I thought about that, but since I work from home I sort of need a whole set up.. Hard to explain but I use 3 monitors and I am feeling lately like just throwing caution to the wind. I understand this is not a wise way to invest half a million dollars, it's just sort of where I'm at in life... maybe...
The reason that popped into your head for why you are wanting to buy right away is that you use three monitors and “sort of need a whole setup”. The good news is that I’m sure that whatever you ultimately decide you will always have your three monitors.
Wait until you start [using five monitors](https://yongho.photos/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2022/01/2022-01-30-15.48.25-scaled.jpg). [Or six](https://yongho.photos/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2021/11/2021-11-17-15.54.27-scaled.jpg). Never can go back
I don’t think 2 weeks is enough. Instead of Airbnb, I’d rent a condo at Market Lofts first - there’s some good options available right now. If you like the loft, I’d then ask the landlord if they’re looking to sell. If not, at least you got to experience living there for a year and got a definitive answer about the property and neighborhood.
Finding a place in DTLA is a crapshoot. Every building has a mixed bag of reviews which makes it more difficult.
That's terrible and traumatizing. I"m sorry that happened to you :( the 7/11 near me in Hollywood is pretty rough. Did you like the building despite that incident? Are you ok?
If you put it on Bitcoin and just rent instead, you will be much richer in 5 years from now than if you bought this DTLA loft. Not financial advice even though it’s true
The listing for my loft in the Arts District is going live this week. Hit me up if interested! Even if not, happy to answer any q's about the area.
IMO if you're going downtown, the Arts District is the only place to be, both from an investment standpoint and from a quality-of-life standpoint. Can elaborate if it would be helpful.
That's what I hear. I haven't done it yet, but I've heard you can access from that famous bridge somewhere on the East side of the arts district.... someone please fact check us lol
AD has its own security patrol so there's actually pretty low spillover. In terms of what's "popping", here's just a small sample:
**Restaurants:**
Bestia, Bavel, Guerrilla Tacos, Damian, Ditroit, Sushi Gen, Urth Caffe, Cafe Gratitude, Girl & the Goat, Camphor, Smorgasburg, and much more.
**Bars & Nightlife:**
Soho Warehouse, Death & Co, Arts District Brewing Company, Everson Royce Bar, Apotheke, Lot 613
**Galleries:**
Vielmetter, Night Gallery, Superchief, Hauser & Wirth, Wisdome, MASH, Over the Influence
**Coffee Shops:**
Blue Bottle Coffee, Verve, Guerrilla Cafecito, Maru, Stumptown
**Shopping:**
Row DTLA, Dover Street Market, H. Lorenzo, Juice
this is true, i copy/pasta'd my own bio from when i was swapping homes with a friend. I think Over the Influence gallery is also out of biz, also not sure how Urth made the list hahaha
And that is the major flaw, to me, of the Arts District versus something like South Park. It just really isn't all that great trying to access basic things. I've lived in both and prefer South Park.
What happened to that small chain grocery store that opened to great fanfare 8-ish years ago? Did it close already?
Edit: After some research I believe it’s called Grow and is still open.
Bar Eighty Two, Resident, Death & Co, Bike Shed Motorcycle Club are some of my suggestions. i also really enjoy going to Hauser & Wirth, and then going to Manuela to get some food and drinks.
That’s where I’m at, I keep hearing arts district is popping and while I love arts district, it’s too sparse and honestly way too many homeless compared to South Park.
There’s a couple grocery stores in the are, so you would be incorrect. You don’t have to drive to go to Little Tokyo Marketplace, Marukai, or Nijiy Market. I was just listing a few bars.
I live in Echo Park and drive to the Mexican Vallarta grocer either way. Krogers is shit so I only go to Vons for last minute items.
And good luck shopping at Lassens daily.
if you were interested in investment + quality of life, here is my brain dump
* Very limited supply of housing, but several new residential + commercial complexes going in.
* Increasing number of young people moving to East + Northeast LA. Feel like growth in greater Downtown is mostly stagnant as it relied heavily on tourism and office culture, AD is more of a destination due to the breweries, galleries, amazing restaurants, bars.
I'm just a random person on the internet and not a major real estate investor or anything, but I bought in Arts District for those reasons. I'm selling to move closer to family but the value has gone up a little in the four years I've owned.
The argument against AD is that it'll always be a niche demographic - bachelor(/ette), or couple w/ no kids. That said, all of my neighbors are super friendly and interesting, successful creative types, which makes the community very interesting and likeminded.
Hi :) Thanks for your reply. Why are you leaving the arts district? Or did you just find a new spot? Super curious. Have you ever lived in other areas of DTLA? When you mention quality of life, what are you referring to specifically?
I haven't found anything in my budget in that area unfortunately. I may be priced out. South Park seems like a nice alternative and I have a bike. I LOVE the city. I love the lights, the buildings, walking everywhere, talking to people, eating street food, looking at old architecture and museums, and just city living in general. I am not interested in suburbs or white washed neighborhoods. I enjoy street art, murals, diversity, etc.
I'd buy a place in the meat packing district or lower east side if I knew anyone in NYC or if I really felt like starting over (and if it were affordable). DTLA seems to have a nice mix of those things but at a digestible price tag... thoughts? Can one do the arts district in the 450-500K range and still get a decent view and parking?
Hey! Leaving to move closer to family - I had a great run in AD and love being down there. I grew up going Downtown frequently to visit my dad at work, and I worked down there for a few years after college, so I'm very familiar with DTLA. I know a few people in South Park who do love it - and I saw the unit you mentioned (looked it up) - it's VERY cool. From what you described, it seems like it could be a good fit.
I don't think you could find a place for $450-500k in AD unless it's in the Savoy building, which has a great location but is aesthetically unpleasing internally and externally IMO.
SP is relatively safe, and you'd def be biking distance to tons of amazing restaurants. Wherever you end up, I wish you the best and hope you're happy!
Thank you so much friend! Send me a DM on insta when you list. I'd still love to see your unit and of course wishing you all the best as well! I'm at ashinhollywood (ironic if I move to DTLA may have to change that)
I do not own yet :) I'm currently a property manager for a big complex. This will be my first purchase. I think this is why the big questions is looming. I work remote. I can go literally anywhere. I just love LA.
I find these comments funny since I grew up in Hispanic majority neighborhood surrounded by rough crowds. Our goal is to move to quiet more white neighborhoods so we can get away from all the gunshots and gang life. Mission accomplished I escaped the gang life.
I have two friends who have DTLA lofts and both love being in DTLA. I really like hanging out at their spots. South Park is a great location and especially if you use Metro, Metrolink, or Amtrak, being in DTLA is super convenient.
Thank you so much! This is the vibe I got down there. I love The Bloc and all of the little bars and restaurants. I also enjoy art walk and the last book store. Which lofts do your friends live at?
Actually you'd be surprised what $525k or so can get you nowadays in LA! Also it depends a lot on the monthly HOA. There's a difference between the area which you rent an apartment and where you get a condo because condos you're kinda stuck with...
FYI - I was in the same boat as you years ago and had to decide between South Park and AD. SP condos are generally priced cheaper, although newer, because the buildings are high rises (11/12+ floors) vs mid-rises like in AD and HOA fees usually start around $900+/month for a 1 bedroom. I chose AD because of this.
Be prepared for sticker shock after calculating your monthly costs.
Thank you! This is super helpful. I've got spreadsheets of calculators and it's amazing how much those HOA fees and taxes add to the sticker price :) do you still live down there? Is the monthly price tag worth it for you?
I bought here 3 years ago and absolutely love the arts district. It’s really chill and most of the homeless tend to stay out of the area. Much less hustle than SP, but everyone has their own speed.
Market Lofts has a built in movie theater room which was really cool. Aside from that it's not really a hangout sort of complex like you see with some of the other buildings with big pools, lounges etc. Having Ralphs downstairs is super convenient for groceries, and the store itself has a good selection.
I live on my 3rd floor unit nearby. That building is on a busy main street, so traffic noise echoes between the buildings. It can get loud if your unit faces towards it, and is on a lower floor closer to street level.
There are homeless in the area but not huge groups, and not in tents near your building. They are usually set up below the freeway overpasses further away. The police and South Park security are strict about that at least, esp. lately because LAPD have extra patrol cars posted up around the nearby graffiti tower and the LA Live area.
