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Moving to Los Angeles? Welcome! You’re going to love it here. L.A. has culture, diversity, great schools, amenities, and activities galore. That makes it a phenomenal place to raise kids. (And don’t even get us started on the beaches. They’re incredible!)
But, where is the best place to move to in L.A.? In this blog, we’re going to share the best neighborhoods for families in Los Angeles. We hope this makes your move to the City of Angels easy breezy!
The 5 best neighborhoods for families in Los Angeles
Here are the best neighborhoods for families in Los Angeles:
Sherman Oaks
One of the all-around best neighborhoods in Los Angeles for kids
If you want peace and quiet but all of your big-city amenities, moving to the eclectic, affluent neighborhood of Sherman Oaks is one of the best decisions you could make. The neighborhood can be found in the San Fernando Valley, encompassing a part of the San Monicas.
The best part about living in Sherman Oaks is the close proximity to I-101 and I-405. That makes it simple to take a trip to the west or east side of L.A. when your schedule calls for it.
So, wherever you get a new single-family home in the neighborhood, you shouldn’t have to spend as much time in traffic as you would if you were commuting from other parts of L.A.
If you move here with your family, you’ll appreciate the many city amenities and activities to stay busy, including shopping and many popular restaurants.
As one resident says, “[Sherman Oaks is] a great neighborhood for families. It’s very walkable to great cafes and restaurants. The weather is perfect and it’s close to so many attractions in Los Angeles!”
Here are some more details about life in Sherman Oaks:
Cost of Housing: $1.3million (average home value) or $2,950 (median rent)
Schools: Sherman Oaks Elementary Charter, Milken Community School, Larchmont Charter School, Renaissance Arts Academy, Harvard-Westlake School, Windward School, and Marlborough School
Parks Nearby: Dixie Canyon Park, Fossil Ridge Park, Deervale-Stone Canyon Park, Hazeltine Park, Longridge Park, Sherman Oaks Castle Park, and Library Square Dog Park
Family-Friendly Activities: Westfield Fashion Square, Sherman Oaks Galleria, and Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center
Best Restaurants: Anakaj Thai, Sushi Note, Osteria La Buca, Carnival, The Blue Dog Beer Tavern, and many more
Cheviot Hills
One of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles for families
Cheviot Hills is a beautiful neighborhood in the westside, featuring about 1,400 upscale single-family homes fit for growing families like yours. Many of these charming homes were made in the ‘20s, giving them a homey, classic feel.
If you’re anything like us, you probably headed right to Google to see just what the neighborhood looks like, and if so, you’re probably wondering why it looks so familiar. Well, the secret is out!
It’s because several movies and TV shows have been filmed in Cheviot Hills. At the top of our head, we can think of Starsky and Hutch (Cover Girl episode), Charlie’s Angels (Angel in a Box episode), and The Rookies (The Institutional Man episode).
Then, of course, you have Laurel and Hardy’s The Finishing Touch, Bacon Grabbers, and Big Business. Cheviot Hills is not too far from Fox Studios or Sony Pictures Studios, making it one of the best, most convenient spots to film. (Plus, with those traditional houses, you can’t go wrong!)
So, as you can tell, Cheviot Hills is a fun place to live, but it’s also quiet (with a low crime rate). While movie crews might take up the streets on occasion, the neighborhood is a far cry from the busy Los Angeles climate you’d expect if you’ve spent any time in Downtown L.A. or another populated part of the city.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Los Angeles with your family, here are some things you should know about Cheviot Hills:
Cost of Housing: $1.8 million (median home value) or $2,278 (median rent)
Schools: Castle Heights Elementary School, Palms Middle School, Hamilton High, Cheviot Hills High School, and Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
Parks Nearby: Cheviot Hills Park and Culver City Park
Family-Friendly Activities: Children’s Book World, Pamper & Play, Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, and the Rancho Park Golf Course
Best Restaurants: Aroma Cafe, Marty’s Hamburger Stand, John O’ Groats, The Six, and Nishi Poke & Ramen Bistro
Brentwood
One of the most luxurious neighborhoods for those relocating to Los Angeles with a family
Let us paint you a picture. Trees are up and down the streets. Lawns are well-maintained, as are the homes, which come in every style you can think of, from traditional to modern. The neighborhood is peaceful, with a low violent crime rate, and the activities? Well, they’re endless!
This, friends, is Brentwood. Located in the western part of L.A., Brentwood is considered one of the top neighborhoods for family-friendliness, offering you safety, amenities, and lots to do.
