We break down the best value neighborhoods in L.A.
If you’re reading this article, chances are you already know that LA ain’t exactly cheap. So let’s get past that and let us weigh in on the neighborhoods we believe to have the best value on the Westside. In this series of blog posts, we’ll dive into a new neighborhood and tell you what we love and what we think could make it even better.
We’ve all lived in different parts of LA, from the beach to the far east side and everywhere in between. So here’s some subjective perspective.
Del Rey
Eight years ago, before we owned and lived in Del Rey, we could have barely told you where it was and I was born and raised in LA! Most Angelenos don’t even know it exists, as people confuse this sweet pocket with Marina del Rey. But if you continue east from MDR, you find a quiet area that is bordered by Playa Vista to the south and Culver City to the north and east.
When we first planted roots here, it seemed to be suspended in time. Low slung single family homes, some nicely maintained yards, and some … not so well maintained. Along Centinela there are mom and pop businesses and restaurants. But as Playa Vista was (over)developed, with Google, Facebook, a huge Whole Foods market and movie theaters, etc. moving in close to Del Rey, people began to take notice.
Access
By Car: The sleeper freeway strip of the I-90 is a short strip of highway that catapults you to the ocean, or connects you to the I-405. It’s never jammed and can be quite useful. You also have Culver blvd, which if you take east, gets you into the heart of Culver City, or take it West and you’re down by Lincoln. If you need to get to the South Bay, it’s a quick 20 min away.
By Bike: The Mavrin Braude bike path will get you down to the quiet beach in Playa Del Rey as it rides you along the LA River. And a bike path along the Culver median is quite usable to get you East. If you work in the YouTube/Google/etc. Area of Playa Vista, you’re a 7 minute bike ride away.
By Foot: The neighborhood streets are relatively quiet and the local government recently rolled out a “slow streets” pilot program (though residents are mixed about it), which closed streets down for safer social distanced walking. It’s an innovative approach to making a more walkable area. Worth checking out via the active neighborhood council.
Safety
The Pacific Division LAPD has a station located on the corners of Culver Blvd. and Centinela, so peacekeeping officers are nearby. The neighborhood ranks 96 of 209 mapped by the LA Times. Stats here.
Restaurants/Coffee/Bars
I remember thinking, one thing this neighborhood needs is a coffee joint, and low and behold, Sachi.LA appeared on Centinela. And everything I could want. One of our favorite coffee spots in the entire city. A Japanese inspired shop (which is a nice nod to the history of Japanese Americans who have historically populated the neighborhood since WWII). Its neighborhood focused, with great beverages, a chill atmosphere, unique gifts and lovely little plants. We love it.
Thai Vegan on Centinela is a great take out spot and cozy joint for healthy thai food. Simple and inexpensive.
Casa Sanchez for live mariachi music and great margaritas.
Ronnie’s Diner is a local fave. Traditional diner fare with a super friendly atmosphere. A notch up from the average greasy spoon. I’m a fan of the Veggie Royale for bfast.
Not a restaurant, but a wonderful cultural center is the Venice Japanese Cultural Center, which was established nearly 100 years ago to “preserve, share, and promote Japanese and Japanese American culture. It’s open to everyone!
Farmer’s Market in Del Rey on Fridays from 2-7PM in Glen Alla Park.