Venice Neighborhood Guide

Venice is a beachside neighborhood of Los Angeles famous for its boardwalk, canals and creative culture.

This guide gives renters a general overview of Venice: 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 Venice

Founded in the early 1900s with canals inspired by Venice, Italy, the neighborhood still has a small network of residential canals with footbridges. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is known for street performers, vendors, the outdoor gym at Muscle Beach and the skate park. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.

Getting around

Venice is very bikeable, with the Marvin Braude bike path running along the beach. Metro bus lines connect to Santa Monica and other Westside areas, and the Metro E Line is accessible from Santa Monica stations. Parking can be very limited, especially near the beach on weekends.

Things to do nearby

• The Venice Beach Boardwalk and skate park
• Strolling the Venice Canals
• Shopping and dining on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
• Cycling the beach path

Housing and renting

Rentals include small apartment buildings, bungalows, duplexes and backhouses. Many older units may be covered by the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Ask about parking, beach-area noise and short-term rental activity in the building.

For official information on tenant protections and housing programs, see City of Los Angeles housing information. 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 Venice

• 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 balcony patio ideas
• Apartment moving checklist
• Rent affordability calculator