The city of Los Angeles (affectionately known as LA) is Southern California’s cultural, financial, and commercial powerhouse. The most populous city in the state and the second most populous city in the country, Los Angeles’ urban sprawl covers a total area of almost 503 square miles. It is currently home to approximately 3.9 million residents according to the latest census.
One of the most popular cities in the world, Los Angeles has long captured the imaginations of many. The city is a well-known hotspot for great dining and shopping, as well as a fantastic arts and culture scene. Many have relocated to Los Angeles to pursue their careers, whether in the corporate world or in Hollywood.
Los Angeles is part of the even larger Los Angeles metropolitan area, home to roughly 13 million residents. The city also serves as the county seat of Los Angeles County.
History
Los Angeles has a long and storied history that deserves its own Hollywood epic. Before the Spanish colonization of the area, the region was home to the Tongva and Chumash tribes.
Nearly 240 years after Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo claimed the southern Californian region for the Spanish empire, 11 Mexican families formed a settlement by the river named Rio de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula. Governor of Spanish California Felipe de Neve christened this town after Our Lady, Queen of the Angels, with the name eventually shortened to Los Angeles.
California eventually became a part of the United States in 1848, and two years later, Los Angeles was incorporated as a municipality. Great growth and progress followed, starting with the construction of schoolhouses, rail links, post offices, and places of worship.
By the 1890s, Los Angeles’ population grew to 50,000 residents. The population increased with the arrival of more immigrants in the 20th century and by 1910, the population had ballooned to 319,198 residents. Today, Los Angeles is one of the world’s most distinguished cities.
Real estate and property types in Los Angeles
“Diverse” is the word that best describes Los Angeles real estate, with housing options ranging from modest starter homes to uber-upscale luxury dwellings. Making Los Angeles real estate even more exciting is the fact that the city is home to over 80 neighborhoods and districts, each with their own distinct identities. However, Los Angeles is generally divided into the following:
• Downtown Los Angeles
• Northeast Los Angeles
• East Los Angeles
• South Los Angeles
• Greater Hollywood
• Wilshire
• San Fernando Valley
• The Westside
• Crescenta Valley
• The Harbor area
There is a variety of property types in Los Angeles. In busier areas, you will typically find condos, apartments, and townhouses. High-octane neighborhoods eventually give way to more laidback and residential enclaves, where home buyers can find single-family homes in varying sizes and architectural styles. The crème de la crème of Los Angeles real estate, however, are its luxury properties, located in the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Living in Los Angeles
• The best shopping and dining on the West Coast – Whether you are in the mood for casual eats and thrift finds or for fine dining and upscale shopping, Los Angeles has got it all. The biggest names in the country’s culinary and retail industries are all here, plus a large collection of independent eateries and boutiques by innovative chefs and local entrepreneurs.
• Land and water adventures await – When it comes to outdoor recreation, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. To the west are the beach cities where sand, surf, and sun rule. Inland are various landscapes, with rolling hills gradually elevating until they become rugged mountain ranges where one can find miles and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. As locals say: “this place has everything.”
• World-class arts and culture scene – Los Angeles is home to a large number of art galleries and museums that shine the spotlight on the city’s many different facets, from its natural history to its ever-evolving popular culture. Notable museums and galleries in Los Angeles include the LACMA, The Broad, La Brea Tar Pits, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Find your dream home in Los Angeles
See for yourself why Los Angeles is the dream city for many. Browse our website or get in touch with The Knapp Team today at 925 389 8920 or Zach@TheKnappTeam.com to learn more about anything from luxury apartments to mansions for sale in Los Angeles.
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