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The Worst Cities to Own a Car- SmartAsset

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The number of Americans driving to work alone is on the rise, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. With the increase in drivers comes traffic, which means more time and money spent idling in cars. Some cities are better equipped to deal with the mass of drivers, managing to keep traffic delays and congestion to a minimum. Other cities are equipped with walkable streets and reliable mass transit options, making car ownership less necessary.

Check out mortgage rates in your area.

We considered these and other factors to find the worst cities to own a car. Specifically, we looked at hours spent in traffic per year for the average driver, the annual cost of traffic for the average driver, the rate of motor vehicle theft, the number of repair shops and parking garages per driver, the commuter stress index and the non-driving options a resident has for getting around. To understand where we got our data and how we put it together to create our final ranking, see the data and methodology section below.

Key Findings

  • Cities on the coasts – The entire top 10 is comprised of cities on or close to the coasts. This makes sense as many of the largest cities in the country are located on the coasts. Plus, on the East Coast in particular, these cities tend to be older which means they were not built to handle car traffic.
  • Grin and bear it – Traffic can get pretty bad. However, in some cities getting around by car is just about the only option you have if you want to leave your house. Thus some cities with really bad traffic like Los Angeles or Long Beach didn’t quite crack the top 10.

1. Newark, New Jersey

Brick City tops our ranking of the worst cities to own a car. What’s tough about being a car owner in Newark is the traffic. It’s part of the New York City metro area which has 19 million people, 5 million of whom drive to work. Newark is stuck right in the middle of this bumper-to-bumper traffic. Plus, if you’re a car owner in Newark, the risk of having your car stolen is much higher than it is in other cities. Newark ranks eighth in the country for motor vehicle thefts per 1,000 residents.

Related Article: The States With the Worst Drivers

2. San Francisco, California

The City in the Bay grabs the second spot for worst places to own a car. Being stuck in traffic costs the average commuter in San Francisco $1,600 per year. That cost includes both the value of the time spent in traffic and the cost of gas. SF is also one of the 10 worst cities for motor vehicle thefts per resident, another reason to forgo car ownership.

3. Washington, D.C.

The District and the surrounding metro area sees some of the worst traffic in the country. The average D.C. commuter spends 82 hours per year in traffic. Depending on how you slice it, that’s either two working weeks or almost three-and-a-half days of doing nothing but shaking your fist at your fellow drivers. That traffic is equal to an annual cost of $1,834 per commuter.

4. Oakland, California

One argument against car ownership in Oakland is the crime. There were almost 6,400 motor vehicle thefts in the city of Oakland or 15 auto thefts per 1,000 residents. That’s the highest rate in the country. The average Oakland driver can also expect to spend 78 hours per year in traffic. On the plus side, if something goes wrong with your wheels in Oakland, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get it fixed. There are more than six repair shops per 10,000 drivers in Oakland – the highest rate in the top 10.

5. Arlington, Virginia

As previously mentioned, the Washington, D.C. metro area has the worst traffic in the country. Unfortunately for the residents of Arlington, they are a part of that metro area. They face the same brutal 82 hours per year spent in traffic, on average. It costs Arlington residents $1,834 per year, on average, waiting in that traffic. For residents of Arlington, a car is more of a necessity than it is for people living in D.C., which is why it ranks lower in our study.

6. Portland, Oregon

Of all the cities in our top 10, Portland is the least onerous for the driving commuter. Commuters driving around the Portland metro area can be thankful that, on average, they spent only 52 hours per year in traffic. That traffic still costs each driver about $1,200. However, drivers in Portland looking for a parking garage may be out of luck. Portland has the second-lowest number of parking garages per driver in our study, and if you are looking to get your car fixed, Portland ranks in the bottom 13 for repair shops per capita.

7. Anaheim, California

Anaheim commuters are well-acquainted with traffic. Anaheim (and the rest of the Los Angeles metro area) ranks third in average hours per year spent in traffic, first for commuter stress index and fifth for annual cost of idling in traffic. Anaheim only ranks seventh because Walkability.com gives the city a 46 out of 100 for non-driving options. That’s the lowest score in our top 10 meaning, while owning a car here is a pain, not owning one makes getting around a true struggle.