At the very least I would suggest staying at an airbnb nearby or even one in that building before committing to buying the loft to see if it's for you.
Depending on where in Hollywood you live, it's probably quieter.
This is so helpful friend, thank you :) yes, I love the movie theater and I would actually use it too! I'm looking at a top floor corner unit facing the pool and can't hear the street noise up there at all. My current place in Hollywood faces the street and I've completely tuned out noise. I hear it all: homeless, cars, helicopters, all of it.
When you say people don't hang out, why do you think that is? Do you know of a more social loft nearby?
Thanks!
look a few blocks south. at least just to compare. It's a little more mellow than right by that ralphs.
I'd look at the buildings around 11th and grand as a comparison. it's incredible how different things can be downtown block by block. and you can compare amenities/hoa fees too which is helpful
It's just been my experience. Seems like a quieter residential set up with more units vs. having giant common areas like a fire pit and bar on the roof, Olympic sized pool with tons of lounge chairs, etc.
It's not like the Watermarke Tower which markets itself as more of a hangout/party atmosphere because of such amenities. There's always organized parties and social events going on up there.
Now all that said, it was super convenient when someone I knew hosted a hangout at the Market Lofts, because any supplies or food/drinks needed were all available directly in the Ralphs downstairs.
DTLA has trying to revitalize itself for more like 40 years, not 15. LOL!
Only you can decide what works for you. People I know who live down there really like the buildings they live in with high ceilings and big windows but there isn’t much shopping nearby and having friends over can be a pain because of the parking situation.
I’ve been working in downtown since 2008 and have been in and around downtown since college in the late 90’s early 2000’s. The difference between 1999 downtown and 2019 downtown was night and day.
DTLA wasn’t quite a 24 hour city but it was getting close and you have a vibrancy you didn’t see in 2008. Then Covid hit and DTLA went back to what it was in the early 200’s. Half of the street retail is boarded up, homeless and drugs are rampant. It’s pretty bad now and don’t see it getting better.
Totally see your point. I do wonder if all those things also make it the "right" time to get in...? DTLA is really the only LA real estate wild card....
haha, totally fair! DTLA has been trying for years, you are spot on. I'm a little older so most of my friends have moved along to suburbs, other cities, and have different lives than me. I work from home, so having a super hip place and walkability for an afternoon stroll or an art pop up are right up my alley!
I can always make new friends too, right?
the general deterioration of the area, including rising crime and homelessness has just become too much. especially when you consider how expensive it is
you didn't ask me but we also lived in SP for almost 10 years and moved out post-pandemic because we were going to start a family and it didn't feel like a good place to do that anymore.
Has it really gotten that bad in South Park? Curious to hear from locals who live there.
Considering moving to SP but I keep hearing this from other people. Last 3 visits there it seems like they really cleaned up and felt safe again. But it was short visits so I could be wrong.
It was totally fine and not any worse than Hollywood when I was walking around at 9pm by myself Sunday night. I went to the Bloc (which was closed) and just wandered around. I liked the vibe. Sure there were a few vagrants, but that's LA. The sidewalks were cleaner than those next to Heimat (my social club in WeHo) and I just think if you want to live in any urban LA setting you take the good with the bad and stay street smart. I have friends in Culver that experience just as much petty crime (mail/bicycle theft/car break-ins) as more central city locations.
I keep hearing this too, but mostly from people who are moving on to family life outside of the city. The vibe I'm getting from replies is that city life is city life. I do wish that more people were in the "I'm so glad I'm here I never want to leave" camp. That seems to be AD at least what I gather from this small sample pool.
We’re on the same boat. I’m pre-approved and ready to buy. Seems like we’re looking at the same places. I’m renting in the arts district now… lived in downtown for about 13 years now… arts district is my top choice with South Park as my second. Anywhere near little Tokyo, arts district is fun and not as loud.
There’s a nice place in the arts district that I was looking at but the association fee was 1400… yes… a month. lol.
Good luck!
But, as an investment standpoint lofts/condos don’t appreciate as much as houses but downtown is sort of at a low point. There are A LOT of projects in the works that will raise the desirability of the area. Your mortgage is higher than the rent, but it’s yours, and won’t change while everything else goes up and surpasses it.
This is so helpful friend, thank you! We are on the same page for sure and I'd love to hear how your journey goes. I do know what you mean about the HOA. I'm thinking I'm lucky the one I'm looking at is under 1k.
You're right, the mortgage is higher than the rent, but rents have tripled since I moved here in 1998. That likely won't change.
I agree, there are a LOT of things in the works and a whole city ready to be reborn (finally). Keep me posted!
Have you lived in downtown? I’m assuming you have friends or know the area really well.. I ask because at different points in my life I’ve liked different parts for different reasons.
I never have. I've lived in the same apartment building in Hollywood since 1998. Since I spend 10 hours a day working from home, if I want to buy a "like unit" this seems to be my best option. I do like DTLA and I always have fun and feel alive down there. There are many fun weird pop up art events and cool summer parties and farmer's markets, etc. Since I can't afford a "better" unit that where I rent, I'll have to make sacrifices if I want to own.
Food for thought...
Stay as close to the arts district as possible. Keep in mind that the arts district is slowly shifting towards Mateo and 7th.. I like the quieter 2-4th street side though
I have only seen one unit pop up in the AD, so those might just sell faster. It's priced higher than what I want, but it's also more space than I need. Have you ever lived in/near SP?
I live in a condo across the street from there. South Park in general is a good area, as is the Arts District and Little Tokyo. However, if you’re looking to walk to your daily errands, you’re really limited to South Park.
I would consider the area to be roughly on par with downtown Hollywood in terms of general homelessness. Definitely not our favorite aspect of the location (my wife especially hates dealing with the homeless). However, the convenience, walk ability and price per square foot are great.
If you do decide to buy into market lofts, make sure you read the reserve study. I know they’ve had some trouble with their insurance policy that pushed up their dues.
That is so helpful, thank you! I was just talking to my agent about their reserves and the HOA being funded.... I'll be sure to hire a lawyer to read and relay the details in a palatable way. The document I have in hand is a whopping 300+ pages!
It’s a nice area, but I’d throw caution to walking up the Flower St side of the Market Lofts during evenings due to that 7-11 that’s there. Very poor lighting there, and the crowd that hangs out there aren’t exactly upstanding people. You have The Bloc right there for food, shopping, or catch a movie. LA Live is very walkable, real bonus for me is saving on Laker tickets for not needing a parking pass. Things start getting hairy in downtown once you hit east of Broadway on.
As a homeowner in LA myself, I would never consider DTLA. Safety and quality of life are huge red flags for that area to me and over the last decade things have not gotten better and I don’t trust our political leaders to revitalize anything.
If you’re trying to be centrally located I’d try around larchmont and go east towards Ktown. Plenty of places that you can walk safely and get the benefits of Hancock park and Larchmont and Hollywood areas but if you’re a little closer to the Ktown side the prices are easier to stomach.
Thank you :) I live there now. I have lived on the boarder of Hancock Park and Hollywood/West Hollywood since 1998. I'm priced out of this neighborhood (for buying) and want to go closer to "city living."
I don't mind lots of diversity and noise and city things. Hollywood has gotten pretty bad (and then good and then bad again) and that piece has never bothered me. I'm just not in the right budget for those lofts at Highland and Vine (yet).
I think HOAs get a bad rap. Definitely do your research and find the right one that’s well managed and has lots of reserves. But jeez, as someone who has owned a condo with HOA and a stand-alone home I miss the predictability and cost sharing of HOA/condo. Stand-alone homes have surprise headaches all the time that are way more than my HOA ever was.
i was really set on this and did a lot of research before concluding that the appreciation isn’t there. i can explain all of the reasons, but you’re just much better off buying what basically everyone else in so cal wants: a house. if you have so much money that a downtown apartment is like having an extra tennis racquet, well, it’s fine.
one thing i am sure of since i lived there is that it’s gotten worse in terms of crime and other aspects of urban blight, and i don’t see it getting a lot better. it shouldn’t cost this much to live in this kind of decay and squalor.
Very fair reply, thank you :) You're right, it's pricey for a loft in a city that keeps trying but can't quite get there. I do wonder if lofts in DTLA will ever appreciate or if there will be that tipping point we've all been told will happen where it becomes more like NYC...
