West Hollywood, CA

West Hollywood's first role came when Moses Sherman made the land the headquarters for the Los Angeles Pacific Railway Company. Studios then began using the area for film production. The area's name changed from Sherman to West Hollywood in 1925, but it didn't officially become its own city until 1984. Over time, it has remained a major entertainment hub and one of Los Angeles' signature communities.

Music plays a large role in the area's art scene. Free seasonal concerts include the outdoor Summer Sounds and the indoor Winter Sounds. Indoor and outdoor art exhibits populate the neighborhood, with the Schindler House being one of the main artistic attractions. Located on North Kings Road, the house combines art and architecture, and showcases a communal living system. Designed for two couples with one room for each person, it allowed every one who lived there to express their own vision.

The area's dining packs plenty of variety into a small area, with American and international cuisine at restaurants that range from affordable to upscale.

For a comfortable Mediterranean cafe experience at a reasonable price, check out Continental Kitchen. It uses fresh ingredients, many of which come from local farmers markets. Get any entree that suits your personal preference, but make sure to have a side of ribbon fries and an all-natural mango smoothie.

Those who enjoy American food in an elegant environment head to Taste on Melrose. This restaurant has an intimate design with dark counters lit by candles, making it ideal for a romantic evening. You and your significant other may want to come back for Sunday brunch to try the lobster eggs Benedict — and wash it down with bottomless mimosas.

Nori Sushi provides diners with the charm of a smaller restaurant where the staff welcomes you and treats you like family. Nori's fresh sushi and cold sake come without the high price expected from a sushi restaurant in this area, so you get the glamour of West Hollywood without the cost. On warm nights, sit out on the patio to take in views of the neighborhood.

The area's nightlife can be as crazy as you want it, with luxurious celebrity hangouts and raucous music venues scattered throughout the neighborhood. The Sunset Strip, a name given to the section of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood, houses several popular locations. One iconic music venue, Whisky A Go-Go, has featured bands including The Doors, Van Halen and Motley Crue during its storied history. Whether you want to catch an up-and-coming band or just have a few drinks and dance, a trip toWhisky A Go-Go makes for a memorable evening.

The area's location makes it easy to access the rest of the city, and its many attractions can be reached quickly on foot or bike.

Due to its small size, you won't have to drive far to travel this community. Traffic depends heavily on the time of day, but if you take less-congested streets, you can get around the area with minimal delays. Santa Monica Boulevard, the main road in the city, runs east to west and can be taken all the way down to Santa Monica. U.S. 101, running northwest and southeast, lies a couple miles east and can be taken to get to the San Fernando Valley or downtown. Interstate 10, which runs east and west, lies a couple miles south of this area.

Parking in the area varies from street to street. Paid street parking can be found, although it may require a bit of time to find a spot. The area has several public parking lots, with rates as low as $1 per hour.

The public transportation options make it easy to get around without a car. The CityLine Shuttle takes you around the area free of charge. The LA Metro buses also service the area, and you can take a bus to the Metro station on Vermont and Sunset to use the Metro Rail. The Metro Rail provides a quick way of getting around Los Angeles, making it handy for longer trips. Taxis and ride share companies like Uber service the neighborhood, and pickups are usually quick.

Plenty of attractions sit within walking distance, and most errands won't require a car. You can also ride a bike around on either the road or the sidewalk, with the sidewalk being a safer option.

The area has several well-maintained parks showcasing the outdoors spirit of this community. Kids and adults enjoy West Hollywood Park, which has a pool, a library and facilities for sports. The enclosed play areas mean parents don't have to worry about young children wandering away. With basketball courts and tennis courts, sports junkies can get a good workout here. The fee varies based on the activity, but many of the park's amenities can be used free of charge. The LA PRIDE Celebration takes place at this park every year.

Dog lovers visit the William S Hart Park & Off-Leash Dog Park, which can be used free of charge. Wood chips and soft dirt give dogs an ideal surface for roaming around, and the park provides water for humans and canines. Tired owners can take a seat on the benches while their dogs run and play.

The cost of living in this area carries the premium expected for such an in-demand location. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $1,700. Rates for locations that include amenities can be much higher, but you may also find a cheaper arrangement.

A Metro ride to the city center costs about $1.50, and gas prices tend to be around 13 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub will cost you about $6.

Stores in West Hollywood tend toward the upscale and sophisticated, but this shopping hub of Los Angeles still features bargains if you know where to look.

The West Hollywood Gateway shopping center provides residents with one place to stock up on essentials from trusted major retailers. Visit here to buy some new home decor at Target, check out TVs at Best Buy or grab a bottle of wine at BevMo. This shopping center also houses several restaurants encompassing a variety of cuisines.

Those who enjoy checking out boutiques have a lot to choose from in this area. Boutiques that carry popular brand names line the streets, particularly along the Sunset Strip, and plenty of small-scale retailers reside here too. BodyFactory provides residents with tons of great products to nourish the body and soul. Find high-end scented candles, room sprays and diffusers, and if you need a finishing touch for your dining room, check out the wide selection of dinnerware, drink glasses and flatware. Pamper yourself with hair products, skin care and perfumes, and take home a smoothie or some grab-n-go food for lunch on your way out the door.

No matter what grocery store you prefer, it probably exists it in this neighborhood. Get your essentials at Ralphs, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market and Pavilions, to name a few. For fresh, natural food choices, head over to the Helen Albert Certified Farmers' Market at Plummer Park on Mondays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. This small market gives you plenty of vendor options without the hassle of walking through a huge crowd. You can chat with the vendors about their products, and they may even cut you a deal.