8. New York, New York

New York is the rare American city where public transportation is usually your best bet for getting from point A to point B. All that accessibility makes car ownership unnecessary here. For New Yorkers who do drive, the traffic is not pleasant. New York drivers spend $1,700 per year, on average, waiting in traffic. That’s the third-highest cost in our study.

Not sure if you’re ready to buy in NYC? Check out our rent vs. buy calculator.

9. Seattle, Washington

Seattle has pretty bad traffic. Commuters here probably aren’t surprised to hear the average driver spends 63 hours per year in traffic. And coupled with the traffic is the high number of motor vehicle thefts. Seattle has the fourth-highest rate of motor vehicle thefts per 1,000 residents in the country.

10. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston ranked well in our study on the most livable cities in the U.S. partially based on how easy it is to get around without a car. After New York and San Francisco, Boston is the most walkable city in the country, making the cost of having a car one expense which Bostonians can possibly go without. Although occasionally maligned, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority is a great option for commuters who want to avoid the 64 hours per year Boston drivers spend in traffic.

Data and Methodology

In order to rank the worst cities to own a car, we looked at data on the 100 largest cities in the country. Specifically we looked at these seven factors:

  • Average total hours commuters spend in traffic per year. Data comes from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute 2014 Mobility Score Card.
  • Cost of time spent in traffic per person. This measures the value of extra travel time and the extra fuel consumed by vehicles in traffic. Travel time is calculated at a value of $17.67 per hour per person. Fuel cost per gallon is the average price for each state. Data comes from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute 2014 Mobility Score Card.
  • Commuter stress index. This metric is developed by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute 2014 Mobility Score Card. It measures the difference in travel time during peak congestion and during no congestion. A higher ratio equals a larger difference.
  • Non-driving options. This metric measures the necessity of owning a car in each city by considering the city’s walk score, bike score and transit score. We found the average of those three scores for each city. Higher scores mean residents are less reliant on cars. Data comes from Walkability.com.
  • Motor vehicle thefts per 1,000 residents. Data on population and motor vehicle thefts comes from the FBI’s 2015 Uniform Crime Reporting Program and from local police department and city websites. We used the most up to date data available for cities where 2015 data was not available.
  • Number of repair shops per 10,000 drivers. Data on drivers comes from Texas A&M Transportation Institute 2014 Mobility Score Card. Data on repair shops comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014 Business Patterns Survey.
  • Parking garages per 10,000 drivers. Data on drivers comes from Texas A&M Transportation Institute 2014 Mobility Score Card. Data on parking garages comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014 Business Patterns Survey.

We ranked each city across each factor, giving double weight to non-driving options and half weight to motor vehicle thefts per driver, repair shops per driver and parking garages per driver. All other factors received single weight. We then found the average ranking across each city. Finally we gave each city a score based on their average ranking. The city with the highest average received a score of 100 and the city with the lowest average received a score of 0.

Questions about our study? Contact us at [email protected].

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/seb_ra

Derek Miller, CEPF®
Derek Miller is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh where he studied economics. He is passionate about using data to help people make better financial decisions. Derek is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance® (CEPF®) and a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. He is a data journalist whose expertise is in finding the stories within the numbers. Derek’s writing has been featured on Yahoo, AOL, and Huffington Post. He believes the biggest financial mistake people make is waiting too late to save for retirement and missing out on the wonders of compounding interest. Derek lives in Brooklyn.

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Source: smartasset.com

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The Derby House, an architectural gem that’s often referenced as one of the finest examples of Mayan Revival-style architecture in the entire country, is now on the market.

Asking $3,295,000, the memorable home — located in Glendale, in the San Fernando Valley and Verdugo Mountains regions of Los Angeles County — is offered for sale along with four adjacent lots totaling 1.5 acres of land.

Built in 1926 by Lloyd Wright, the son of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the century-old home was named after its initial owner, businessman James Derby.

Carrying on the legacy of his father, who worked with molded concrete tiles and blocks to create structurally innovative buildings, Lloyd Wright used concrete textile blocks to erect the Derby House.

The technique, just like in the case of his father’s best works, created a unique structure that’s reminiscent of ancient Mayan temples.

Photo credit: Open House Foto courtesy of The Agency

The Derby House will make any architecture buff think back to some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most recognizable works, like La Miniatura, the Ennis House, the Freeman House and the Storer House — the last three of which were erected by the architect with the help of his son, whom he hired as a construction manager.