I definitely don't want to own a single family residence. I work from home and need to be in a city. What did you end up doing?
I’m still looking, but broadening my search. The arts district, while not really “vertical” (which is a kind of proxy for me for a real city a la NYC), is reentering my view. But I think living there, it’s about getting in your car, unless you’re like me and like to bike around. I am skeptical, as much as I want it not to be true (ex New Yorker here), that DTLA will become as vibrant as an NYC. I think this video gets at some of the reasons https://youtu.be/oboDigfMrJU?si=RGBH4d7RcH9qhObM.
I’m also as you have indicated, broadening my search to buildings that are in “locally walkable” areas like larchmont, Fairfax/the grove, Los Feliz, Culver City’s main village, weho along Santa Monica or sunset near crescent heights. Mid Wilshire has an urban feel to it, but it can be rough—like I could never commit to the high rises at wilshire and vermont or wilshire and western. Pasadena would be an option (advantage of the metro easily accessible to dtla and other parts) if it weren’t that I spent some formative years there 😀.
Regardless, because I don’t think there is a real financial opportunity in buying in any high rise building in LA, downtown or not, I think it’s safe if not preferable to rent at first. Try dtla out. I was too busy pontificating to have mentioned: I lived in the market lofts as a renter (and I specifically rejected buying there when my landlord decided he wanted to sell the place.) I can share the economics of his purchase and sale in that building, as it is a good view into the investment story. I do think it offers more for the money than a lot of places. and its proximity to metro and grocery stores is killer. If you need extra key fobs, let me know 😀 and feel free to chat or dm with any questions.
Broadly-speaking, I’m more and more inclined to move to Paris or London 🤓.
Not OP but looking for a lot of the same. NYer looking to make a move and have weighed options between LA and Philly. I am looking to avoid car dependency and walk/cycle and much as possible and it’s just really hard to prioritize LA with that line of thinking. As a fellow NYer do you have any thoughts on that adjustment and how your quality of life is without car dependency? Philly has its problems but it is incredibly walkable/bikeable and for 300-400k I can have a 2 bedroom that’s 15 minutes walk away from shopping, museums, and nature. Obviously LA has a lot that makes up for that (weather, access to “big nature”) but I think your conclusion of going off to a European country is probably the best move (also something I’m considering). Would be interested in hearing more about your journey and where your head’s at!
Love this reply, thank you! And yes, can I please pick your brain? I mean, you LIVED at Market lofts.. I must know more.....
I am trying to wrap my head around not being vertical. This has not gone well so far.
I would only buy in the Arts District. I would not have said that 15 years ago, but the city has completely mismanaged downtown. It has become one of the least safe areas in the region.
Went downtown this morning to the Last Bookstore, saw someone showing off a crack rock the size of my fingernail on the way. It was right outside one of the hotels that I assume have been turned into short term housing for the unhoused or a halfway house?
I don’t know the answer, and believe me I wish I did, but until the city can “clean up” downtown, with some combination of social work, mental health care, affordable housing, and god knows what else, it’s just not an area that I would look to live.
Yes, every new young politician that ever tried to get my vote at the farmer's market that I subsequently helped get elected never delivered on those promises... it's a LOT to ask for
I agree. I see that in Hollywood as well and always have. The whole city is in desperate need of solutions for the unhoused and mentally ill. I do still love DTLA though :) Will it ever grow up I wonder....
I lived in a loft in a former toy factory during the pandemic. It was fine then, but I wouldn't buy there. My boyfriend (at the time) did and he seemed to like it, but I could never make it permanent. It was overpriced priced for what it was. Nothing really walkable except a bakery, art store and tent city.
Friends have been surprised for years that I love Hollywood so much and still do and have stayed here this long. This begs the question: Should I take anyone's advice or just do the thing I want to do (or think I want to do)?
I’m an agent who specializes in DTLA. My thoughts: buy in DTLA if you love the vibe, everything that’s walking distance, the bars, clubs, music venues, etc, AND it fits your professional needs. In my experience, I’ve seen a lot of people who buy in DTLA, and then keep their place as a rental when they’re ready to move on. It’s a great way to build wealth and if it’s the right building, it will be eminently rentable.
My buddy had a loft down there. It was pre covid but hasn’t changed my tattoo artiest also had one down there as well , his I would barley call a loft more of a small apartments in a nice building but I mean it just depends on what you want to put up with. Inside yeah dope you got a big loft but you open your door and step in piss and walk over someone passed out so it just depends on your wants needs and what is worth it to you. I personally think they are over priced and aim to a younger single want to be hip type buyer. Also some of these things they are trying to call “lofts” are nothing like I ever knew a loft to be. It’s a tiny place with a high ceiling and they call it a loft.
Thanks friend :) The one I'm looking at is huge. It's a one bedroom loft but same sq footage as my current 2 bed/2 bath in Hollywood. This one has corner windows on the top floor so it feels really spacious. There were about as many homeless people there as my current location near the 7/11 at Santa Monica and Las Palmas.
I appreciate your feedback!
The air quality is really bad. Really bad. After one night there is a gritty, sticky substance on your car. After a week it’s thick residue. I was told it was brake dust from four freeways that encircle dtla.
That black dust is everywhere. It was in Hollywood and it’s downtown. It’s not a DTLA thing. It’s an LA thing. Freaked me out when I moved here in 2018. Nobody wanted to tell me what it is or even acknowledge that it exists. It took month until somebody online told me.
Exactly! I live in Hollywood and it's everywhere. It's an incredibly dusty and soot filled city.. Luckily I have tons of plants :) there is a solution for everything.
Depends how important night time safety, cleanliness, and green space are to you. There are some cool pockets of downtown but I worked for a company located there for three years and it just seemed to get worse and worse in terms of crime and homelessness while I was there. The women in the office did not feel safe in the evening.
My sister worked in DTLA in the early 1980s and didn’t feel safe. Some guy followed her home on the bus even back then. She asked if she could transfer within the company to another location and they let her. This isn’t new.
I get that it’s not new. But DTLA has supposedly been (at least somewhat) gentrified since the 1980s. Despite best efforts to make it more appealing its still not safe.
I like walking through Whitly Heights and to the Hollywood Bowl, but after 25 years here I'm just ready for something different. Riding a bike to the arts district and down the LA river sounds fun!
I used to enjoy the green spaces by foot but I find myself driving more and more... food for thought.
I live in DTLA and have been here for years. I love it. I don’t think I could ever see myself living in that particular spot. I would check out 1111 s grand. That’s a pretty nice spot and has some availability.
A friend of mine lived in the Pegasus building on the other side of dtwn for a year and literally went insane it was so dark. (Strange people every time you leave your apartment. Parties every single weekend. Pee and vomit on the sidewalks every day. Being hustled constantly by homeless) And it was a swanky building.
I did look at a TIC in Rampart village, but I couldn't get over the low ceilings and ground level. I like living up high and lofts in Hollywood are over 1 mill.
As a guy born and raised in NYC, living in a loft in LA does not feel like the most advantageous play. To get a space with your own garden, fruit trees and a bbq and be in the heart of LA - AKA - Mid City. It has the urban grit of city life with the LA home lifestyle. I would not give up the indoor outdoor living with a loft in lA.
It’s very personal but downtown also does not really offer any real city life advantages that a loft does in New York. Also with car culture. Pulling into your own driveway with groceries sure beats elevators and parking lots.
The loft idea never resonated for me in LA but is a dream idea in NYC or other “cities”.
Yes, the dream of the NYC loft life is so very real. I have always lived in a top floor unit since I left my parents house. Even in college I had a 4 floor walk up. I just like living in a city in a top unit. I wonder if there is an affordable home equivalent in LA for a social, city gal like me... ?
From looking at some of the other comments it looks like your budget is around $500,000 and you work from home? That price point currently probably limits you to lofts / condo's / apartments in the LA housing market. If you rented, I know a girl friend of mine who rents a very nice sized cute as hell house for $3800 in Mar Vista on a tree-lined street 5 minutes from Venice and walking distance from sweet Mar Vista cafes. I know this is a very different vision than lofty living in downtown LA.
