Apartments for Rent in Westlake, CA
Welcome to Westlake, Los Angeles: A Neighborhood in Bloom
Once known for its posh mansions, the Westlake neighborhood in Los Angeles has transitioned to a predominantly working-class, urbanized neighborhood. As the city continues to change, Westlake is seeing new development, and with that, plenty to do and see. If you're seeking apartments for rent near Downtown LA, look no further than Westlake and find your new home with Greystar today!
Culture
MacArthur Park serves as the neighborhood's centerpiece, offering a scenic lake, walking paths, and a bustling marketplace atmosphere. Its reputation has ebbed and flowed since its formation in the late nineteenth century, going from a mud hole to an epicenter of art, music, and culture in the mid-to-late twentieth century. You might know it from Donna Summer's iconic cover of a Richard Harris song by the same name! The area has evolved into one of LA's most prominent Latino cultural hubs, reflected in its exceptional street food scene, bustling markets, and small family-owned businesses. The park also hosts regular community events, including summer concerts at the Levitt Pavilion and holiday celebrations that bring neighbors together.
Transportation & Accessibility
Westlake's central location makes it highly accessible via public transit. The Metro Red and Purple Lines' Westlake/MacArthur Park Station connects residents directly to Downtown LA, Hollywood, and the greater Metro system. Major bus lines crisscross Wilshire Boulevard and 6th Street, while the 101 Freeway borders the neighborhood's northern edge, providing quick access to other parts of the city.
Arts & Architecture
The neighborhood showcases LA's architectural evolution, from Victorian mansions to Art Deco apartments. The Westlake Theatre, though currently closed, stands as an architectural and historical landmark on Alvarado Street. Local art galleries and cultural spaces are emerging alongside longtime institutions, adding new energy to the neighborhood's creative scene.
FAQs About Westlake, Los Angeles, CA
What's the best way to get around Westlake?
The Westlake/MacArthur Park Metro station offers Red and Purple Line service to Downtown LA, North Hollywood, and all the way north to Studio City. Multiple bus lines serve Wilshire Boulevard and 6th Street, while ride-sharing services are readily available throughout the area. Many commuters who work Downtown utilize public transit to get from their apartments in Westlake to the city's business district.
What are the top restaurants in Westlake?
Westlake, influenced by its cultural heritage, is renowned for its Latin American cuisine. Popular spots include Quetzaltenango Restaurant, with outstanding tacos and pupusas, and Langer's Delicatessen, known for its world-famous pastrami, served hot since 1947. Cojutepeque is known for authentic Cuban and El Salvadorian dishes as well as their community contributions and nonprofit efforts. One of the first Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers can be found at the northernmost point of the neighborhood, a West Coast chain akin to In-N-Out Burger but with a little more local flair.
Is Westlake good for young professionals?
With its central location, excellent transit access, and lower housing costs compared to other central Los Angeles neighborhoods, Westlake attracts many young professionals seeking apartments for rent near Downtown LA. The neighborhood offers plenty of local eateries and coffee shops and easy access to the rest of the city through public transit services.
What outdoor activities are available in Westlake?
MacArthur Park, which sits at the center of Westlake, offers 32 acres of green space with a lake, walking paths, and recreational facilities. The park hosts regular community events and concerts, providing a peaceful escape from the urban environment. Lafayette Park, a smaller greenspace, has basketball courts and picnic tables available to the public. For more extensive hiking, biking, and nature, Griffith Park is only a twenty-minute drive away, one of the largest urban wilderness areas in the US.
Is Westlake pet-friendly?
Yes! With pet-friendly apartments for rent in Westlake, like Plaza at Lafayette and WILCO Apartments, Greystar ensures that you and your pup will feel right at home in the neighborhood. Several nearby cafes and restaurants, like Laveta Coffee, offer pet-friendly patios, and the neighborhood's walkable streets make it suitable for daily dog walks. While there are no dog parks directly in Westlake, you and your pup can travel to nearby Silver Lake Dog Park to participate in some off-leash fun!
What's the shopping scene like in Westlake?
The area around Alvarado Street features numerous local markets, clothing shops, and specialty stores. The neighborhood is known for its street vendors and small businesses rather than major retail chains.
How safe is Westlake?
Like many urban neighborhoods, safety varies by area and time of day. The Metro station and major thoroughfares are well-lit and regularly patrolled, while residential streets tend to be quieter. As in any urban area, it's important to stay alert, especially when venturing into unfamiliar areas. However, recent efforts to increase the safety of the neighborhood make apartments for rent in Westlake, LA, more desirable.
What's the cost of living in Westlake compared to other LA neighborhoods?
Housing costs in Westlake are generally lower than in Downtown LA or the Westside, though higher than the national average. The neighborhood offers a mix of historic apartment buildings and newer developments, providing various price points for renters. If you're looking at apartments for rent in Westlake, you're sure to find a range of options to match your lifestyle, family size, and budget.
Are there good coffee shops in the area?
The best coffee shop in Westlake, according to locals, is Laveta Coffee, with specialty drinks and ample coworking spaces. Frank Coffee is another neighborhood gem, serving in-house roasted coffee and a selection of homemade pastries! For proper New Orleans-style coffee, roasted with hickory, head to Alchemist Coffee Project. These coffee shops are often within walking distance of apartments for rent in Westlake, making it easy for residents to get their caffeine fix.
What makes Westlake unique from other LA neighborhoods?
The combination of historic architecture, Latin American culture, a central location, and MacArthur Park creates a distinctive urban experience in Westlake. The neighborhood maintains its authentic character, with several Latin American grocers, markets, and community events, while gradually incorporating new businesses and residents. Apartments for rent in Westlake sit at the center of an ever-growing and exciting urban landscape, with access to Levitt Park's cultural events and summer concert series.