Downtown Los Angeles, also known as the main business district in the city, is also home to quite a few Angelenos. Bordered by the neighborhoods of Echo Park, Chinatown, Vernon, Boyle heights, South Central, Westlake, Pico-Union, and University Park, there is always something to see or do in the area. Thinking about moving to Downtown L.A.? Perhaps these factors will tip the scales for you.

Demographics

Downtown L.A. is quite diverse as home to about 50,000 people. The population in this neighborhood has basically doubled since 2000, making it one of the leaders in growth for the city. The median age of residents in Downtown is about 39, which is older than the median of the entire city. Additionally, the racial divide is generally split between Asian, black, Latino, and white residents. This makes Downtown one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city.

 

Downtown's median household income as of 2008 was about $15,000. This is relatively low for the entire county. Unfortunately, the household earnings of families are still low in 2016. Additionally, the average size of a Downtown Los Angeles household is just 1.6 people. This neighborhood is not known for being family-friendly. Nearly three-quarters of all Downtown residents are between the ages of 23 and 44.

 

Many of the residents in this area have never been married, are divorced, or have been widowed. In fact, statistics indicate that this neighborhood offers the highest number of those in these categories than in other neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. Additionally, Downtown Los Angeles is home to more than 410 single-parent families. This makes the percentage of single-parent families at about 13.5%. This is on par with the rest of the city, but higher than for the rest of the county.

Culture

One of the most fascinating aspects of culture in Downtown is the fact that things are divided into different areas. The Fashion District rests comfortably near Skid Row, and commuters can cover the span of several districts on their way to work. The Metro transit system is a major component of getting around in this neighborhood, whether you are headed to work or watching a film at an old-school movie palace. Walking the streets, you are sure to see an intriguing juxtaposition of old and new.

 

The vast majority of Los Angeles residents rent a home rather than own one. This could be related to the fact that most residences Downtown are located in apartment or condo buildings rather than in single-family units. The population density is more than 8,900 people per square mile.

 

In spite of the fact that public transportation is so readily available, it is not uncommon for families to have their own cars. On average, each family has one car. Los Angeles has a car-oriented culture in spite of widespread availability of bus and rail systems.

 

Quality of Life

There are more jobs in Downtown Los Angeles than there are people living in the neighborhood, and this is partially thanks to the growing transit system. The rail system offers six different commuter lines through Metrolink in addition to the purple and red subway lines. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is also helpful.

 

Education is about average for all of Los Angeles. Nearly 18% of those living here over the age of 25 hold bachelor's degrees as of 2000 data. This is on par with the rest of the city. Unfortunately, there is also a high percentage of residents who have not graduated from high school.

 

Surprisingly, rent in Downtown Los Angeles can be lower than other regions of the city. In 2013, the median rent was about $840. The median rent throughout all of Los Angeles was $1,084 the same year.

Best Known For

There is certainly a lot to do in Downtown Los Angeles, and that is why so many visitors flock there. For starters, there is Olvera Street. This is where you will find Los Angeles' oldest structure still standing, known as the Avila Adobe. You can also shop for Mexican street market wares and delicious meals.

 

You will also find plenty of museums and culture Downtown. The L.A. Plaza de Cultural y Artes and Chinese American Museum. Ready for some music after a long day of pounding the pavement? Head to the Los Angeles Music Center or Disney Concert Hall.

 

You might also be familiar with Chinatown, the neighborhood known for its Asian influence. This is located Downtown, and the district is not as densely packed as you might think. This offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy authentic food and fun.

 

If you rode into Downtown Los Angeles, you may have passed through Union Station. This is the central hub of transportation in Los Angeles. You can catch an Amtrak, MetroLink, or bus here. Plus, you may also have noticed that the architecture of Union Station is simply stunning.

Downtown Los Angeles certainly offers its own charm. Of course, living here means that you will put up with the hustle and bustle that makes up the city. If you can handle that, this is a great place to consider for your big move.