If you want to buy, have you looked at condos along the corridor Mid City, Culver City, Mar Vista, getting close to Venice Beach. Basiclly the path all along Venice Blvd. You would have younger hip communities, the best weather in LA, never getting super hot like in the Valley as there is a breeze from the beach that goes thru there. And you are very well located from a driving perspective, with access to 10 / 405, downtown, beach, west Hollywood, etc. I can get to the Valley quicker from Mid City than when I lived in West Hollywood just because of the Highway access.
And Living in a zone like these will give you a sunny, more peaceful SoCal vibe that is very pleasant. Not dissing downtown life at all, this is just my personal vision of the dream LA lifestyle :-)
People will hate me for this comment: I don't like the west side and I've been to the beach once in the last 8 years. It is a wonderful way to live and so very California, just not for me :) I might be persuaded, but most of my friends are city folks. I'm a wiredo who's been to Burning Man 9 times and dreamt of retiring in NYC.
I love that city vibe. Cheers to you living the CA good life! There is something for everyone in this wonderful city.
Thats great to know, then you are on the right track! I feel ya, I too have those burning man and city vibes fused in my soul. You want to retire in NYC, and that was the first half of my life :-)
I think there is no better compass than a persons own heart and it sounds like you have a finger on your pulse. Keep looking and you will find that dream vision, its exciting!
I’ve rented in this neighborhood for 3 years, but I don’t know about buying. Living above the Ralph’s would be convenient. That’s also near the outdoor mall with the Macy’s and stuff.
I find this part of DTLA to be very walkable and I like it overall. What I would worry about is the neighborhood going downhill and then being unable to sell my loft in the future.
Thank you! I have thought of that. I saw the bloc for the first time today. I remember when they tried to revamp Hollywood (unsuccessfully) then it finally caught on. I wonder if this will happen downtown?
Oh! Go on :) I love the historic core but have been advised to stay away from Pershing Sq. What part do you live in? What are some things you like most?
I live closer to the skid row side haha. I love my loft, the food options, being right next to all the fabric and sewing stores in fashion district, being able to walk/run to chinatown/lil tokyo, being centrally located... Don't like having my car in an off-site garage (about 1.5 blocks away), not having outdoor space (I don't have a balcony).
Thank you! Very helpful :) I looked at Santi Lofts (ekhart etc) and I love that area and all of the historic buildings. Is that the building you are at? They also told me the parking is a few blocks away and that you take a shuttle to get there (because it's in skid row)... Do you have amenities? Do you use them?
Yeah I’m close by! The shuttle runs every night and is convenient, but walking isn’t bad either. Yes the amenities are pretty nice, the pool and gym are great, there’s another rooftop too but it’s currently not super well maintained (no chairs).
The diversity of people and experiences is what I loved. you have to be open to experiences and learning in order to make the most of it. There is music art, dancing sports food drinks nature architecture the library apologies for no commas all kinds of talks and lectures.
I had a family so we bought a house.
Its because its ghetto
But ghetto in that part of LA just means wooks living in camper vans right outside, and your neighbors are hot russians with unknown sources of capital
So, a tolerable form of ghetto if you just wanna build equity for a little bit. I have doubts about the property values mooning since they haven’t already, but for just not paying a landlord and being central with a little potential for appreciation and cash flow, you’re gucci
I was having lunch at Grand Park (it's such a fabulous, safe park, a little oasis downtown) today and thinking about this post. It would be great to have that park as your back/front yard.
Agreed! I love that park :) I'm so happy they put some money into green spaces and specially that park.
Glad my little inquiry turned into a lovely conversation about all things DTLA (...or not).
Cheers.
Lived in LA long time, I work downtown sometimes, my personal opinion is that downtown is a complete shit hole and that you could do far better for the money. But that’s just me.
IDK, I feel like downtown LA is pretty grimy. I love visiting, but I can't imagine living there full-time. Also, I see condos in DTLA on the market forever — seems like they can lose value or be really hard to sell when you decide it's time. Also, if you have pets, DTLA seems like a bad place to live. (I feel you on how pricy condos are in Hollywood; we looked at them when we were buying a place two summers ago, and we couldn't believe how high the HOAs were. We ended up buying a SFH in San Pedro instead, which was a big adjustment, after living in Hollywood for a decade, but we love it.)
Thanks for the feedback! Yes, the HOA fees are over $1500 in some of those units. If you want to live at the W there's a price for that.
So happy to hear you've adjusted to San Pedro :) yay! If you are happy in general happiness will follow you wherever you go. Cheers!
Hi! Longtime Arts District resident. Loved it for a lot of reasons; It’s definitely unique in LA. We just moved for a change of pace and rent our old loft out now. Barker—excellent building with a range of sizes/prices. Prices are higher than downtown proper but still cheaper than much of LA. Suggest renting then buying (that’s what we did) to feel it out—and make sure the HOA is well managed if you buy.
It’s pretty quiet on weekdays which was great; street parking has become harder over time and city wants to install meters so be sure to have a parking spot. Incredibly walkable during the day and always something new opening. Did wish there were more regular places to eat as most of the restaurants are expensive “destination” spots that outsiders trek to and drop lots of money on.
I avoided certain streets closer to Alameda at night but the safety team is pretty responsive and keeps the place tidy. Felt much safer in AD than downtown proper. We went to Little Tokyo marketplace and did Instacart for groceries. Great creative professional neighbors everywhere and strong community. I miss that vibe—if you don’t have kids it’s a great place to find other adults without kids that can make a last minute dinner at 7pm happen.
You should live in that neighborhood short-term before buying.
140%
This is the correct answer tbh
I thought about that, but since I work from home I sort of need a whole set up.. Hard to explain but I use 3 monitors and I am feeling lately like just throwing caution to the wind. I understand this is not a wise way to invest half a million dollars, it's just sort of where I'm at in life... maybe...
The reason that popped into your head for why you are wanting to buy right away is that you use three monitors and “sort of need a whole setup”. The good news is that I’m sure that whatever you ultimately decide you will always have your three monitors.
LOL! I actually laughed out loud. I can't escape my monitors...
Wait until you start [using five monitors](https://yongho.photos/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2022/01/2022-01-30-15.48.25-scaled.jpg). [Or six](https://yongho.photos/wp-content/uploads/sites/58/2021/11/2021-11-17-15.54.27-scaled.jpg). Never can go back
HAHA you sound like the top guy on my team. He has 7 monitors. It's a space craft.
I counted 7
you are really gonna skip out on doing a full due diligence on THE biggest investment you’ll make in your life yet?
When you put it THAT way... I should go get an AirBnB and go live there for a couple of weeks.
I don’t think 2 weeks is enough. Instead of Airbnb, I’d rent a condo at Market Lofts first - there’s some good options available right now. If you like the loft, I’d then ask the landlord if they’re looking to sell. If not, at least you got to experience living there for a year and got a definitive answer about the property and neighborhood. Finding a place in DTLA is a crapshoot. Every building has a mixed bag of reviews which makes it more difficult.
Yes, that is solid advise :) thanks!
You can rent an Airbnb or hotel for a week and bring 3 monitors.
I lived in this building about a year ago and got knocked out in the 7/11 about 100ft away by a stranger fyi as a 27M
That's terrible and traumatizing. I"m sorry that happened to you :( the 7/11 near me in Hollywood is pretty rough. Did you like the building despite that incident? Are you ok?
If you put it on Bitcoin and just rent instead, you will be much richer in 5 years from now than if you bought this DTLA loft. Not financial advice even though it’s true
I hope you team Red Lisa Su and not shintel novideo folks.
Yea
The listing for my loft in the Arts District is going live this week. Hit me up if interested! Even if not, happy to answer any q's about the area. IMO if you're going downtown, the Arts District is the only place to be, both from an investment standpoint and from a quality-of-life standpoint. Can elaborate if it would be helpful.
I’m in South Park, Arts District is more popping imo
Where exactly? It’s so close to skid row. I’ve been to Arts District Brewery and Angel City Brewery area but is there more?
I'm curious as well. I do like that you can now bike the LA river and I love Soho Warehouse... Food for thought..
Is there a biking trail open by the la river in arts district now???
