West Athens Apartment Renter's Guide
West Athens Apartment Renter's Guide
West Athens, CA has the honor of claiming Helen Keller Park as its own.
Smack dab in the middle of the greater Los Angeles residential area, West Athens is a very, very small place -- just 1
West Athens, CA has the honor of claiming Helen Keller Park as its own.
Smack dab in the middle of the greater Los Angeles residential area, West Athens is a very, very small place -- just 1.3 square miles in size, actually. But within those 1.3 miles are 8,729 people, which means the population density is around 6,500! This area is very tightly packed, and large homes are in high demand as people seek to find some amount of space. This city is located close to the Chester Washington Golf Course and the Century Freeway, providing easy access straight into the city. As part of the greater Los Angeles area, West Athens is a very busy and increasingly active place.
Moving to West Athens
If you're looking for apartments to rent in West Athens, you're in luck! This area has very few homes that are actually owned, since the vast majority of residents would rather rent than purchase a home. There are many apartments for rent to choose from as a result of this, but they do go fast. Some of the best apartments have been known to be on the market for a few hours once they go up in this area, so if you find one you like, it's important you snatch it up! To do this, it's important to do all of the research you can before you start viewing places.
What's the Cost?
Though West Athens is a great place to move to, it can be quite pricey. Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in America, and West Athens is a suburb of it. Property values have doubled here in the past decade, resulting in very high prices when it comes to purchasing a home. However, the reason renting is so popular here is because the average rental cost is far less than taking out a mortgage in the area, and most residents prefer mobility.
What's Availability Like?
Although apartments go fast, it's true that there are plenty to choose from. There are at least upwards of 1,600 full detached homes in the area, with another 800+ apartments in buildings that have two or more residencies inside. A very small number of mobile homes are also available. The most popular areas are those nearby the golf course or Helen Keller Park, due to their superior views. Be aware, though, these areas are also some of the more expensive areas to live in.
What do I Need?
Give yourself around four to six weeks to search for an apartment, but be ready to make a decision quickly. Have proof of income, rental history, and credit history on hand. Also, be sure to find out whether or not the area you are interested in allows pets if you have any -- you don't want to suddenly find out your furry friend isn't allowed when you're ready to move in! If you have letters of recommendation from previous landlords, they can definitely help you make your case for being the perfect resident. The majority of apartments are rented through real estate companies, but there are a few places around that are available through private landlords.
West Athens Neighborhoods
Considered to be a neighborhood in and of itself, West Athens encompasses the majority of the 1.3 mile area. It offers plenty of forms of entertainment, from the world-class Chester Washington Golf Course to a very busy nightlife and numerous shopping options. Those who enjoy the fast paced lifestyle of the city will be right at home here.
North West Athens: The 105 runs right through this part of town, making it a convenient choice for anyone who has to commute. There's also a number of restaurants here, such as Del Taco and El Pollo Loco. There are homes and apartments available for rent here.
South West Athens: Down here you'll find the Rib Nest and Guadalajara de Noche, two of the favorite local eateries. It's also where Helen Keller Park is located. In this area, there are mainly apartments for rent.
West Athens Lifestyle
Despite the overcrowding of the area, one thing holds true: it never gets boring! With plenty to do, residents are always entertained. In West Athens, people don't often stay inside and relax -- they go out. If you're a couch potato, get ready to add some more nightlife into your regular routine. The sheer number of nightclubs and bars are testament to the amount of activity the nightlife in this area sees. Residents can often be found at the Barbary Coast, a local favorite, downing a few pints of their favorite ale.
Art
Because it's near Los Angeles, the arts scene in the area is huge. With plentiful shows and poetry readings almost every night of the week, those with an eye for aesthetics will find themselves right at home. Whether it's the International Printing Museum, the Western Museum of Flight, or the Torrance Art Museum, those with an interest in art and art history always have something to do. It might just inspire you to take up an art form, yourself!
Restaurants
Cuisine is well represented in the area. Because of the busy pace of life, most people simply don't cook, so making a reservation will soon become routine if you rent here. There are so many restaurants to choose from within a number of different price ranges that everyone can find something to suit them. Whether it's Vietnamese cuisine at Huong Vi, Japanese at Azuma, or Caribbean food at Isla de La Bahia Restaurant, there are more cuisine options than can possibly be listed here. The area is packed with foods from every country in the world, particularly seafood -- the nearness of the California coast means fresh caught seafood is always available.
Getting Around
While a lot of people drive themselves anywhere they need to go, public transportation is very popular. Buses run daily, and if the buses don't get you close enough, a taxi will. You can also use the famous street trolleys to get from place to place within the city. Taking advantage of public transport is vital, particularly during the busy lunch rush.
West Athens Crime
West Athens violent crime rates are 9% lower than the California average, and the property crime rate is 3% lower than the state average. West Athens is protected by the Los Angeles Police Department.