtesy GoogleMaps (C) 2011 and Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce

And perhaps that’s how the 28,000 or so residents of this affluent Los Angeles neighborhood like it. But… with apologies, I’m shedding some light on the place anyway. It’s a fine place to call home, so why keep it a mystery for those looking for a new home?

Let’s set the record straight right off the bat: this is not a cheap place to live. The real estate in Pacific Palisades is premium stuff, and you’ll pay for it. This is not likely to be the neighborhood for first time home buyers. But it may just be the place for that forever home. I mean, just take a look…

There is, however, a catch. (There’s always a catch, isn’t there? Well this time it’s the good kind!)

One word… here it is: CONDOS!

OK, maybe you saw that coming from us. But if you want the Pacific Palisades address but are still building up that portfolio or 401k, here are a few examples of how you can get it. I’ll list the listings (I know… I know) in order of least expensive to most (which does indeed top out well into seven figures).

Sunland-Tujunga, CA — The Next (LA) Frontier?

Steven John — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:11:43 +0000

A few of my friends have bought homes in the Sunland-Tujunga recently, so I thought maybe I’d better look into the area. It turns out… they may be on to something. As long as you don’t mind a commute to downtown Los Angeles (and beyond), this area may be a good move for you and your family. Not only are there single family residences at great prices, but condos at pricetags that will have you jumping in the car to give a once over in person. Sunland and Tujunga were established as independent neighborhoods, but today are linked by a common police force, school system, etc. And while the region is perched at the very northeastern-most corner of Los Angeles County, when the 5 Freeway feels like behaving, you’re really not that far from all the other LA neighborhoods. That said, if you feel like a slower, quieter pace, then buy in Sunland and just stay home. The charming, unique thing about so many regions of greater Los Angeles is just how decidedly “un-LA” they can feel. Many of our little cities and neighborhoods feel right out of a different place and even a different time. Sunland-Tujunga still meets those criteria; so if you’re looking for a smaller town vibe, make sure to look here. Oh, and the condos? Prices you can scarcely beat and still call Los Angeles County home. Just take a look! Less than $200k… $250k… $265k… with a pool! Image courtesy WikiMedia Commons

Sunland and Tujunga were established as independent neighborhoods, but today are linked by a common police force, school system, etc. And while the region is perched at the very northeastern-most corner of Los Angeles County, when the 5 Freeway feels like behaving, you’re really not that far from all the other LA neighborhoods. That said, if you feel like a slower, quieter pace, then buy in Sunland and just stay home.

The charming, unique thing about so many regions of greater Los Angeles is just how decidedly “un-LA” they can feel. Many of our little cities and neighborhoods feel right out of a different place and even a different time. Sunland-Tujunga still meets those criteria; so if you’re looking for a smaller town vibe, make sure to look here. Oh, and the condos? Prices you can scarcely beat and still call Los Angeles County home. Just take a look!

Less than $200k…

$250k…

$265k… with a pool!

Image courtesy WikiMedia Commons