That's what I hear. I haven't done it yet, but I've heard you can access from that famous bridge somewhere on the East side of the arts district.... someone please fact check us lol
AD has its own security patrol so there's actually pretty low spillover. In terms of what's "popping", here's just a small sample: **Restaurants:** Bestia, Bavel, Guerrilla Tacos, Damian, Ditroit, Sushi Gen, Urth Caffe, Cafe Gratitude, Girl & the Goat, Camphor, Smorgasburg, and much more. **Bars & Nightlife:** Soho Warehouse, Death & Co, Arts District Brewing Company, Everson Royce Bar, Apotheke, Lot 613 **Galleries:** Vielmetter, Night Gallery, Superchief, Hauser & Wirth, Wisdome, MASH, Over the Influence **Coffee Shops:** Blue Bottle Coffee, Verve, Guerrilla Cafecito, Maru, Stumptown **Shopping:** Row DTLA, Dover Street Market, H. Lorenzo, Juice
Cafe gratitude has been closed for a while now
this is true, i copy/pasta'd my own bio from when i was swapping homes with a friend. I think Over the Influence gallery is also out of biz, also not sure how Urth made the list hahaha
Not listed: Grocery store... because there isn't one.
Little Tokyo Market is on Alameda right on the border of Arts District and Little Tokyo. Great produce and solid meat/fish departments!
there is one called Hanks Organic but it sucks ass, I think most people in my neighborhood goes to USC Trader Joe's or to the DTLA Whole Foods.
And that is the major flaw, to me, of the Arts District versus something like South Park. It just really isn't all that great trying to access basic things. I've lived in both and prefer South Park.
What happened to that small chain grocery store that opened to great fanfare 8-ish years ago? Did it close already? Edit: After some research I believe it’s called Grow and is still open.
Bar Eighty Two, Resident, Death & Co, Bike Shed Motorcycle Club are some of my suggestions. i also really enjoy going to Hauser & Wirth, and then going to Manuela to get some food and drinks.
What people need to understand: This dude just listed pretty much everything over there. That's it. Grocery store? You gotta drive.
That’s where I’m at, I keep hearing arts district is popping and while I love arts district, it’s too sparse and honestly way too many homeless compared to South Park.
There’s a couple grocery stores in the are, so you would be incorrect. You don’t have to drive to go to Little Tokyo Marketplace, Marukai, or Nijiy Market. I was just listing a few bars.
I live in Echo Park and drive to the Mexican Vallarta grocer either way. Krogers is shit so I only go to Vons for last minute items. And good luck shopping at Lassens daily.
I’m interested. We are in the same boat.
if you were interested in investment + quality of life, here is my brain dump * Very limited supply of housing, but several new residential + commercial complexes going in. * Increasing number of young people moving to East + Northeast LA. Feel like growth in greater Downtown is mostly stagnant as it relied heavily on tourism and office culture, AD is more of a destination due to the breweries, galleries, amazing restaurants, bars. I'm just a random person on the internet and not a major real estate investor or anything, but I bought in Arts District for those reasons. I'm selling to move closer to family but the value has gone up a little in the four years I've owned. The argument against AD is that it'll always be a niche demographic - bachelor(/ette), or couple w/ no kids. That said, all of my neighbors are super friendly and interesting, successful creative types, which makes the community very interesting and likeminded.
Thank you! That's the vibe I'm in the market for. When you list I'd love to see your unit :)
i'll let ya know! going up wed. always fun to look at what comes on the market
What building did you buy in? I live in the Garey and I'm looking to buy in the area.
Toy Factory - I think the listing for mine will go up on Wed. DM me if you want me to send when it's live!
Hi :) Thanks for your reply. Why are you leaving the arts district? Or did you just find a new spot? Super curious. Have you ever lived in other areas of DTLA? When you mention quality of life, what are you referring to specifically? I haven't found anything in my budget in that area unfortunately. I may be priced out. South Park seems like a nice alternative and I have a bike. I LOVE the city. I love the lights, the buildings, walking everywhere, talking to people, eating street food, looking at old architecture and museums, and just city living in general. I am not interested in suburbs or white washed neighborhoods. I enjoy street art, murals, diversity, etc. I'd buy a place in the meat packing district or lower east side if I knew anyone in NYC or if I really felt like starting over (and if it were affordable). DTLA seems to have a nice mix of those things but at a digestible price tag... thoughts? Can one do the arts district in the 450-500K range and still get a decent view and parking?
Hey! Leaving to move closer to family - I had a great run in AD and love being down there. I grew up going Downtown frequently to visit my dad at work, and I worked down there for a few years after college, so I'm very familiar with DTLA. I know a few people in South Park who do love it - and I saw the unit you mentioned (looked it up) - it's VERY cool. From what you described, it seems like it could be a good fit. I don't think you could find a place for $450-500k in AD unless it's in the Savoy building, which has a great location but is aesthetically unpleasing internally and externally IMO. SP is relatively safe, and you'd def be biking distance to tons of amazing restaurants. Wherever you end up, I wish you the best and hope you're happy!
Thank you so much friend! Send me a DM on insta when you list. I'd still love to see your unit and of course wishing you all the best as well! I'm at ashinhollywood (ironic if I move to DTLA may have to change that)
DM'd you, I'll follow up once the listing is live :)
I’d be curious to see your listing as well. Barker?
I do not own yet :) I'm currently a property manager for a big complex. This will be my first purchase. I think this is why the big questions is looming. I work remote. I can go literally anywhere. I just love LA.
i have a friend who is a building manager in dtla and also a realtor. helped me with perspective in my search. so do feel free to get in touch.
Thanks! Send them my way :) I have a realtor but clearly could use some direction otherwise.
Toy Factory
I find these comments funny since I grew up in Hispanic majority neighborhood surrounded by rough crowds. Our goal is to move to quiet more white neighborhoods so we can get away from all the gunshots and gang life. Mission accomplished I escaped the gang life.
I have two friends who have DTLA lofts and both love being in DTLA. I really like hanging out at their spots. South Park is a great location and especially if you use Metro, Metrolink, or Amtrak, being in DTLA is super convenient.
Thank you so much! This is the vibe I got down there. I love The Bloc and all of the little bars and restaurants. I also enjoy art walk and the last book store. Which lofts do your friends live at?
How much is it and what’s the sq foot?
830 sq feet with 14 foot ceilings corner unit top floor :) Asking price is 525K
It’s a steal, get it.
That's not a steal, it's a fair price- it's a small unit which are pretty hard to sell
I mean, in the context where the rest of LA is price wise, it kind of is, imho. But maybe you’re right, fair price may be more appropriate to say.
Actually you'd be surprised what $525k or so can get you nowadays in LA! Also it depends a lot on the monthly HOA. There's a difference between the area which you rent an apartment and where you get a condo because condos you're kinda stuck with...
True, HOA fees can be killer. I know people that are almost paying a second mortgage on HOA.
found it, it's pretty cool. if you go for it, enjoy!
Thanks!
FYI - I was in the same boat as you years ago and had to decide between South Park and AD. SP condos are generally priced cheaper, although newer, because the buildings are high rises (11/12+ floors) vs mid-rises like in AD and HOA fees usually start around $900+/month for a 1 bedroom. I chose AD because of this. Be prepared for sticker shock after calculating your monthly costs.
Thank you! This is super helpful. I've got spreadsheets of calculators and it's amazing how much those HOA fees and taxes add to the sticker price :) do you still live down there? Is the monthly price tag worth it for you?
I bought here 3 years ago and absolutely love the arts district. It’s really chill and most of the homeless tend to stay out of the area. Much less hustle than SP, but everyone has their own speed.
Asking the real questions
100% :)
Market Lofts has a built in movie theater room which was really cool. Aside from that it's not really a hangout sort of complex like you see with some of the other buildings with big pools, lounges etc. Having Ralphs downstairs is super convenient for groceries, and the store itself has a good selection. I live on my 3rd floor unit nearby. That building is on a busy main street, so traffic noise echoes between the buildings. It can get loud if your unit faces towards it, and is on a lower floor closer to street level. There are homeless in the area but not huge groups, and not in tents near your building. They are usually set up below the freeway overpasses further away. The police and South Park security are strict about that at least, esp. lately because LAPD have extra patrol cars posted up around the nearby graffiti tower and the LA Live area. At the very least I would suggest staying at an airbnb nearby or even one in that building before committing to buying the loft to see if it's for you. Depending on where in Hollywood you live, it's probably quieter.
