Los Angeles
There are numerous nicknames for Los Angeles, just as there are various vibes within this sprawling city. Between rugged mountains and sandy shorelines, a laid-back surf culture and a high-powered commercial district, and food trucks and some of the world’s top-rated restaurants, Los Angeles features diversity in every aspect possible. Somehow, all the pieces of this city fit together seamlessly, making Los Angeles the unique destination we know and love. From Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills to Hollywood and Chinatown, there is the perfect neighborhood for everyone in Los Angeles. From celebrity sightings to unbeatable shopping destinations, Los Angeles is hard to beat. Enjoy a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, or Topanga State Park, enjoy the famous entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, see the stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, or stop into the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Your options are endless for entertainment, dining, and shopping in Los Angeles. And don’t forget about the easy access to international travel through the expansive Los Angeles International Airport. Though Los Angeles is famous for its film industry, it’s also well-known for its amazing beaches like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, El Matador Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. After a day of surfing and swimming, catch a sporting event or a live show at LA Live, housing the Microsoft Theatre, the STAPLES Center, the Grammy Museum, and a variety of restaurants and nightclubs. Outside of entertainment, Los Angeles houses numerous prestigious colleges and universities, from the University of California, Los Angeles to the University of Southern California.
Gardena
Roughly thirty minutes due south of downtown LA, Gardena sits in a perfect location for residents to access the best of Southern California’s beaches and urban landscape. The local economy is varied, with the city’s biggest employers representing the healthcare, casino, food supply, and manufacturing industries. The residential portions of the city are mainly divided into quiet suburban neighborhoods, with rental houses and apartments available to fit any budget. The city is distinguished by a major Japanese influence, visible in everything from gardens to architecture to the abundance of Japanese cuisine throughout the community. With Redondo Beach just twenty minutes away by car, a day by the ocean is at your fingertips anytime.
Hollywood
Hollywood is the epicenter of the movie business, home to celebrities and dreamers alike. Convenient to Los Angeles, Hollywood draws many in with its iconic landmarks and historic theatres. Take a step back in time when you visit remnants of Old Hollywood Glam at historic theatres such as TCL Chinese Theatre, El Capitan Theatre, and the Egyptian Theatre. Amoeba Music may seem like a time capsule but the largest independent record store in the U.S. stocks an impressive variety of CDs and DVDs as well as a knowledgeable staff. See where the Academy Awards are hosted at Dolby Theatre, the star-studded Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, and the best views of the city from the overlook at Hollywood Bowl. Catch movie productions in action around Hollywood and stop by the Hollywood Wax Museum to see replicates of the more reclusive celebrities. Accessible to the Hollywood Freeway and Griffith Park, major attractions and employers are only a short drive from Hollywood. Outside of the obvious attractions, Hollywood is a popular place for many people to live. The area has a wide offering of restaurants, bars, and hiking trails and has relatively affordable rental rates compared to Los Angeles' average rent.
