Venice Canals

The Venice Canals are without a doubt the most cherished of Venice locations, perhaps only second in fame to the Boardwalk. The homes in the area are nice without being extravagant, but their location along the canals makes them so picturesque as to be difficult to resist. The rental prices also rise accordingly, with single bedroom homes going for $2,000 per month. Despite the cramped spaces and the alleyways instead of streets (the canals are where the house fronts face), this is a neighborhood popular with the artistic set. Jim Morrison started the tradition way back in the 60’s when he was just getting together with the rest of the Doors. Many of the current residents are famous actors as well—like Nicholas Cage.

Because of the narrow alleyway like streets, and difficult access most businesses prefer to stay outside of this neighborhood. This semi-seclusion also works as a protective barrier, keeping the worst of crime out of this section of Venice—which is not to say that residents don’t get their share of disturbances from the drugged out or the lost. The Canals neighborhood also gets a lot of foot traffic from beach goers coming through and from tourists coming to take a peak a place they can’t quite believe is real. “Is this a theme park?” is a common question from those who come here.

The area is sort of a theme park is the truth about it. Venice was the brainchild of developer who wanted to created a entertainment city like Coney Island on the west coast. The idea for the canal system was a bit of a gimmick to lure people. There used to be many more of them actually, but LA County filled most of them in when they acquired the area. Venice used to have a pier just like Santa Monica, but when it closed down—Venice went to the dogs and then, eventually was revived in the 70’s.

Today, most residents are satisfied with the trade-of for the opportunity of living in such a beautiful place.