Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Manchester Square
How Manchester Square scores for you
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How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 91% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Manchester Square is a South Los Angeles neighborhood where rents run about $1,397 per month, ranking 12th most affordable across the city. The area sits along a moderate traffic corridor but benefits from air quality that ranks 9th best in LA, well above the regional average. It's a car-dependent neighborhood with minimal public transit options and limited walking infrastructure for daily errands.
Living here
Day-to-day life here means driving for most needs. You'll find a Ralphs grocery store and restaurants like Wingstop, Kinly Donuts, and Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken within a short walk, but amenities are sparse compared to other LA neighborhoods. Saint Andrews Recreation Center offers some local activity, though the area is predominantly concrete with very limited tree canopy (ranking 111th out of 114 neighborhoods for green cover).
Who it's for
Manchester Square works best for renters on tight budgets who have reliable transportation and don't need extensive walkable services nearby. It's a practical choice if you prioritize affordability and clean air over convenience and urban density.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
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 Manchester Square
Ralphs
Wingstop · Kinly Donuts · Taco Bell · Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken
Saint Andrews Recreation Center
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Similar neighborhoods
Frequently asked questions
How much will rent typically cost here?+
Median rent is around $1,397 per month, making this one of LA's 12 most affordable neighborhoods. That's roughly $600 below the LA average of $2,016, giving you a meaningful cost advantage.
Do I need a car?+
Yes. Transit ranks 94th out of 114 neighborhoods in LA, so public transportation is minimal. A car is strongly recommended for getting around.
Is the air quality good?+
Yes, Manchester Square ranks 9th for air quality across LA neighborhoods, with notably low diesel PM exposure. This is significantly better than the typical LA area.
Are there parks and outdoor spaces nearby?+
Saint Andrews Recreation Center is within a short walk, but the neighborhood has very limited tree cover at just 30 percent canopy (ranking 111th citywide). Don't expect a heavily green streetscape.
Is Manchester Square walkable?+
Manchester Square ranks #72 of 114 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Manchester Square?+
Typical rent in Manchester Square is around $1,397 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Manchester Square?+
Manchester Square has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 33 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Manchester Square?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Manchester Square are Hyde Park, Chesterfield Square, Valley Glen and Gramercy Park.