Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Bell
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Bell
Rent control: Bellhas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Bell scores for you
Checking your quiz profile…
Score Bell your way
Drag a slider to say how much each thing matters to you. The score updates live.
Want the real thing? Take the full quiz to factor in your budget and commute and rank Bell against every neighborhood.
Bell is a small incorporated city in Los Angeles County, sitting just west of the Los Angeles River between Downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach. With about 33,500 residents packed into 2.5 square miles, it is one of the most densely populated small cities in the United States. The city has a working-class character and serves as an affordable, accessible suburb for commuters and families looking to stay close to jobs and transit corridors throughout the county.
Bell's compact footprint means most daily needs are within reach, though the immediate area has limited retail and dining options compared to larger surrounding communities. The city itself offers several parks including Riverfront Park and Veterans Memorial Park, which provide green space in an otherwise industrial and residential landscape. Its location on the Los Angeles River corridor connects it to broader regional networks despite its small size.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Bell revolves around accessing services and employment across Los Angeles County rather than within the city itself. You will do some errands on foot, but a car is essential for most weekly needs. The city's industrial character means heavy truck traffic on main corridors, and air quality is noticeably affected by diesel emissions and regional smog. Commuting by car to nearby job centers in Downtown LA, Long Beach, or the industrial areas to the east is common, though you will face above-average congestion on the routes you use.
The neighborhood feel is quiet and residential, with strong community ties and a predominantly Latino population. Restaurants and shops tend toward local, family-run establishments and national chains rather than trendy new venues. Parks and community spaces serve as gathering points, and housing is markedly more affordable than in many surrounding areas, which is the main draw for renters choosing to live here.
Who it's for
Bell works best for cost-conscious renters who commute by car to jobs elsewhere in LA County and prioritize affordability over walkability and nightlife. It suits families and working professionals who want a quiet, stable residential environment close to major employment corridors and do not mind a 20-40 minute drive for most shopping and dining. If you need walkable urban amenities, frequent transit use, or a vibrant local scene, you will find this city falls short; however, if you value affordability, space, and a strong sense of neighborhood community, Bell delivers on that promise.
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: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
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 Bell
Population
31,348
Renters
73%
of households rent
Median age
32
Median income
$57k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Bell
Carl's Jr. · Popeyes · McDonald's
Riverfront Park · Pritchard Field · Veterans Memorial Park · Ernest Debs Park
Check your commute from Bell
Enter your work (or any) address for real travel times from this neighborhood.
Similar neighborhoods
Next to Bell
Finding a place in Bell
Found a place you like? Score it against your priorities to see how well any address fits your budget and commute.
Frequently asked questions
How walkable is Bell for daily errands?+
Bell is walkable for some errands, but a car is useful and often necessary. You will find local parks and some neighborhood shops within walking distance, but grocery stores, restaurants, and services are limited within the city itself, so most renters rely on driving to nearby commercial centers.
What is public transit like in Bell?+
Public transit is minimal. There are no Metro rail stations in Bell, and bus service is sparse compared to other parts of LA County. A car is strongly recommended if you live here, especially for commuting to work or accessing services outside the city.
How is the air quality in Bell?+
Air quality is a notable concern. Bell ranks in the top quartile of polluted areas in California due to diesel PM exposure from truck traffic and regional smog. If air quality is a priority for you, this is an important factor to weigh.
Is Bell affordable compared to nearby areas?+
Yes, Bell is one of the more affordable cities in the region, which is one of its main attractions for renters. Housing costs are below the regional average, making it an appealing option if budget is a primary consideration.
What are the main industries and employment in Bell?+
Bell is primarily industrial and residential, with limited employment within the city itself. Most residents commute to nearby job centers in Downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, or the surrounding industrial areas to the east.
Is Bell walkable?+
Bell ranks #133 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Bell?+
Current residents of Bell pay a median rent of about $1,459 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Bell?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Bell are Florence, Bell Gardens, East Rancho Dominguez and Vermont Knolls.