Culver City Neighborhood Guide

Culver City is an independent city on the Westside with a long film history, a lively downtown and good access to transit and bike paths.

This guide gives renters a general overview of Culver City: what daily life is like, how people get around and what to look for in an apartment. Neighborhood conditions change, so visit at different times of day and talk to residents before you sign a lease.

Living in Culver City

Culver City has been a filmmaking center for about a century and is home to major studio lots. Its compact downtown has restaurants, theaters and public plazas, and the Hayden Tract and other areas host creative and technology companies. Residential neighborhoods range from small bungalows to apartment and condo buildings.

Getting around

The Metro E Line has a station in Culver City connecting to Downtown LA and Santa Monica. Culver CityBus operates local and regional routes, and the Ballona Creek bike path runs toward the coast. The 405 and 10 freeways are nearby.

Things to do nearby

• Dining and theaters in downtown Culver City
• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, with its steep stairs and views
• Ballona Creek bike path
• Weekly farmers market

Housing and renting

Housing includes apartments, condos and single-family rentals. Culver City has adopted local rent control and tenant protections; check the city’s housing division for current rules.

For official information on tenant protections and housing programs, see the City of Culver City website. California’s statewide rules, including limits on rent increases and just-cause eviction protections for many units, may also apply. The California Courts’ landlord and tenant self-help pages are a helpful starting point.

Apartment hunting checklist for Culver City

• Visit the block in the evening and on a weekend to check noise and parking.
• Time your commute during rush hour, by car and by transit.
• Ask whether parking, laundry and utilities are included.
• Ask whether the unit is covered by rent stabilization or a state rent cap.
• Check cell reception and internet providers available at the address.
• Look for natural light, storage and air conditioning, which matters during hot summer days in much of Los Angeles County.
• Never send money for a unit you have not seen in person.

Related guides

• Santa monica renters guide
• Small space storage solutions
• Apartment moving checklist
• Rent affordability calculator