But the junior Lloyd Wright built on the legacy of his famous father, both literally and figuratively.

SEE ALSO: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes

He took the textile block system his father used and set out to develop it into a patented construction technique that he then used to create some of his most memorable projects: the John Sowden House in Los Feliz and the Derby House in Glendale.

A look inside Lloyd Wright’s Derby House

It’s not just the exterior that makes this home stand out.

Inside, a vibrant mix of concrete, wood and glass create a downright unique interior that complements the architecture in a harmonious way.

Photo credit: Open House Foto courtesy of The Agency

The two-story living room features a rather unique floor-to-ceiling fireplace with 8-foot-tall, wrought-iron gates.

Sweepingly vertical spaces are highlighted by double-height ceilings, tall cathedral-style windows, a high balcony library and a hexagonal dining room.

Photo credit: Open House Foto courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Open House Foto courtesy of The Agency

Clocking in at 3,281 square feet of living space, the Derby House comes with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Photo credit: Open House Foto courtesy of The Agency

Now on the market asking $3.295 million

The architecturally significant property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been brought to market in early April with a powerhouse team in charge of the listing.

The Agency’s Aaron Leider, Elham Shaoulian, Drew Carlson, Brandon Soufer have been charged with the task of finding the right buyer.

When the sale closes, it will mark the third time the Derby House traded hands within the past decade.

It last sold in 2016 for $2,335,000, public records show, after the previous owners paid $1,590,000 for it back in 2013.

Photo credit: Open House Foto courtesy of The Agency

More stories you might like

The Three Tragic Lives of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin House
This Perfectly Preserved Mid-Century Home in Palo Alto Was Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Student Aaron Green
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House (Featured in Blade Runner) is a True Architectural Marvel
A Striking Celebrity Compound with a 7-Sided House and Richard Neutra Connections  

Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Northwestern Mutual Donates $270,000 to Nonprofits Nationwide through its Community Service Awards Program Company recognizes its financial advisors’ unwavering dedication to volunteerism MILWAUKEE, Feb. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Celebrating the philanthropic work of its financial advisors, Northwestern Mutual is recognizing the individuals who have shown outstanding volunteerism and leadership through its 2023 Community Service Awards. … [Read more…]

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Thanks to new data, it’s time to take a fresh look at the top mortgage lenders in California in 2022.

The Golden State is by far the biggest market for home loans, accounting for something like 16% of the overall market.

Nowhere else even comes close, including heavyweights like Florida and Texas, with about 8% market share. Or New York with about 5%.

As you might expect, the big household names make this list, and many are also on the top-10 list nationwide.

Let’s take a look at who topped the rankings, and break it down by home purchase financing and mortgage refinancing.

Top 10 Mortgage Lenders in California (Overall)

Ranking Company Name 2022 Loan Volume
1. UWM $34.9 billion
2. Wells Fargo $30.4 billion
3. First Republic Bank $27.0 billion
4. Chase $25.1 billion
5. Rocket Mortgage $24.1 billion
6. Bank of America $18.4 billion
7. U.S. Bank $13.9 billion
8. loanDepot $11.5 billion
9. Citi $9.5 billion
10. Union Bank $9.5 billion

In 2021, Rocket Mortgage, formerly known as Quicken Loans, was the top mortgage lender in California, according to HMDA data from Richey May.

But in 2022, United Wholesale Mortgage (or UWM for short) took the top spot with $34.9 billion funded.

That isn’t a huge surprise as they have also been the top mortgage lender nationally for a couple quarters now as well.

The Pontiac, Michigan-based company managed to grab a 6.5% market share in CA, despite solely working with mortgage broker partners.

They handily beat out their crosstown rivals Rocket Mortgage by about $10 billion, which dropped to the fifth spot.

In second was San Francisco-based Wells Fargo with $30.4 billion, followed by now-defunct First Republic Bank with $27 billion.

That’s also pretty impressive given the fact that UWM only works with mortgage brokers, as opposed to operating a consumer direct channel.

Coming in fourth was Chase, which incidentally acquired First Republic Bank. Talk about consolidation at the top!

They’ve been a big mortgage player for years since acquiring Washington Mutual about the housing crisis back in 2008.

