Apartments for Rent in Mar Vista / Venice, CA
Welcome to Mar Vista and Venice: Where Beach Meets Urban Chic
Considered the two most desirable places to live on Los Angeles's Westside, Mar Vista and Venice offer a perfect blend of coastal charm and big-city convenience. While Venice is technically considered a suburb of Los Angeles (with its own city limits and school district), the area perfectly blends with the rest of the LA coastal landscape, providing residents of apartments in Mar Vista and Venice with opportunities to mix and mingle between the two, experiencing all that Los Angeles has to offer.
Beachside Living
Venice Beach, known for its eclectic boardwalk and vibrant atmosphere, is a major draw for residents and visitors alike. With waterfront properties in Venice and Mar Vista, LA, residents can enjoy easy access to the beach. From the iconic Muscle Beach, the home of modern bodybuilding, to the Venice Skatepark, there's always something happening along the shoreline.
Cultural Hub
Mar Vista's artistic scene is blossoming, with local organizations like Transformation Arts showcasing local talent, fostering local culture, and encouraging locals to participate in the neighborhood's creative economy. Venice's Abbot Kinney Boulevard offers a mile-long mix of boutique shopping, art galleries, and trendy eateries—boasting its reputation as "the coolest block in America". For those interested in apartments for rent in Mar Vista, this breadth of arts and culture is right at your doorstep.
Transportation
Mar Vista and Venice both offer accessible transportation options. Metro bus routes, including the 1, 2, and 33, provide service to and around Los Angeles's major business districts, as well as connection services to the Metro 'E' light rail station. For those seeking apartments for rent in Mar Vista, CA, or beachside apartments in Venice, CA, the area's bike-friendly streets and proximity to major thoroughfares make commuting a breeze.
Education
Families looking for two- or three-bedroom apartments for rent in Mar Vista and Venice, CA, will appreciate the quality academics in the area. Top-rated schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and Green Dot Schools serve Mar Vista and Venice, including Westminster Elementary, a magnet school oriented towards STEM, and Venice High School.
Whether you're browsing family-friendly townhomes in Venice or seeking studio apartments in Mar Vista, these neighborhoods provide a perfect home base for exploring all that the Westside has to offer.
FAQs about Apartments in Mar Vista/Venice, CA
What's the vibe like in Mar Vista/Venice?
With recent years drawing in young professionals and artists alike, Mar Vista and Venice have become a pleasant mix of beach-centric and artsy, with surfers, bankers, and painters alike flourishing in the neighborhoods. Venice is known for its exciting atmosphere, with Abbot Kinney Boulevard's monthly First Friday events drawing together residents in celebration with food trucks and open galleries, while Mar Vista provides a more residential feel with tree-lined streets and family-friendly parks.
What are the top dining options in Mar Vista/Venice?
Merging classic coastal fare with exciting new takes on farm-to-table, Venice and Mar Vista's dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Local favorites include Gjelina, serving rustic and seasonal Californian cuisine, and its sister restaurant Gjusta, an all-day cafe and from-scratch bakery. Felix Trattoria is an acclaimed Italian restaurant along Abbot Kinney, known for its housemade pasta and bread. The Butcher's Daughter, a local outpost of the acclaimed NYC cafe, is a great spot for plant-based brunch or cold-pressed juice. For something more casual, Humble Potato's Japanese-American burgers are a favorite among residents of apartments in Mar Vista.
Is Mar Vista/Venice a good area for young professionals?
Absolutely! Mar Vista/Venice is perfect for young professionals seeking a dynamic neighborhood. Young professionals can find a range of housing options to fit their lifestyle and budget, including one-bedroom apartments in Venice and larger luxury apartments in Mar Vista. The area is home to a thriving startup scene, coworking spaces like moss and The Kinn, and plenty of networking opportunities. With its proximity to tech hubs like Silicon Beach and an array of hip cafes and bars, it's an ideal spot for those looking to balance work and play in a creative environment.
How's the nightlife scene in Venice?
While Mar Vista is more residential, Venice offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of options. The Venice Whaler, a classic California beach bar, and High Rooftop Lounge offer beachfront views and craft cocktails, while The Brig's laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a casual night out with friends. For live music and drink specials, check out The Lincoln. Abbot Kinney Boulevard hosts numerous bars and lounges, perfect for bar-hopping. Both young professionals and retirees will be able to find their ideal watering hole at the doorstep of their apartment in Venice Beach.
What are the transportation options in Mar Vista/Venice?
Mar Vista and Venice offer various transportation options. Metro bus routes (1, 2, and 33) provide service to Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other areas of LA County, as well as connection services to the Metro 'E' light rail station at Culver City station. With bikeable streets and excellent walkability, getting around Venice and Mar Vista is hassle-free and accessible. Ride-sharing services are readily available, and the neighborhood's walkability makes it easy to explore on foot. For longer trips, LAX airport is just a short drive away.
Are there good outdoor recreation opportunities in Mar Vista/Venice?
Outdoor recreation options in Venice and Mar Vista can be found on land and sea. Venice Beach offers surfing, volleyball, and swimming. For a late-night stroll or morning jog, the Venice Beach boardwalk, also known as the Ocean Front Walk, stretches over two miles along the shore from Venice Beach to Santa Monica. The Venice Skatepark is popular among skateboarders, and the playground and recreation center are excellent options for those who prefer to get around on two feet. Mar Vista Recreation Center provides residents with public roller hockey, basketball, soccer, and volleyball facilities. Nearby, the revitalized Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve also offers 600 acres of hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
What's the shopping scene like in Venice?
Venice, particularly Abbot Kinney Boulevard, is a shopper's paradise. This trendy street is lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, and design stores. Some local favorites include Burro for charming gifts and home goods, Erewhon Market for organic groceries and unique pantry goods, and Buck Mason for handcrafted clothing that pays homage to the Wild West. The area also hosts a popular First Friday event, featuring food trucks and late-night shopping.
Is Mar Vista/Venice pet-friendly?
Yes! Venice and Mar Vista are very pet-friendly neighborhoods. Greystar's pet-friendly apartments in Venice, CA, and Mar Vista, like The Charlie Mar Vista, make a perfect home for dogs and their owners. The neighborhood's Westminster Dog Park is a perfect spot for off-leash play, or take your furry friends for a walk along Venice Beach. Open every day from sunrise to sunset, nearby Runyon Canyon Park is the perfect spot for a hike with your pup. Many restaurants with outdoor patios, such as The Rose Venice and The Waterfront Venice, welcome dogs for seasonal dining. Several pet boutiques and groomers in the area cater to your four-legged companions' needs.
What's the art scene like in Venice?
Venice has a rich artistic heritage and continues to be a hub for creatives. The area is home to numerous galleries, such as L.A. Louver and Art Unified. Street art and murals adorn many buildings, adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood. Mar Vista is home to Transformative Arts, a nonprofit that works towards revitalizing the neighborhood's creative economy through community arts initiatives and youth programs. The Venice Art Crawl, an annual event, showcases local artists, musicians, and arts organizations with the mission of preserving Venice's art scene.
Are there good schools in the Mar Vista/Venice area?
Mar Vista and Venice offer several well-regarded public and private schools. For those interested in private or specialized schools, Westside Neighborhood School and Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences take innovative approaches to bridging STEM and arts education in students from kindergarten through high school. The Los Angeles Unified School District and Green Dot public/charter school system also serve the area, with top-rated public school options like Westminster Elementary School and Ánimo Venice Charter High School. Families seeking three-bedroom apartments for rent in Venice Beach and Mar Vista won't have to sacrifice quality education options for a beautiful neighborhood—it's all available right in town!