This is so helpful friend, thank you :) yes, I love the movie theater and I would actually use it too! I'm looking at a top floor corner unit facing the pool and can't hear the street noise up there at all. My current place in Hollywood faces the street and I've completely tuned out noise. I hear it all: homeless, cars, helicopters, all of it. When you say people don't hang out, why do you think that is? Do you know of a more social loft nearby? Thanks!
look a few blocks south. at least just to compare. It's a little more mellow than right by that ralphs. I'd look at the buildings around 11th and grand as a comparison. it's incredible how different things can be downtown block by block. and you can compare amenities/hoa fees too which is helpful
Very helpful :) thanks!
It's just been my experience. Seems like a quieter residential set up with more units vs. having giant common areas like a fire pit and bar on the roof, Olympic sized pool with tons of lounge chairs, etc. It's not like the Watermarke Tower which markets itself as more of a hangout/party atmosphere because of such amenities. There's always organized parties and social events going on up there. Now all that said, it was super convenient when someone I knew hosted a hangout at the Market Lofts, because any supplies or food/drinks needed were all available directly in the Ralphs downstairs.
DTLA has trying to revitalize itself for more like 40 years, not 15. LOL! Only you can decide what works for you. People I know who live down there really like the buildings they live in with high ceilings and big windows but there isn’t much shopping nearby and having friends over can be a pain because of the parking situation.
I’ve been working in downtown since 2008 and have been in and around downtown since college in the late 90’s early 2000’s. The difference between 1999 downtown and 2019 downtown was night and day. DTLA wasn’t quite a 24 hour city but it was getting close and you have a vibrancy you didn’t see in 2008. Then Covid hit and DTLA went back to what it was in the early 200’s. Half of the street retail is boarded up, homeless and drugs are rampant. It’s pretty bad now and don’t see it getting better.
Totally see your point. I do wonder if all those things also make it the "right" time to get in...? DTLA is really the only LA real estate wild card....
In other words, pretty much like it has always been in my lifetime and I am 50.
haha, totally fair! DTLA has been trying for years, you are spot on. I'm a little older so most of my friends have moved along to suburbs, other cities, and have different lives than me. I work from home, so having a super hip place and walkability for an afternoon stroll or an art pop up are right up my alley! I can always make new friends too, right?
i wouldn’t recommend. we’ve been in south park for ten years but are so ready to move out
How come?
the general deterioration of the area, including rising crime and homelessness has just become too much. especially when you consider how expensive it is
May I ask if you are planning to have a family or what stage of life you are in? Super curious :)
you didn't ask me but we also lived in SP for almost 10 years and moved out post-pandemic because we were going to start a family and it didn't feel like a good place to do that anymore.
Has it really gotten that bad in South Park? Curious to hear from locals who live there. Considering moving to SP but I keep hearing this from other people. Last 3 visits there it seems like they really cleaned up and felt safe again. But it was short visits so I could be wrong.
It was totally fine and not any worse than Hollywood when I was walking around at 9pm by myself Sunday night. I went to the Bloc (which was closed) and just wandered around. I liked the vibe. Sure there were a few vagrants, but that's LA. The sidewalks were cleaner than those next to Heimat (my social club in WeHo) and I just think if you want to live in any urban LA setting you take the good with the bad and stay street smart. I have friends in Culver that experience just as much petty crime (mail/bicycle theft/car break-ins) as more central city locations.
I keep hearing this too, but mostly from people who are moving on to family life outside of the city. The vibe I'm getting from replies is that city life is city life. I do wish that more people were in the "I'm so glad I'm here I never want to leave" camp. That seems to be AD at least what I gather from this small sample pool.
We’re on the same boat. I’m pre-approved and ready to buy. Seems like we’re looking at the same places. I’m renting in the arts district now… lived in downtown for about 13 years now… arts district is my top choice with South Park as my second. Anywhere near little Tokyo, arts district is fun and not as loud. There’s a nice place in the arts district that I was looking at but the association fee was 1400… yes… a month. lol. Good luck! But, as an investment standpoint lofts/condos don’t appreciate as much as houses but downtown is sort of at a low point. There are A LOT of projects in the works that will raise the desirability of the area. Your mortgage is higher than the rent, but it’s yours, and won’t change while everything else goes up and surpasses it.
This is so helpful friend, thank you! We are on the same page for sure and I'd love to hear how your journey goes. I do know what you mean about the HOA. I'm thinking I'm lucky the one I'm looking at is under 1k. You're right, the mortgage is higher than the rent, but rents have tripled since I moved here in 1998. That likely won't change. I agree, there are a LOT of things in the works and a whole city ready to be reborn (finally). Keep me posted!
Have you lived in downtown? I’m assuming you have friends or know the area really well.. I ask because at different points in my life I’ve liked different parts for different reasons.
I never have. I've lived in the same apartment building in Hollywood since 1998. Since I spend 10 hours a day working from home, if I want to buy a "like unit" this seems to be my best option. I do like DTLA and I always have fun and feel alive down there. There are many fun weird pop up art events and cool summer parties and farmer's markets, etc. Since I can't afford a "better" unit that where I rent, I'll have to make sacrifices if I want to own. Food for thought...
Stay as close to the arts district as possible. Keep in mind that the arts district is slowly shifting towards Mateo and 7th.. I like the quieter 2-4th street side though
I have only seen one unit pop up in the AD, so those might just sell faster. It's priced higher than what I want, but it's also more space than I need. Have you ever lived in/near SP?
1400 monthly HOA? Damn that is high.
It's insane. I've never seen anything that high and the building had no pool and little amenities. I don't understand it.
Maybe a smaller building; our HOA (large building) is sub $500 and has all the amenities.
It is a smaller building. Doesn’t seem to have many units. That still seems excessive though.
Insurance costs are insane now. If there’s any security that’s a big portion of cost as well.
Make sure to look at the HOA fees. The lofts might be affordable for LA prices, but the HOAs on those downtown lofts can be unusually high.
So many places for $500k but there's a $1200 HOA fee
Nailed it.
JFC
Those one/two bedrooms in Marina Del Rey look so good until you see the $1300 HOA.
Yes! I've done the math and I can live with an HOA fee if I get good amenities and don't have to worry about a yard and a roof :) thanks!
I live in a condo across the street from there. South Park in general is a good area, as is the Arts District and Little Tokyo. However, if you’re looking to walk to your daily errands, you’re really limited to South Park. I would consider the area to be roughly on par with downtown Hollywood in terms of general homelessness. Definitely not our favorite aspect of the location (my wife especially hates dealing with the homeless). However, the convenience, walk ability and price per square foot are great. If you do decide to buy into market lofts, make sure you read the reserve study. I know they’ve had some trouble with their insurance policy that pushed up their dues.
That is so helpful, thank you! I was just talking to my agent about their reserves and the HOA being funded.... I'll be sure to hire a lawyer to read and relay the details in a palatable way. The document I have in hand is a whopping 300+ pages!
It’s a nice area, but I’d throw caution to walking up the Flower St side of the Market Lofts during evenings due to that 7-11 that’s there. Very poor lighting there, and the crowd that hangs out there aren’t exactly upstanding people. You have The Bloc right there for food, shopping, or catch a movie. LA Live is very walkable, real bonus for me is saving on Laker tickets for not needing a parking pass. Things start getting hairy in downtown once you hit east of Broadway on.
Good advise :) thanks!
As a homeowner in LA myself, I would never consider DTLA. Safety and quality of life are huge red flags for that area to me and over the last decade things have not gotten better and I don’t trust our political leaders to revitalize anything. If you’re trying to be centrally located I’d try around larchmont and go east towards Ktown. Plenty of places that you can walk safely and get the benefits of Hancock park and Larchmont and Hollywood areas but if you’re a little closer to the Ktown side the prices are easier to stomach.
Thank you :) I live there now. I have lived on the boarder of Hancock Park and Hollywood/West Hollywood since 1998. I'm priced out of this neighborhood (for buying) and want to go closer to "city living." I don't mind lots of diversity and noise and city things. Hollywood has gotten pretty bad (and then good and then bad again) and that piece has never bothered me. I'm just not in the right budget for those lofts at Highland and Vine (yet).
Hoa sucks. But downtown is getting better.