Also in the top 10 were Bank of America, U.S. Bank, loanDepot, Citi, and Union Bank.

For the record, Union Bank was acquired by U.S. Bank, so even more consolidation!

Speaking of banks, seven of the 10 biggest mortgage lenders in California were depository banks, with the remainder nonbanks.

Altogether, more than $500 billion in home loans were originated in the state last year, down from around $1 trillion the year prior.

So about 40% of mortgage volume in California came from these ten companies.

Top California Mortgage Lenders (for Home Purchases)

Ranking Company Name 2022 Loan Volume
1. UWM $22.4 billion
2. Wells Fargo $19.1 billion
3. First Republic $15.5 billion
4. Chase $12.8 billion
5. Rocket Mortgage $10.9 billion
6. Bank of America $8.3 billion
7. U.S. Bank $8.2 billion
8. Citi $6.7 billion
9. loanDepot $6.5 billion
10. Guaranteed Rate $5.2 billion

Now let’s look at the top purchase mortgage lenders in the Golden State, which grabbed about 60% of the market in 2022 as refis waned.

This list is a little bit different because some lenders specialize in home purchase financing, while others cater to existing homeowners looking to refinance.

Topping this list was UWM with $22.4 billion, their second year holding this honor. They once again beat out Wells Fargo with $19.1 billion, while First Republic climbed to third with $15.5 billion.

First Republic ramped up their mortgage lending quite a bit in 2022, and that may have been what ultimately ended them.

Chase took the fourth spot with $12.8 billion, while Rocket Mortgage snagged fifth with $10.9 billion.

Also in the top 10 were Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Citi, loanDepot, and Guaranteed Rate.

The only lender in this list that wasn’t in the main list was Guaranteed Rate, replacing Union Bank.

Going forward, lenders will want to focus on this part of the market if mortgage rates remain inflated relative to recent lows.

Simply put, it’s difficult to drum up refinance business when many homeowners have fixed rates in the 2-4% range and the going rate is 6-7%.

Top California Mortgage Lenders (for Refinance Loans)

Ranking Company Name 2022 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $12.7 billion
2. UWM $12.5 billion
3. Chase $11.3 billion
4. Wells Fargo $10.3 billion
5. First Republic Bank $9.5 billion
6. Bank of America $8.4 billion
7. U.S. Bank $5.0 billion
8. loanDepot $4.9 billion
9. Union Bank $3.9 billion
10. Homepoint $3.6 billion

Now let’s talk refis, which were all the rage in 2021, but have since fallen out of favor due to unprecedented increases in mortgage rates.

In this category, Rocket Mortgage ran away from the competition with an eye-watering $78.3 billion in loan origination volume in 2021.

But a year later, the picture was a lot different. They funded just $12.7 billion in refis, which still made them #1.

However, their crosstown rival UWM came in a very close second with $12.5 billion in refi loan volume.

Depository banks Chase and Wells Fargo snagged third and fourth with $11.3 billion and $10.3 billion, while First Republic Bank jumped up to fifth with $9.5 billion.

Again, that may be why they no longer exist – too many ultra-cheap mortgages handed out to wealthy clients.

Bank of America, U.S. Bank, loanDepot, Union Bank, and Homepoint took spots six through 10, which was quite different than a year earlier when names like Nationstar (Mr. Cooper) and Freedom Mortgage appeared.

Citibank was nowhere close when it came to refis, despite being a top home purchase lender in California. They did just $2.4 billion in refinances.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Los Angeles

Ranking Company Name 2022 Loan Volume
1. Chase $8.1 billion
2. First Republic Bank $7.5 billion
3. UWM $6.2 billion
4. Wells Fargo $4.9 billion
5. Rocket Mortgage $4.3 billion
6. Bank of America $3.9 billion
7. Citi $2.7 billion
8. City National Bank $2.6 billion
9. U.S. Bank $2.2 billion
10. Union Bank $2.2 billion

Top Mortgage Lenders in San Diego

Ranking Company Name 2022 Loan Volume
1. UWM $3.3 billion
2. Rocket Mortgage $1.6 billion
3. Wells Fargo $1.6 billion
4. Chase $1.6 billion
5. First Republic Bank $1.5 billion
6. Mission FCU $1.0 billion
7. U.S. Bank $912 million
8. Bank of America $787 million
9. Union Bank $766 million
10. San Diego County CU $736 million

