Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Vermont Square
How Vermont Square scores for you
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How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 94% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Vermont Square is a dense urban neighborhood in South Los Angeles with a walkable street grid and affordable rents that rank 11th lowest of 114 LA areas. The area has a straightforward, working-class character with modest tree cover and direct access to several parks including Vermont Square Park and Julian C. Dixon Park.
The neighborhood sits in a moderate traffic corridor and has minimal public transit options, making a car necessary for most daily trips. Air quality ranks 27th of 114 areas, better than the LA median but not exceptional.
Living here
Day-to-day life here centers on local errands within walking distance and car-dependent trips elsewhere. You'll find about 3 restaurants, 1 grocery store, and 1.5 parks within a short walk, including options like Yoshinoya and KFC. The concrete-heavy streetscape and limited shade mean summers feel exposed, though the density keeps things lively.
Who it's for
Vermont Square works for renters prioritizing affordability over amenities, particularly those with a car and flexibility on public transit. It suits people who want an urban neighborhood feel without paying central LA prices, and who don't need extensive walkable shopping or dining.
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 Vermont Square
Yoshinoya · KFC · Carl's Jr. · McDonald's
Vermont Square · Vermont Square Park · Julian C. Dixon Park
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Similar neighborhoods
Frequently asked questions
Is Vermont Square walkable?+
It's walkable for some errands, ranking 39th of 114 neighborhoods. You can reach restaurants and parks on foot, but a car is useful for groceries and most trips since transit is limited.
Do I need a car here?+
Yes. Public transit ranks 67th of 114 with minimal access, and most destinations beyond immediate neighbors require driving. The neighborhood is spread out and car-oriented.
How affordable is Vermont Square?+
Median rent is about $1,387, ranking 11th lowest across LA. That's roughly 31% cheaper than the LA median of $2,016, making it one of the more affordable neighborhoods.
What's the air quality and traffic like?+
Air quality ranks 27th of 114, better than average. Traffic exposure is above-average at 62nd percentile, meaning this is a busier corridor, though not the worst in the city.
What is the average rent in Vermont Square?+
Typical rent in Vermont Square is around $1,387 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Vermont Square?+
Vermont Square has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 44 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Vermont Square?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Vermont Square are Vermont-Slauson, South Park, Harvard Heights and Jefferson Park.