Apartments for Rent in Westlake, Los Angeles, CA

Long known as the home for hard-working people who appreciate being surrounded by all that Los Angeles has to offer, Westlake is a culturally rich place where it’s still possible to get a bargain on rent.

Transportation

• Driving
• Walking
• Public Transit (Los Angeles County Metro rail station at Westlake/MacArthur Park)

Demographics

• Diverse
• Young adults (mostly between 19-34)
• Families with young children

Close to:

• Downtown
• Staples Center
• Koreatown
• Echo Park

Contains:

• I-10
• The 101
• MacArthur Park
• Walt Disney Concert Hall

Westlake in 3 Words: Convenient, Historic, Changing

It’s said that the 3 rules of real estate are location, location, location, and Westlake is a perfect example. Major nearby highways like the 101 and I-10 make commuter access easy, and downtown is just next door.

While neighboring areas like Echo Park and Silverlake have seen their fortunes rise in recent decades to become hip destinations in their own right, early signs show that Westlake is on the verge of a similar renaissance. Local artists find inspiration in the palm trees and the colorful sights of multiple cultures coming together.

Supporting local businesses is the name of the game in Westlake, whether it’s buying tamales from a food truck or dining at the original location of Tommy’s Hamburgers, a local legend that has been in business since 1946. Langer’s Deli is another local landmark, where it is said that their pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup rival some of NYC’s most famous delis.

Getting around in Westlake is easy and convenient. Westlake ranks high on walkability, which means that you can get by without a car. The Los Angeles County Metro public transit system has both buses and light rail red and purple lines that stop at the Westlake/MacArthur Park station, which gives you access to the rest of the city.

You can also drive in Westlake, but finding public parking may be challenging at times. Before you sign a lease on an apartment, make sure to ask about included parking spaces and related fees if you do have a car. Some units only have parking spaces included with certain sizes of apartments, or may require monthly parking fees.

It’s easy to see why people want to call Westlake their home. Another sign of the neighborhood’s rising fortunes is the appearance of upscale restaurants like the Pacific Dining Car, which serves phenomenal steaks 24 hours a day. At the other end of the spectrum, you can get some amazingly authentic Latin American food at places like Gigi’s Bakery & Café. The Plan Check Kitchen and Bar offers new twists on classics like burgers and fried chicken.

Life in Westlake is about having fun whilst people-watching and enjoying the diversity of art and cuisine that’s part of the neighborhood’s melting pot vibe. Compared to other neighborhoods, you might not see as many people jogging around the neighborhood or going to the gym—although in such walkable neighborhood, it’s easy to get exercise naturally. If you do want to spend some time outdoors in a peaceful space, Unidad Park is friendly and clean and has beautiful murals. And MacArthur Park truly defines a park as a meeting point for the community to relax by the lake and enjoy the public art and many street vendors.

When you’re ready to look for an apartment in Westlake, you can probably get a good deal on rent. Westlake is historically known for having lower rent prices. However, many apartments that have been recently renovated are getting the kind of premium rent prices you’d see in trendy neighborhoods, which is a sure sign that Westlake’s popularity is on the rise.

When you find the apartment you want to rent here, make sure you ask if utilities are included. Some apartments in Westlake do include paid utilities, but these are generally going to be older or less expensive units. Deciding on the right apartment all depends on your budget, because Westlake is very renter-friendly and offers a variety of options. The spectrum ranges from no-frills studio apartments to newly-renovated lofts or condos that offer amenities such as exposed brick, stainless appliances and wood floors. Since this is Southern California, where it’s always warm and sunny, most apartment buildings have community pools.

Many apartments are also pet-friendly and will allow you to bring a dog or cat. Be prepared that additional pet rent plus deposits may be required, and some properties have restrictions limiting dogs to certain floors only.

Whatever your situation or apartment preferences, chances are good that you can find it in Westlake. Come take a look!