Top Mortgage Lenders in San Jose

Ranking Company Name 2022 Loan Volume
1. Wells Fargo $4.3 billion
2. Bank of America $2.4 billion
3. PNC Bank $1.7 billion
4. First Republic Bank $1.5 billion
5. U.S. Bank $1.3 billion
6. Chase $1.1 billion
7. Citi $1.1 billion
8. Rocket Mortgage $981 million
9. Union Bank $726 million
10. UWM $611 million

Top Mortgage Lenders in San Francisco

Ranking Company Name 2022 Loan Volume
1. Wells Fargo $7.0 billion
2. First Republic Bank $6.4 billion
3. Bank of America $4.1 billion
4. Chase $2.8 billion
5. PNC Bank $2.5 billion
6. U.S. Bank $2.0 billion
7. Citi $1.9 billion
8. Rocket Mortgage $1.5 billion
9. Union Bank $1.4 billion
10. UWM $1.1 billion

Does Size Matter When It Comes to Getting a Mortgage?

As I always ponder with these top lender lists, does size actually matter?

Does it mean anything that your bank or lender is massive and bigger than others?

While that might be up for debate, as some could argue that a big institution might be more reliable or efficient or even cheaper, the opposite could also be said.

Ultimately, it’s nice to know who the big players are, but your personality might be better suited to a local credit union or mom-and-pop mortgage broker.

The mortgage lender you choose doesn’t have to be the biggest out there to provide exceptional service and competitive pricing.

Conversely, you might find a household name that does offer all those things mentioned above.

At the end of the day, obtaining a home loan is a big deal and it should be shopped accordingly.

That means lots of research and multiple quotes before you make your final decision.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Kat Von D, the tattoo maven and beauty entrepreneur, is certainly creative.

Case in point: Her enormous home, which was recently sold for $7,750,000, is a mashup of 1890s ornate style with a good dose of modern goth, complete with a blood-red pool.

While the sale price is impressive, the splendid home was asking for $15 million when it came on the market last year (and topped the Realtor.com® most popular homes list). Still, Von D came out ahead on the home, which she purchased in 2016 for $6.5 million.

The storied estate served as a filming location for the 2003 movie “Cheaper by the Dozen,” and Von D added some cinematic touches while she lived there, including the very red pool.

The 12,500-square-foot mansion has eight bedrooms and 7.5 baths. There’s also a carriage house with two bedrooms and a bath.

Built in 1896

(Realtor.com)

Aerial view

(Realtor.com)

Entryway

(Realtor.com)

Golden scrollwork

(Realtor.com)

Kitchen

(Realtor.com)

This Victorian-era gem sits pretty amid rows of clipped hedges and swirly landscaping. Inside, it’s replete with dark wood paneling and floors, fairy-tale-like turrets, intricate scrollwork, leaded stained-glass windows, and elegant chandeliers.

A cavernous entryway leads to the main rooms, which include a living space, den/library, and sitting area.

The updated kitchen fits in nicely with the home’s original era, and a little chef’s garden is just steps from the cooking area. A hidden bar sits behind a secret door that opens outside to that scarlet pool and spa.

Upstairs you’ll find an automated theater with surround sound, an actual stage with footlights, and a handy bar in an adjacent turreted room.

The house also has modern mechanicals, including new HVAC, roof, plumbing, and electrical equipment. And there’s also a security system and a backup generator in case of power outages.

Formal dining room

(Realtor.com)

Dark and moody bathroom

(Realtor.com)

An unusual pool

(Realtor.com)

Von D is also a musician, producing her debut album, “Love Made Me Do It,” in 2021. That same year, she announced that she planned to leave California. According to recent reports, she shut down her L.A. tattoo studio, picked up stakes, and moved with her family to Indiana, where she had already purchased a home in 2020.

Randy White contributed to this report.

Source: realtor.com

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Most mortgages carry a 30-year term, even if they’re adjustable for some period of those three long decades.

But in some cities, it’s reasonably possible to pay off your mortgage a lot earlier thanks to low home prices and decent wages.

Now, this isn’t to say you should pay your mortgage down aggressively…it’s just that you could, if you were so inclined.

