Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Del Rey
How Del Rey scores for you
Checking your quiz profile…
How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 44% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Del Rey is a dense, central-adjacent neighborhood with strong restaurant and coffee amenities but limited public transit and tree cover. Located roughly in the 47th percentile for walkability across LA, it sits above the median for rent at about $2,161 per month, ranking 74th of 114 neighborhoods. The area ranks 16th for overall amenities, meaning you'll have decent options for dining and caffeine within a short walk.
The neighborhood experiences above-average traffic exposure and moderate air quality, with diesel PM at the 69th percentile. Tree canopy is sparse at 2.8 percent, well below LA's average of 6.2 percent, giving the streetscape a predominantly concrete feel. Despite these tradeoffs, the density and amenities mix makes it a practical choice for renters who don't rely on transit.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Del Rey revolves around nearby restaurants like El Pollo Loco, Shojin, Casa Sanchez, and Sakura Japanese Restaurant, with about 8 restaurants within a short walk on average. Coffee shops including SACHI.LA, Menotti's Coffee Stop, Peet's Coffee, and Starbucks keep you caffeinated, and you'll find grocery options like Ralphs, Trader Joe's, Pavilions, and Northgate Market nearby. Parks such as Culver West Park, Glen Alla Park, Mar Vista Gardens, and Culver Slauson Park offer outdoor space, though tree cover is limited.
You'll need a car for most trips since transit is minimal (ranking 89th of 114), and traffic can be heavy during peak times. The open streetscape means sun exposure and heat, and air quality sits at the 69th percentile for PM pollution. Walking is viable for some errands, but the neighborhood isn't designed around pedestrian convenience.
Who it's for
Del Rey works best for renters with a car who want solid restaurant and coffee access without paying a premium, and who don't mind an open, urban feel with limited greenery. It's a practical choice if you commute by vehicle and want more amenities than you'd find in quieter, car-dependent neighborhoods. The rent is slightly above LA median, so it appeals to people balancing walkable-enough errands with affordability.
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.
Around Del Rey
Ralphs · Trader Joe's · Pavilions · Northgate Market
SACHI.LA · Menotti's Coffee Stop · Peet's Coffee · Starbucks
El Pollo Loco · Shojin · Casa Sanchez · Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Culver West Park · Glen Alla Park · Mar Vista Gardens · Culver Slauson Park
CorePower Yoga · Orangetheory Fitness
Check your commute from Del Rey
Enter your work (or any) address for real travel times from this neighborhood.
Similar neighborhoods
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Del Rey?+
Yes, strongly recommended. Transit ranks 89th of 114, so public transportation is minimal. Most errands and trips require driving.
What restaurants and coffee shops are nearby?+
You'll find about 8 restaurants within a short walk, including El Pollo Loco, Shojin, Casa Sanchez, and Sakura Japanese Restaurant. Coffee options include SACHI.LA, Menotti's Coffee Stop, Peet's Coffee, and Starbucks, with about 4-5 locations nearby on average.
How's the air quality?+
Air quality is moderate at the 69th percentile for PM pollution, which is above the LA average. Traffic exposure is also above average, so respiratory sensitivity is a consideration.
Are there parks and green space?+
Parks like Culver West Park, Glen Alla Park, Mar Vista Gardens, and Culver Slauson Park are accessible, but tree canopy is very limited at 2.8 percent versus LA's average of 6.2 percent, so the area feels concrete-heavy.
Is Del Rey walkable?+
Del Rey ranks #47 of 114 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Del Rey?+
Typical rent in Del Rey is around $2,161 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Del Rey?+
Del Rey has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 69 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Del Rey?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Del Rey are Beverly Grove, Hollywood, East Hollywood and Sawtelle.