Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Larchmont
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Larchmont
Rent control: City of Los Angeleshas a Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). Most buildings first occupied before October 1978 limit annual increases for sitting tenants; newer buildings at least 15 years old fall under California's statewide cap (AB 1482). Check a specific address with the LA Housing Department's ZIMAS tool before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Larchmont scores for you
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Larchmont is a compact, walkable neighborhood in central Los Angeles with a quiet residential character and strong access to shops and restaurants. The area spans just half a square mile and sits within the larger central city corridor, making it feel contained and manageable for getting around on foot. It has a history of being used for film and television production, which speaks to its photogenic tree-lined streets and older, established feel.
The neighborhood ranks 12th for walkability among LA's 114 neighborhoods, meaning you can handle most daily errands without a car. That said, traffic is a real consideration here, ranking about average for the city, and public transit options are very limited with no nearby Metro rail stations. If you work elsewhere in LA, you will need a car or be prepared for longer commute times.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Larchmont revolves around the local shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the main corridors. You will find about four coffee spots and roughly 13 restaurants within a short walk, along with one small grocery store (Pavilions) and Lucy Park nearby. The neighborhood feels low-key and residential, with three schools serving the area and relatively modest density compared to other walkable LA neighborhoods.
The tradeoff is limited tree canopy (about 3.7%, well below LA's average of 6.2%), so streets can feel exposed and concrete-heavy. Air quality is moderate for California standards, with moderate diesel PM exposure. You will experience above-average traffic exposure, so noise from nearby corridors is something to expect if you face major streets.
Who it's for
Larchmont works best for renters who prioritize walkable access to restaurants and neighborhood shops, work locally or can tolerate a car commute, and are comfortable in a lower-density, older residential area without heavy transit infrastructure. It is not ideal for anyone relying on public transportation or those seeking abundant green space. The neighborhood appeals to people who want neighborhood character and convenience without the density and cost premium of trendier central LA areas.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: most daily errands can be done on foot.
High intersection density and destination access. The kind of area where a car is optional for daily life.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Larchmont
Population
8,541
Renters
74%
of households rent
Median age
41
Median income
$103k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Larchmont
Pavilions
Andreas Coffee Shop · Starbucks · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf · Water Tower Market & Cafe
Cafe Gratitude · Inti Peruvian Restaurant · Lucy's El Adobe · Mario's Peruvian Restaurant
Lucy Park
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Similar neighborhoods
Hancock Park
~$2,580/mo
#36 of 346 for walkability
West Los Angeles
~$3,372/mo
#3 of 346 for walkability
Beverly Grove
~$3,338/mo
#4 of 346 for walkability
Torrance
#100 of 346 for walkability
Next to Larchmont
What the census says about Larchmont
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Larchmont; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 36 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 55%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1964
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 5%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 9%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 92%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 16%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 1 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 562
- total housing units
Averaged across 1 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Finding a place in Larchmont
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Frequently asked questions
How much is rent in Larchmont?+
New leases start around $2,326 per month, which ranks among the higher rents in LA (93rd of 114 neighborhoods). Current residents pay a median of $2,571, but that figure includes longer-term and stabilized leases. Studio apartments average around $1,528, one-bedrooms around $1,867, and two-bedrooms around $3,501.
Do I need a car here?+
Yes, strongly recommended. While the neighborhood is walkable for errands and dining, there are no nearby Metro rail stations, and transit access ranks poorly (80th of 114). You will need a car for most commutes outside the immediate area.
What is the neighborhood like for dining and coffee?+
Larchmont has about 13 restaurants and 4 coffee shops within a short walk, including cafes and casual spots like Starbucks, Water Tower Market & Cafe, and restaurants ranging from Star of India to Panda Express. The dining scene is solid for a neighborhood this size, though it skews toward casual and chain options rather than trendy dining.
What is the air quality and traffic like?+
Air quality ranks about middle-of-the-road for LA (48th of 114), with moderate diesel PM exposure. Traffic ranks 47th of 114, meaning you will encounter above-average congestion, especially on main corridors. Tree cover is minimal at 3.7%, so the environment feels concrete-heavy and exposed.
Is Larchmont walkable?+
Larchmont ranks #14 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, most daily errands can be done on foot.
What is the average rent in Larchmont?+
A new lease in Larchmont typically asks around $2,326 per month (Zillow Observed Rent Index, all unit sizes blended). Current residents pay a median of about $2,571 (Census ACS), which includes long-term and rent-stabilized tenants, so expect asking prices closer to the first number.
How is the air quality in Larchmont?+
Larchmont has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 53 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Larchmont?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Larchmont are Hancock Park, West Los Angeles, Beverly Grove and Torrance.