Unsurprisingly, most of the cities in the top 10 list can be found in the central states, like Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. But there are also spots in Pennsylvania and New York where home buyers can get free and clear in no time at all.

The Fast List

The data nerds over at Realtor came up with the list above by calculating median home prices in the top 50 markets in the U.S. and lining them up with the recommended 28% housing DTI ratio.

The result is a short 5.4 years to pay off a median priced home of $128,000 in Cleveland, Ohio. Sure, your football team won’t be very good, but at least you’ll have a football team.

And if you focus on tackling the mortgage, you’ll only have to pay taxes and insurance on your digs in little more than half a decade.

That’s certainly pretty cool if you’re not one to carry lots of debt. And you might get a decent water view on the “North Coast,” a term I’ve never heard until today.

You can pull off the same magic in cities like Rochester, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and Buffalo, NY.

There are plenty of other major metros on the list as well, including the likes of St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati (hard to spell, but decent football), and Kansas City (great baseball).

In Indy, some 71% of the homes are affordable to prospective home buyers, and St. Louis was deemed a top 10 up-and-comer by Realtor.com thanks to strong projected home sales and future home price appreciation.

So if you don’t want to worry about the mortgage for more than a handful of years, as opposed to into your old age, check out those cities. You may even be able to take out a 15-year or 10-year fixed mortgage at the outset to save a ton in interest and grab a lower mortgage interest rate.

Conversely, if you want to keep your mortgage forever, look at these 10 superstars.

The Slow List

In Los Angeles, it will actually take you nearly the full 30-year term to pay off your mortgage. The annual income of around $100,000 in the 90210 requires a lengthy 29.4-year amortization period.

So no 15-year fixed for you unless you’re making big bucks. You’ll need a 30-year mortgage.

The same goes for much of the Bay Area, including San Jose and San Francisco, and in sunny San Diego. That explains why lenders are increasingly offering zero down mortgage options like the POPPYLOAN.

Hot cities such as Denver are starting to get a hair expensive too seeing that it’ll take the average buyer 21.3 years to pay off the mortgage without breaking the bank or raiding the retirement nest egg.

It’s a little bit better in places like Miami and Portland, but these cities are clearly getting more expensive as homeowners from nearby states (and countries) flock to affordability.

However, there are still some relative bargains to be had in places like Sacramento, California and Austin, Texas where it can take less than 15 years to get mortgage-free while still saving for retirement and living comfortably.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Need an easy place to get away in Los Angeles? We get it.

To say Los Angeles is a busy place is an understatement. The bustle of this West Coast city and the crazy traffic are just two things everyone from LA knows are going to cause some stress. Even though you can’t avoid them, you can give yourself the gift of tranquility by finding a Los Angeles apartment that provides a spot where you can get some peace.

It may not be the easiest amenity to track down, but as you figure out which LA neighborhood is perfect for you, keep an eye out.

We’ll get you started with these great apartments that offer all the best spa-like features you crave.

SOURCE: RENT. / THE PALAZZO AT PARK LA BREA

Picture this, you’ve had a long day and use the last of your energy for a workout in the Olympic-level fitness center at The Palazzo at Park La Brea. All you want to do now is soak in a peaceful and bubbly hot tub. Well, you can, thanks to the decadent on-site spa this property offers. Get ready to relax a little or a lot.

Located in Mid-Wilshire, this decadent community also has a saltwater swimming pool, garden and rooftop lounge.

SOURCE: RENT. / RANCHO LOS FELIZ

Give yourself a spa day right from home that starts in the roomy sauna at Rancho Los Feliz. From there you can take some time to sit and reflect among the mature trees and stone fireplace in the outdoor lounge before heading over to the pool for a cooling dip.

In Atwater Village, next door to the Los Feliz Golf Course, this area is a haven for hipsters thanks to its assortment of boutiques, coffee shops, bars and theaters. It’s a highly walkable area that’s closer to the 4,000 acres of open space that make up Griffith Park as well.

Source: Rent. / Museum Tower

There’s nothing like a good lounge for relaxing, and the one in Museum Tower has a massive light fixture that echos a starry sky. Multiple couches in soothing earth tones and a simplistic decor of stone vases make this space feel zen. It’s the perfect spot to wind down with friends or crack open a good book.

