amerino

This is seriously, on of the BEST places I've ever lived. My neighbors are almost all young and hip, there are tons of places to eat and cool bars are on every block. I can see the ocean from my windows! The main downside is parking- there isn't any. I can hear the traffic from Ocean and Alamitos, but just that soothing swish of tires on asphalt. Really late at night I can usually hear the waves crashing on the beach. The senior living apartments on this block cause me the most headaches- the ambulance comes at least once a week, I swear. There are hardly any kids on this block, I think because most of the units are studios or small one bedrooms. I like that, but some people like having small children around.

Overall, I like this street. The coolest stuff happens- there was a movie filmed right outside my front door today! I love it here!!!

Linden has an awesome shopping area in the East Village Arts District. Every second saturday they have an art walk, and every saturday there is a farmer's market. There are specialty shops in the area as well, plus some super cool bars. it's a fun place to hang out, day or night. It's really safe and well lit too.

I've walked down this street a couple times on my way to the Orpheum theatre, and everything here is closed at night. There is absolutely nothing at night except for a gas station by the freeway, which is bad because you're always starved after a show, you know? There isn't even a lot of traffic, which is scary since this is Downtown Los Angeles! I don't think i would ever be down here by myself at night.

The only reason I remember this teensy street is because it's a one way that I happened to drive the wrong way down. My friend told me to make a left, and so I did! There was no traffic going down this street luckily, and since it was late (we were trying to find the freeway after a concert) there were no cops. We did scream like little girls for the whole length of the street though. Be careful.

The Metro Blue line runs along this street, right by LA trade tech. Once there was a problem, and we all had to get off the train- I have never been so scared in my life. The type of person who hangs out along this street is intimidating. Also, the traffic is insane- the train has almost gotten hit so many times. I've never been on this street after 4pm, and neither would I want to.

This is short little street that connects Flower Street to Olive Street. This is an awful street to walk on, as cars just whiz by you, so fast you can feel the wind they generate. There's basically nothing on this street but a huge parking lot, a couple buildings, and the greenery area of a building. I will say that the green area is quite beautiful. On the flower end is where you can catch the Metro 701. I advise waiting for it, and not attempting to walk to another stop like I did, especially at night.

South Hope street is a great street to drive down, as it goes by many of Downtown Los Angeles's more unique buildings, and it's rather short. It begins with the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which had to be refinished because it originally was so shiny it reflected the sun into the condos a few streets opposite. After a few blocks, it ends with the famously circular US Bank tower. This building has been featured in many of the movies and television shows that show a downtown shot. This building also has colored lights along the top that change with the seasons. It's a great photo opportunity!

The BEST thing about 12th street is on a stretch between Maple and Santee st. It's called Santee Alley, and it reminds me of the song "Portabello Road" in Bedknobs and Broomsticks- the street where anything and everything is sold. Here you'll find cheap designer knock offs, sample sales, specialty stores, beauty stores with high end cosmetics, perfumeries, and even a few hot dog stands. There is also a dog store that specializes in accessories for extra small pooches, which is a great thing! I go here every year when I see something I like at the mall. Nine times out of ten, a store will have it here, for much cheaper! Just make sure you hold on to your wallet, as there can be pickpockets.

1st Street in Downtown Los Angeles is a quickly moving street! It intersects with the Harbor 110 at one end, and the cars fly by, especially during rush hour. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is on this street, as well as City Hall's beautiful fountain and landscaped area. The Metro Red line's Civic Center Station is on this street as well. It's a great street to catch the freeway from, as it intersects with the 110, the 101, the 5 and the 10, and all of those are within a 5 mile stretch!

South Hill street runs through downtown los angeles. It is easily accessible from the pershing square stop on the Metro Red Line. My favorite thing about South Hill Street is the Millenium Biltmore hotel, which is right across the street from Pershing Square. This hotel is where the Beatles stayed when they came to California! Wow! There are also historical markers on posts up and down the street which give you more information about the history of many of the buildings. The street is quite busy during the weekdays before 7pm, but otherwise is occupied by mostly homeless or travelers.

South Broadway in downtown Los Angeles is an amazing place! There is so much history. On some street corners you can still see the bricked in tunnels from the old subways, and the buildings are beautiful. It runs through the financial district to the south, and north is Angels' Flight and the Grand Central Market. There you can get fresh fruit and a myriad of different ethnic food. I love the pupusas! It's within walking distance from the Pershing Square metro stop as well.

West Olive is a downtown thoroughfare that has many parking lots and skyscrapers. In downtown Los Angeles, it also forms one border for Pershing Square. It's great for food- because of all of the office buildings, there are many small cafes and eateries. My personal favorite is Emerson's in City National Bank. They have amazing salads, sandwiches, and even have a large outdoor seating area.

-I am specifically reviewing Figueroa street in Downtown Los Angeles-

Figueroa St is a street that takes you past many of the beautiful old buildings in Downtown. At night it can be pretty shady, with homeless people and the like, but all of downtown can be like that. During the day there are so many cool places to shop. You have your individual shops, liquor stores, etc- and then there are the higher end stores. My favorite place to shop there is at Macy's Plaza- they even have a piano player in the main area, and you can request songs for $1. There's a metro light rail station on 7th near figueroa, and there are many buses that run up and down it too.