Best Cities and Neighborhoods in the Los Angeles Area for Young Professionals

Los Angeles | Image credit: Henning Witzel

Los Angeles is a city that attracts people from all walks of life. America’s second-largest city is a hub of history, culture, and commerce, and the scenic beaches and parks only add to its appeal. People flock to Los Angeles for its excellent opportunities, and it maintains its allure for young professionals seeking a busy city for settling down. 

Many areas and cities across the Los Angeles metropolitan region are ideal for young professionals. With ample lucrative work opportunities, busy nightlife scenes, and appealing real estate options, these communities stand out as places filled with potential and excitement. Let’s look at some of these desirable cities and neighborhoods.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an iconic part of the Los Angeles area. This is a gorgeous location with much to see, from its sandy beaches to the bustling pier. It also has an abundance of delicious restaurants. Santa Monica’s tech sector has surged in recent years, giving it the nickname of Silicon Beach. Many major tech companies are based here, including Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, and Activision, one of the world’s largest video game companies. The combination of culture and opportunity makes Santa Monica a dream for young professionals.

Santa Monica | Image credit: Gerson Repreza

Pasadena

Pasadena is a scenic city northeast of downtown Los Angeles with historic buildings and superb shopping destinations. It is a cultural hub with famed Los Angeles attractions like the Rose Bowl stadium and the Norton Simon Museum. Pasadena is full of lovely parks and sprawling homes, and its economy makes it stand out for young professionals. There are several important companies based in Pasadena, including the headquarters of Blaze Pizza, Idealab, East West Bancorp, and more. It is an ideal place to live and work, with many exciting job opportunities and a vibrant community.

Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach is a quiet, palm tree-lined enclave by the water. Only around 20,000 people live in this city, but commuting to anywhere in Los Angeles is not difficult from here. The surf in Hermosa is excellent, and residents can enjoy two miles of public beach year round. Young professionals seek out this picturesque community for its laid-back vibe and beach town feel as well as the delicious local dining options.

Hermosa Beach | Image credit: Marwan Abdalah

West Hollywood

West Hollywood is another part of Los Angeles popular among its celebrity residents. This area has a buzz-worthy nightlife, lively bars, and delicious dining destinations. It includes some of L.A.’s most famous locations, like Santa Monica Boulevard and the Sunset Strip. One of Los Angeles’s busiest areas provides constant excitement and opportunities for young professionals, hosting the offices of major companies like Ticketmaster, Technicolor, and Annapurna Pictures. 

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is an iconic Los Angeles location and a celebrity hotspot. With its swanky shops, fine dining destinations, and sprawling mansion homes, it is no wonder this community appeals to the rich and famous. With lovely gardens and parks, many excellent cafes and bars, and intriguing museums nearby, there is much to love about life in Beverly Hills. For young professionals, there are numerous entertainment jobs in the area with major enterprises like MGM Studios, Live Nation Entertainment, and Castle Rock Entertainment based here. 

Beverly Hills