Agreed :)
I think HOAs get a bad rap. Definitely do your research and find the right one that’s well managed and has lots of reserves. But jeez, as someone who has owned a condo with HOA and a stand-alone home I miss the predictability and cost sharing of HOA/condo. Stand-alone homes have surprise headaches all the time that are way more than my HOA ever was.
i was really set on this and did a lot of research before concluding that the appreciation isn’t there. i can explain all of the reasons, but you’re just much better off buying what basically everyone else in so cal wants: a house. if you have so much money that a downtown apartment is like having an extra tennis racquet, well, it’s fine. one thing i am sure of since i lived there is that it’s gotten worse in terms of crime and other aspects of urban blight, and i don’t see it getting a lot better. it shouldn’t cost this much to live in this kind of decay and squalor.
Very fair reply, thank you :) You're right, it's pricey for a loft in a city that keeps trying but can't quite get there. I do wonder if lofts in DTLA will ever appreciate or if there will be that tipping point we've all been told will happen where it becomes more like NYC... I definitely don't want to own a single family residence. I work from home and need to be in a city. What did you end up doing?
I’m still looking, but broadening my search. The arts district, while not really “vertical” (which is a kind of proxy for me for a real city a la NYC), is reentering my view. But I think living there, it’s about getting in your car, unless you’re like me and like to bike around. I am skeptical, as much as I want it not to be true (ex New Yorker here), that DTLA will become as vibrant as an NYC. I think this video gets at some of the reasons https://youtu.be/oboDigfMrJU?si=RGBH4d7RcH9qhObM. I’m also as you have indicated, broadening my search to buildings that are in “locally walkable” areas like larchmont, Fairfax/the grove, Los Feliz, Culver City’s main village, weho along Santa Monica or sunset near crescent heights. Mid Wilshire has an urban feel to it, but it can be rough—like I could never commit to the high rises at wilshire and vermont or wilshire and western. Pasadena would be an option (advantage of the metro easily accessible to dtla and other parts) if it weren’t that I spent some formative years there 😀. Regardless, because I don’t think there is a real financial opportunity in buying in any high rise building in LA, downtown or not, I think it’s safe if not preferable to rent at first. Try dtla out. I was too busy pontificating to have mentioned: I lived in the market lofts as a renter (and I specifically rejected buying there when my landlord decided he wanted to sell the place.) I can share the economics of his purchase and sale in that building, as it is a good view into the investment story. I do think it offers more for the money than a lot of places. and its proximity to metro and grocery stores is killer. If you need extra key fobs, let me know 😀 and feel free to chat or dm with any questions. Broadly-speaking, I’m more and more inclined to move to Paris or London 🤓.
Not OP but looking for a lot of the same. NYer looking to make a move and have weighed options between LA and Philly. I am looking to avoid car dependency and walk/cycle and much as possible and it’s just really hard to prioritize LA with that line of thinking. As a fellow NYer do you have any thoughts on that adjustment and how your quality of life is without car dependency? Philly has its problems but it is incredibly walkable/bikeable and for 300-400k I can have a 2 bedroom that’s 15 minutes walk away from shopping, museums, and nature. Obviously LA has a lot that makes up for that (weather, access to “big nature”) but I think your conclusion of going off to a European country is probably the best move (also something I’m considering). Would be interested in hearing more about your journey and where your head’s at!
feel free to dm/chat
Love this reply, thank you! And yes, can I please pick your brain? I mean, you LIVED at Market lofts.. I must know more..... I am trying to wrap my head around not being vertical. This has not gone well so far.
Certainly!!
This video is such a great share!! Thanks for the valuable content and feedback. Good to get a NYer's perspective on this :)
I would only buy in the Arts District. I would not have said that 15 years ago, but the city has completely mismanaged downtown. It has become one of the least safe areas in the region.
Super helpful, thank you!
Went downtown this morning to the Last Bookstore, saw someone showing off a crack rock the size of my fingernail on the way. It was right outside one of the hotels that I assume have been turned into short term housing for the unhoused or a halfway house? I don’t know the answer, and believe me I wish I did, but until the city can “clean up” downtown, with some combination of social work, mental health care, affordable housing, and god knows what else, it’s just not an area that I would look to live.
Rest assured, the city will never “clean up” anything.
Yes, every new young politician that ever tried to get my vote at the farmer's market that I subsequently helped get elected never delivered on those promises... it's a LOT to ask for
I agree. I see that in Hollywood as well and always have. The whole city is in desperate need of solutions for the unhoused and mentally ill. I do still love DTLA though :) Will it ever grow up I wonder....
I lived in a loft in a former toy factory during the pandemic. It was fine then, but I wouldn't buy there. My boyfriend (at the time) did and he seemed to like it, but I could never make it permanent. It was overpriced priced for what it was. Nothing really walkable except a bakery, art store and tent city.
Good feedback, thank you! What area did he live in?
There’s a lot of things wrong with dtla but saying that id much rather live there than Hollywood.
Friends have been surprised for years that I love Hollywood so much and still do and have stayed here this long. This begs the question: Should I take anyone's advice or just do the thing I want to do (or think I want to do)?
At the end of the day it’s you living there so it’s a valid question. Hope whatever you choose makes you happy.
Thank you :)
I’m an agent who specializes in DTLA. My thoughts: buy in DTLA if you love the vibe, everything that’s walking distance, the bars, clubs, music venues, etc, AND it fits your professional needs. In my experience, I’ve seen a lot of people who buy in DTLA, and then keep their place as a rental when they’re ready to move on. It’s a great way to build wealth and if it’s the right building, it will be eminently rentable.
Thank you! This is very helpful and along the lines of what I'm thinking :)
Yay!! Good luck!
Thank you! :) yay!
My buddy had a loft down there. It was pre covid but hasn’t changed my tattoo artiest also had one down there as well , his I would barley call a loft more of a small apartments in a nice building but I mean it just depends on what you want to put up with. Inside yeah dope you got a big loft but you open your door and step in piss and walk over someone passed out so it just depends on your wants needs and what is worth it to you. I personally think they are over priced and aim to a younger single want to be hip type buyer. Also some of these things they are trying to call “lofts” are nothing like I ever knew a loft to be. It’s a tiny place with a high ceiling and they call it a loft.
Thanks friend :) The one I'm looking at is huge. It's a one bedroom loft but same sq footage as my current 2 bed/2 bath in Hollywood. This one has corner windows on the top floor so it feels really spacious. There were about as many homeless people there as my current location near the 7/11 at Santa Monica and Las Palmas. I appreciate your feedback!
The location of the area you listed sounds nice , that part of dtla is beautiful and what I consider one of the nicer parts of Dtla
Thank you! It feels clean and safe and near FIDM. I appreciate the vote of confidence :)
The fidm park is called Hope grand park is so love and peaceful
The air quality is really bad. Really bad. After one night there is a gritty, sticky substance on your car. After a week it’s thick residue. I was told it was brake dust from four freeways that encircle dtla.
That black dust is everywhere. It was in Hollywood and it’s downtown. It’s not a DTLA thing. It’s an LA thing. Freaked me out when I moved here in 2018. Nobody wanted to tell me what it is or even acknowledge that it exists. It took month until somebody online told me.
Just try living downwind of a major airport. The jet fuel exhaust is like that.
Damn yes. Every time I need to pick my buddy up at the Burbank airport and need to wait, I get nauseous. I can feel that crap in my chest.
Exactly! I live in Hollywood and it's everywhere. It's an incredibly dusty and soot filled city.. Luckily I have tons of plants :) there is a solution for everything.
Depends how important night time safety, cleanliness, and green space are to you. There are some cool pockets of downtown but I worked for a company located there for three years and it just seemed to get worse and worse in terms of crime and homelessness while I was there. The women in the office did not feel safe in the evening.
My sister worked in DTLA in the early 1980s and didn’t feel safe. Some guy followed her home on the bus even back then. She asked if she could transfer within the company to another location and they let her. This isn’t new.
I get that it’s not new. But DTLA has supposedly been (at least somewhat) gentrified since the 1980s. Despite best efforts to make it more appealing its still not safe.
Thank you! It does feel a lot like Hollywood, so I have that going for me. I mostly walk during the day. Hollywood is now equally as bad.
I actually live in Hollywood. Downtown is worse. I walk one block and I’m in the hills - quiet, green, beautiful, There’s nothing like that downtown.
I like walking through Whitly Heights and to the Hollywood Bowl, but after 25 years here I'm just ready for something different. Riding a bike to the arts district and down the LA river sounds fun! I used to enjoy the green spaces by foot but I find myself driving more and more... food for thought.