While the prices to live in Brentwood aren’t cheap, new families move there every year to get access to the best schools, amenities, and housing around. (Many celebrities live there as well, including Travis Scott, Tobey Maguire, LeBron James, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.)
Here are some more details that you might find useful if you’re thinking about living in Brentwood:
Cost of Housing. $2.6 million (median home value) or $2,895 (median rent)
Schools: Brentwood School (West Campus), Brentwood School (East Campus), Brentwood Science Magnet, Futures Academy – Brentwood, and Archer School for Girls
Parks Nearby: Crestwood Hills Park, Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, and Topanga State Park
Family-Friendly Activities: Harvest Park Bowl, J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Sculpture Garden, Getty Center Garden, AMC Brentwood 14, Barrington Recreation Center, and Brentwood Farmers’ Market
Best Restaurants: Beaming Cafe, Brentwood Country Mart, Baltaire, Compartés Chocolate, Tavern, and Alfred Coffee & Kitchen
Mar Vista
One of the best places for raising a family in Los Angeles
“Mar Vista is the little town in the big city, with local shopping and a farmers market mixed in with larger conveniences. We have just a touch of the edgy, artsy, vibe from nearby Venice Beach which can be seen around town in the public art pieces made at the hands of our residents,” says one person who lives in Mar Vista, another one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles for families.
The community in Mar Vista is said to be full of people with a heart of gold. In general, newcomers are welcomed with open arms upon moving to Mar Vista.
People enjoy being active in the wonderful community that is Mar Vista, which is conveniently located in the middle of Venice and Culver City. It’s good for families, has great schools, and even has a fun nightlife, which is convenient for parents looking for a night out on the town.
Here are some more things to know about Mar Vista:
Cost of Housing: $1,380,373 (median home value) or $2,133 (median rent)
Schools: Mar Vista Elementary School, Citizens of the World Charter School Mar Vista, Beethoven Street Elementary School, Glen School, Mark Twain Middle School, Windward School, Walgrove Avenue Elementary School, and Venice High School
Parks Nearby: Culver West Alexander Park, Burton W Chace Park, and Admiralty Park
Family-Friendly Activities: Bowlero, Mar Vista Recreation Center, Mar Vista Farmers’ Market, Mar Vista Time Travel Mart, Light on Lotus, Full-Circle Pottery, and Bikerowave
Best Restaurants: Atmosphere Mar Vista, Little Fatty, Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe, My Lai, MV Grab & Go, and Sunny Grill
Eagle Rock
One of the best upper-middle-class neighborhoods in Los Angeles
No list of the best neighborhoods for families in Los Angeles is complete without Eagle Rock, a quirky neighborhood located in northeast L.A.
In this neighborhood, which has a charm and character of its own, you’ll find many beautiful homes to accommodate a family of three, four, five, and on.
With a low violent crime rate, your family is sure to feel safe here. Also, when living in Eagle Rock, there are a plethora of activities you can do to keep your family busy–especially if you have small children.
One resident says, “[It’s a] small neighborhood but it has a lot to offer. Lots of great food places! Very nice place to walk around with friends, family, or pets.”
Below is some more information you might find handy:
Cost of Housing: $1.38 million (median home value) or $2,895 (median rent)
Schools: Eagle Rock Elementary School, Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School, KIPP Iluminar Academy, KIPP Raices Academy, Flintridge Preparatory School, Polytechnic School, Oakwood School, Westridge School, Mayfield Senior School, and Occidental College
Parks Nearby: Eagle Rock Dog Park, Richard Alatorre Park, York Park, and Lanark Shelby Park
Family-Friendly Activities: Yosemite Pool, Peekaboo Playland, Eagle Rock Recreation Center, Eagle Rock Music Festival, Street Food Cinema, All Star Lanes, One Down Dog, Playlab Eagle Rock, and Headway Boxing
Best Restaurants: Modan Eagle Rock Ramen, Cindy’s, Malbec Market, Penny Oven, Four Cafe, Blair’s Restaurant, The Bucket, The Oinkster, Colombo’s Italian Steakhouse & Jazz Club, and Delia’s Restaurant
Start moving to Los Angeles today
Now that you’re aware of the best neighborhoods for families in Los Angeles, the next step is coordinating your big move. The City of Angels awaits.
If you need a hand, Bellhop’s friendly movers are here to help. We offer all the essentials for local LA moving services or long-distance move to Los Angeles, including loading, unloading, delivery, and so much more. Book a move online today.
Need a last minute Los Angeles move? We can help too!
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