Westside Los Angeles Neighborhoods With a Small Town Feel
Los Angeles isn’t exactly small. It is the most populous city in California, in the most populous county in the United States. From the outside, it may seem like living in the Los Angeles metro is nothing like living in a small town, but there are tight-knit communities all around us that offer very similar lifestyles.
What do people find appealing about living in a small town? Small towns are situated in a way that encourages walking and biking to local restaurants and shops, with parks nearby, yet set back from the hustle and bustle of a downtown core. The streets are often narrower to discourage through traffic, creating a safer place for children to play and neighbors to visit with each other.
Are you longing for a sense of community? Do you like the idea of bumping into a neighbor or two at your local grocery store? Here are a few s on the Westside of LA with that small town feel, along with some homes listed for sale in those very neighborhoods.
1. Walk Streets in Venice
There are a few areas in Venice where the residential streets are completely closed off to vehicles and garages face alleyways instead of the front, making those ideal safe spaces for pedestrians and playing children. Walking along any of these tree-lined streets will emotionally transport you to a cute small town, yet you’ll still be in Los Angeles, California with all its conveniences and opportunities.
34 Park Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
The spacious front yard and porch steps at 34 Park Avenue seem to say “hey, neighbor!” and invite you in. Living here feels like living in a quaint and quiet town.
854-856 Nowita Place, Venice, CA 90291
This double-lot (yes, you read that right!) Craftsman (yep!) is located on one of Venice’s premier walk streets — Nowita Place. Porches promote neighborliness and this one is a beauty! We’re daydreaming about spending warm Southern California evenings on this porch, sitting in our Adirondack chairs, sipping wine.
North of Rose in Venice
What better place to be than between a Whole Foods and the beach? North of Rose is a block comprised of only one row of homes and, with a neighborhood that small, getting to know your neighbors is a breeze! Despite the tiny town feel, it is adjacent to a row of trendy shops and restaurants along Rose Avenue which means high walkability! This little pocket is just far enough away from the boardwalk and Abbot Kinney Blvd to be a sanctuary, yet close enough for convenient walking or biking to all of it.
East of Lincoln in Venice
This up-and-coming neighborhood has a laid back vibe. Although it is adjacent to Santa Monica, it’s another Westside enclave that feels secluded from the areas buzzing with seasonal tourists. It’s an ideal neighborhood for families with generous sized lots and tree-lined streets. The border is Lincoln Avenue, which definitely has a big city vibe with its many shops and restaurants, but once you’ve crossed it, and step into this neighborhood, the quiet little town vibes take over.
2482 Glyndon Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
This home is nestled on Gyndon Avenue, East of Lincoln. Tucked away on a quiet street you almost wouldn’t even know is there, yet moments from comforts like Costco and Southern California staple, In-in-out, it’s the best of two worlds. Enjoy the warm Venice nights dining outside or playing catch in the yard — front or back. There’s plenty of room here!
865 Warren Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
Surrounded by mature trees and Bahama-style shutters, this home showcases a warm, contemporary approach to architecture. Located steps away from Marine Park which features an auditorium, playground, picnic areas, lighted fields & athletic courts, the location has that cute little town atmosphere. With a luxurious ambience and walking distance to Whole Foods, shops, and cafés along Rose Avenue, this is an entertainer’s perfect Venetian home.
Del Rey
Close to the beach and LAX (but not too close), Del Rey may be the most interesting neighborhood most Angelinos have never heard of. Just a postage stamp in the Los Angeles sprawl, this tight-knit community has that wholesome, small town quality we love. Yearly events include the Del Rey Art Walk, Del Rey Day and a popular Farmer’s Market.
4582 Alla Road, Del Rey, CA 90066
This single-story home sits on an expansive lot, surrounded by flourishing vegetation including a raised-bed food garden. It’s an elegant, architectural gem located in the heart of Del Rey. The property is located moments away from Glen Alla Park which features a small playground, athletic courts and the Del Rey Farmer’s Market, open every Friday afternoon.
Sunset Park in Santa Monica
Sunset Park is an inland neighborhood of Santa Monica. With its own recreation center, library, independent grocery store, small airport, and community college, Sunset Park truly feels like a small town within a very large one. Residents praise the community for dog-friendliness, bike-friendliness, and proximity to amenities.
2425 29th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Located on a corner lot in the desirable Sunset Park neighborhood of Santa Monica and walking distance to Trader Joes as well as the many shops and restaurants on Ocean Park Blvd, this is a rare opportunity to build your dream home that will be a stunning addition to the neighborhood.