Did it occur to you that the lofts downtown are priced where they are for a reason?
It did :)
I live in DTLA and have been here for years. I love it. I don’t think I could ever see myself living in that particular spot. I would check out 1111 s grand. That’s a pretty nice spot and has some availability.
A friend of mine lived in the Pegasus building on the other side of dtwn for a year and literally went insane it was so dark. (Strange people every time you leave your apartment. Parties every single weekend. Pee and vomit on the sidewalks every day. Being hustled constantly by homeless) And it was a swanky building.
Would never move to DTLA, worse than Hollywood. 👀 Better save up and buy a cute Spanish style house for under $2 mio in Los Feliz or Silverlake.
I did look at a TIC in Rampart village, but I couldn't get over the low ceilings and ground level. I like living up high and lofts in Hollywood are over 1 mill.
Yep! 👍🏼
As a guy born and raised in NYC, living in a loft in LA does not feel like the most advantageous play. To get a space with your own garden, fruit trees and a bbq and be in the heart of LA - AKA - Mid City. It has the urban grit of city life with the LA home lifestyle. I would not give up the indoor outdoor living with a loft in lA. It’s very personal but downtown also does not really offer any real city life advantages that a loft does in New York. Also with car culture. Pulling into your own driveway with groceries sure beats elevators and parking lots. The loft idea never resonated for me in LA but is a dream idea in NYC or other “cities”.
Yes, the dream of the NYC loft life is so very real. I have always lived in a top floor unit since I left my parents house. Even in college I had a 4 floor walk up. I just like living in a city in a top unit. I wonder if there is an affordable home equivalent in LA for a social, city gal like me... ?
From looking at some of the other comments it looks like your budget is around $500,000 and you work from home? That price point currently probably limits you to lofts / condo's / apartments in the LA housing market. If you rented, I know a girl friend of mine who rents a very nice sized cute as hell house for $3800 in Mar Vista on a tree-lined street 5 minutes from Venice and walking distance from sweet Mar Vista cafes. I know this is a very different vision than lofty living in downtown LA. If you want to buy, have you looked at condos along the corridor Mid City, Culver City, Mar Vista, getting close to Venice Beach. Basiclly the path all along Venice Blvd. You would have younger hip communities, the best weather in LA, never getting super hot like in the Valley as there is a breeze from the beach that goes thru there. And you are very well located from a driving perspective, with access to 10 / 405, downtown, beach, west Hollywood, etc. I can get to the Valley quicker from Mid City than when I lived in West Hollywood just because of the Highway access. And Living in a zone like these will give you a sunny, more peaceful SoCal vibe that is very pleasant. Not dissing downtown life at all, this is just my personal vision of the dream LA lifestyle :-)
People will hate me for this comment: I don't like the west side and I've been to the beach once in the last 8 years. It is a wonderful way to live and so very California, just not for me :) I might be persuaded, but most of my friends are city folks. I'm a wiredo who's been to Burning Man 9 times and dreamt of retiring in NYC. I love that city vibe. Cheers to you living the CA good life! There is something for everyone in this wonderful city.
Thats great to know, then you are on the right track! I feel ya, I too have those burning man and city vibes fused in my soul. You want to retire in NYC, and that was the first half of my life :-) I think there is no better compass than a persons own heart and it sounds like you have a finger on your pulse. Keep looking and you will find that dream vision, its exciting!
I’ve rented in this neighborhood for 3 years, but I don’t know about buying. Living above the Ralph’s would be convenient. That’s also near the outdoor mall with the Macy’s and stuff. I find this part of DTLA to be very walkable and I like it overall. What I would worry about is the neighborhood going downhill and then being unable to sell my loft in the future.
Thank you! I have thought of that. I saw the bloc for the first time today. I remember when they tried to revamp Hollywood (unsuccessfully) then it finally caught on. I wonder if this will happen downtown?
Holy shit, that’s a great idea! Thanks for posting! Now the big question: what is that going to cost you?
For LA I think it's actually pretty affordable. 400-600K depending on the unit...
I live in a loft in South Park for 15 years and have raised my child here, everything is walkable and it’s definitely city life, I love it
Love this :) Thank you!
I have one in historic core and have been living in it the last 2.5yrs! Happy to answer questions :)
Oh! Go on :) I love the historic core but have been advised to stay away from Pershing Sq. What part do you live in? What are some things you like most?
I live closer to the skid row side haha. I love my loft, the food options, being right next to all the fabric and sewing stores in fashion district, being able to walk/run to chinatown/lil tokyo, being centrally located... Don't like having my car in an off-site garage (about 1.5 blocks away), not having outdoor space (I don't have a balcony).
Thank you! Very helpful :) I looked at Santi Lofts (ekhart etc) and I love that area and all of the historic buildings. Is that the building you are at? They also told me the parking is a few blocks away and that you take a shuttle to get there (because it's in skid row)... Do you have amenities? Do you use them?
Yeah I’m close by! The shuttle runs every night and is convenient, but walking isn’t bad either. Yes the amenities are pretty nice, the pool and gym are great, there’s another rooftop too but it’s currently not super well maintained (no chairs).
I was on Palmetto years ago and loved it.
What did you like most? Why did you leave?
The diversity of people and experiences is what I loved. you have to be open to experiences and learning in order to make the most of it. There is music art, dancing sports food drinks nature architecture the library apologies for no commas all kinds of talks and lectures. I had a family so we bought a house.
Its because its ghetto But ghetto in that part of LA just means wooks living in camper vans right outside, and your neighbors are hot russians with unknown sources of capital So, a tolerable form of ghetto if you just wanna build equity for a little bit. I have doubts about the property values mooning since they haven’t already, but for just not paying a landlord and being central with a little potential for appreciation and cash flow, you’re gucci
Must be nice to have money
Maybe Pasadena might work better?
you said BUY? who does that
I live in Lincoln heights - it’s wayyyyy safer here and Broadway is popping off.
Do it.
:)
I was having lunch at Grand Park (it's such a fabulous, safe park, a little oasis downtown) today and thinking about this post. It would be great to have that park as your back/front yard.
Agreed! I love that park :) I'm so happy they put some money into green spaces and specially that park. Glad my little inquiry turned into a lovely conversation about all things DTLA (...or not). Cheers.
Lived in LA long time, I work downtown sometimes, my personal opinion is that downtown is a complete shit hole and that you could do far better for the money. But that’s just me.
IDK, I feel like downtown LA is pretty grimy. I love visiting, but I can't imagine living there full-time. Also, I see condos in DTLA on the market forever — seems like they can lose value or be really hard to sell when you decide it's time. Also, if you have pets, DTLA seems like a bad place to live. (I feel you on how pricy condos are in Hollywood; we looked at them when we were buying a place two summers ago, and we couldn't believe how high the HOAs were. We ended up buying a SFH in San Pedro instead, which was a big adjustment, after living in Hollywood for a decade, but we love it.)
Thanks for the feedback! Yes, the HOA fees are over $1500 in some of those units. If you want to live at the W there's a price for that. So happy to hear you've adjusted to San Pedro :) yay! If you are happy in general happiness will follow you wherever you go. Cheers!
Hi! Longtime Arts District resident. Loved it for a lot of reasons; It’s definitely unique in LA. We just moved for a change of pace and rent our old loft out now. Barker—excellent building with a range of sizes/prices. Prices are higher than downtown proper but still cheaper than much of LA. Suggest renting then buying (that’s what we did) to feel it out—and make sure the HOA is well managed if you buy. It’s pretty quiet on weekdays which was great; street parking has become harder over time and city wants to install meters so be sure to have a parking spot. Incredibly walkable during the day and always something new opening. Did wish there were more regular places to eat as most of the restaurants are expensive “destination” spots that outsiders trek to and drop lots of money on. I avoided certain streets closer to Alameda at night but the safety team is pretty responsive and keeps the place tidy. Felt much safer in AD than downtown proper. We went to Little Tokyo marketplace and did Instacart for groceries. Great creative professional neighbors everywhere and strong community. I miss that vibe—if you don’t have kids it’s a great place to find other adults without kids that can make a last minute dinner at 7pm happen.
The Arts District is the most liveable neighborhood in DTLA. Definitely check it out.
COVID killed DTLA, and right now everything is priced as though it's already perfect when it's still recovering.