Situated in Downtown Los Angeles, Museum Tower offers plenty of amenities. You can take a dip in the heated outdoor pool before grilling out and enjoying the view on the rooftop lounge. There’s also a social room and fitness center.

Source: Rent. / Boulevard on Wilshire

Take tranquility to the rooftops with this cozy and comfortable deck. The grilling and outdoor lounge space at Boulevard on Wilshire provides comfortable seating under the sun and a covered spot with couches and a dining table. It’s the place to go for a peaceful meditative moment.

Surrounded by art deco buildings, along the Miracle Mile in Mid-Wilshire, this community sits right on top of a Starbucks. It comes complete with a fitness center and spin room, dog wash and run, pool and hot tub.

Source: Rent. / Sunset Barrington Gardens

There’s nothing like a green oasis to create a serene moment, especially when you spend so much time stuck in Los Angeles traffic. The outdoor space at Sunset Barrington Gardens features mature trees and a nicely landscaped area for decompressing. Sit on the lounge chairs or under the umbrella and soak in some nature. The lush landscape continues throughout the community, where you’ll also find fountains and a koi pond.

Moving at a slower pace than some other LA neighborhoods, living here in Brentwood gets you closer to Santa Monica, UCLA and the Getty Center.

Source: Rent. / Villa Carlotta

Everything about the Villa Carlotta feels like it got lifted from a Parisian pied-à-terre. Relaxing vibes and a classic style flow throughout the building, even touching the bathroom — your own private spa-like getaway. The white pedestal sink and proper bathtub under the two-pane window ooze elegance and tranquility.

Villa Carlotta feels like an escape from the norm with its music and wine nights every Friday and continental breakfast every morning. This Hollywood Hills community is in a historic building, offering up clear views of the stars and the Hollywood sign from the roof, a saltwater pool and a palm garden.

Source: Rent. / Piccadilly

A tiny urban oasis, the small potted garden in Piccadilly puts some Old World charm into your serene moment. Sit on the stone bench, surrounded by potted greenery and a decorative fountain, and take a break from the daily grind without having to leave home. Just one of two courtyards in this classic building, you’ll have plenty of space to space out.

Located in Koreatown, this popular apartment complex is centrally located and surrounded by an eclectic assortment of dining and nightlife destinations.

Source: Rent. / AVA Hollywood at La Pietra Place

Take a break in one of the coolest lobbies in Los Angeles. At AVA Hollywood at Pietra Place, you’ll find bamboo on the walls, a small rock garden and soft-edged furniture whose patterns seem to melt into the floor. Although the space has industrial touches and modern lighting, overall the openness and small pockets of furniture to lounge in make it a great spot to unwind.

Close to Melrose Avenue, that famous street full of cafes, coffee shops and boutiques, this Central LA community has a 5,000-square-foot fitness center with outdoor yoga space. It’s a LEED Gold-certified building that also boasts a media room and stunning pool.

Source: Rent. / G12

Sit in the fresh air and just pause. Isn’t that nice? Now imagine doing that at G12, in front of a sleek and modern fireplace, on plush patio furniture. It’s possible when you decide to make this cool, Downtown Los Angeles community home.

Chock-full of amenities, G12 also has a 24-hour fitness center with a yoga/spin studio, two sky terraces and a Woof Deck. There’s an entertainment kitchen with community dining space as well as an outdoor lounge with grills, too.

Source: Rent. / The Medici

It’s all about the fountains at The Medici. They offer up the tranquil sound of trickling water at every turn on the grounds of this cool community. You can find them in lush green spaces with places to sit and meditate. They’re also in the courtyards, surrounded by stonework and potted plants, alongside stairs leading inside and just about everywhere else. It’s a calming element that’s always right around the corner.

Within the diverse area of Westlake South, living here you’re close to Echo Park and Silver Lake. Should you prefer to stay home in the serene and tranquil setting of The Medici, you can take advantage of amenities like a jogging track, private one-acre park, putting green, two tennis courts and more.

Find your spa-like Los Angeles apartment today

Apartments in Los Angeles are full of amazing amenities, including some of the best spas in the city. From covered parking to well-stocked fitness centers to shimmering pools, make sure you get exactly what you want out of where you live. If that includes a quiet corner to collect your thoughts and reflect on life, you’ll find it in LA.

Featured image source: Rent. / The Medici

Source: rent.com