Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Pacific Palisades
How Pacific Palisades scores for you
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How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 27% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Pacific Palisades is a hillside neighborhood on LA's west side, known for its tree-lined streets and quiet residential character. The area ranks 6th for tree canopy among LA neighborhoods, with moderate shade coverage that sets it apart from denser parts of the city. It sits between the coast and more central LA, giving it a semi-suburban feel while still being part of the metro area.
The neighborhood scores well on air quality (8th in LA) and has manageable traffic relative to some other westside areas, though it still ranks above average for traffic exposure. Rents here are among the highest in the city, ranking 108th of 114 neighborhoods, with a median around $2,988 compared to about $2,016 across LA. This is definitely a premium-priced area.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Pacific Palisades means relying heavily on a car. Walkability ranks 103rd of 114, and transit access is minimal (16th for transit, which is above average but still sparse). You'll find about 1-2 restaurants and coffee shops within a short walk, along with 1-2 parks and at least one grocery option like Gelson's or Erewhon, but car trips are necessary for most errands. The neighborhood has a residential, slower pace compared to more urban parts of LA.
The tree cover and cleaner air create a more relaxed environment, though the moderate density means you're not completely isolated. Traffic exposure is above average for the area, so sound levels can vary depending on your exact location.
Who it's for
Pacific Palisades suits renters who prioritize a quieter, tree-filled setting over walkability and don't mind paying premium rent. It's a good fit for those with cars who want a semi-suburban lifestyle on LA's west side, or families drawn to the parks and schools. It's not ideal for people who rely on transit or prefer dense, walkable neighborhoods with lots of nearby restaurants and shops.
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: moderate tree cover for the area.
Some shade and green presence on most blocks, above average for dense urban LA neighborhoods.
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 Pacific Palisades
Gelson's · Erewhon
Coffee Kiosk · Café Vida · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf · Palisades Garden Cafe
The Getty Villa Cafe · Domino's · Noah's Bagels · Chipotle
Santa Ynez Private Recreational Center · Santa Ynez Canyon Park · Palisades-Asilomar Park · Almar Plaza
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Frequently asked questions
How walkable is Pacific Palisades?+
It's only moderately walkable (103rd of 114 neighborhoods) and best described as car-dependent. You can walk for some errands like coffee or a nearby park, but most shopping and dining requires driving. A car is strongly recommended.
What's the transit situation?+
Transit access is minimal. While it ranks 16th for transit among LA neighborhoods, that's because it's still above the very low LA average. You'll need a car for most trips, especially to get anywhere beyond immediate neighborhood streets.
Why is rent so high here?+
Pacific Palisades ranks 108th of 114 for rent price, making it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in LA at around $2,988 median rent. This premium is driven by the tree-lined, quieter setting, cleaner air quality, and the westside location near coastal areas.
What amenities are nearby?+
Within a short walk you'll find about 1-2 restaurants, 1-2 coffee shops (including places like Cafe Vida and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), 1 grocery store, and 1-2 parks such as Santa Ynez Canyon Park. Shops are sparser than in denser neighborhoods, so you'll use your car for most errands.
Is Pacific Palisades walkable?+
Pacific Palisades ranks #103 of 114 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Pacific Palisades?+
Typical rent in Pacific Palisades is around $2,988 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Pacific Palisades?+
Pacific Palisades has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 29 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Pacific Palisades?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Pacific Palisades are Beverly Crest, Hollywood Hills West, Bel-Air and Brentwood.