Living on LA's WEST SIDE: what's it REALLY like?

[@mrxman581]

I appreciate the perspective of LA from people who are not originally from the city. As a native Angeleno, I've always said that LA is what you make of it. If you want to mostly stay on the Westside, go for it and you'll have that experience. You want to venture out and explore different areas of the city and county, do it, and you'll be exposed to different facets of the city. Or, you can take a little bit of everything. That's what I've always done, especially as an adult. It depends on what mood I'm in. Just yesterday, I discovered a new Thai Street Market on the weekends near Chinatown in DTLA. How fantastic is that? The variety of lived experiences intertwined with the never-ending possibilities of discovering something new and wonderful is what makes LA the city of dreams. Even for native Angelenos, we feel that anything is possible as long as you put in the time and effort to make it happen. LA isn't a city that happens to you. It's what you make of the city to make it your own.

[@MichaelMartello]

I had way too much fun making this one 😂 give it a LIKE for more (positive) “cali” vibe videos!!

[@peterwelby]

It's amazing! Where are the homeless? Ignoring problems doesn't make them go away. KZbinr German in Venice just permanently closed his storefront business in Venice. He has a much more realistic video. Watch for needles and feces in the sand. Be aware that people live in the bathrooms on the beach.

[@jkabslt]

@MichaelMartello can you do an all hiking video?

[@srenmller3638]

Ok this is a bit off topic, but where do I get the exact Aviators you have on. Been looking all over and can't seem to find those. Do you know the specifics? Love all of your 'Cali' content - keep on trucking!

[@mrxman581]

BTW, the beaches are much cleaner today than they were 25 years ago. They have progressively improved. However, we all know not to get into the water after a rainstorm because the LA and San Gabriel Rivers end up with a lot of storm drain debris from the streets. Angelenos are used to the colder water, but we don't swim in it because there are a lot of rip tides. On hot summer months, we go into the water to cool off and then back to the sand. We do that all day long when we're at the beach. And have some good food in between. 😊

[@christiank8189]

Great video again! Love the fun vibes!

[@katherinepierceismine]

I found your channel a few days ago and have been binge watching ur videos, love the content. Cant wait to move from gloomy rainy UK to LA.

[@patpar6208]

It's great information for someone who will be visiting LA first time. Videos are very entertaining. Thanks

[@niyatrusty9759]

Always enjoy your videos!! Keep them coming!!

[@finned958]

If you live east of Downtown LA, you drive south towards Seal Beach or Huntington Beach or Laguna Beach. You avoid driving through the gauntlet of LA traffic. The drive towards Santa Monica or Venice Beach can easily take over an hour on weekends. The air is clearer in Orange County.

[@mrxman581]

True, but the new Regional Connector changed that somewhat. Now I drive to the East LA terminus of the E line, park in the LA Metro parking structure ($2 all day), and hop on the E Line all the way to Santa Monica. It's a one seat ride now. I'm there in a little over an hour and relaxed. I've taken the trip half a dozen times since the Regional Connector opened in June 2023. Before that, I hadn't been to the Santa Monica Beach or pier in 20 years for many of the reasons you stated.

[@alexanderschwarm7755]

Dude love these videos. So helpful and lets us get an idea of what these areas have to offer

[@MichaelMartello]

thank you! glad you enjoy 😊

[@donaldhenderson3495]

Great video Mike. I got the best laugh at your Keurig…..lol. Keep the great videos coming. I like my section of LA. Where I’m close to the mountains and 45 minutes away from the beach.

[@ny2phillyholloway592]

Loved watching you in the sun again!! It seems like such a long time since the never ending rain there. Great video Michael🍎💚

[@MichaelMartello]

☀️☀️☀️

[@solegonz762]

👏👏What a good vid! Spot on! I also love that you had the Beach Boys music playing in there. I'm a native Angelina & sooooo miss the Beach Boys playing on the radio often -especially in the Summer. I grew up on a block they jammed at (before my time.) I lived for years in my 20s off Venice Blvd on the West Side and cherish that experience. Enjoy all of it for me!!

[@huntersucato8210]

I love your videos! I've been here since 800 subscribers you're so underrated!

[@MichaelMartello]

Thank you so much! Have remembered you as a commentor for a long time!

[@mystikrebel1089]

looks like the universe sent the video again as a few hours back coming out of the shopping centre a lady walked passed with a Los Angeles top on making me wonder if a video will come later and here it is . Not being a skateboarder but a roller skater will be my scene when getting off the plane when I get there lol .

[@MichaelMartello]

🤣

[@mrxman581]

Many beach communities to skate in the greater LA region. I'm sure you'll have a blast.

[@rand0m742]

The Westside pretty much consists of everything from Beverly Hills to the ocean, + Malibu along the coast. So yeah, I'd say LaCienega is a safe bet for where the dividing line is. Culver city, Playa Vista, and Marina del Rey make up the southern border of Westside region.

[@alee1627]

Thank you for the funny, educational, insightful narrative.. Now we know a bit more about living in West LA (other than the beaches and probably can't afford it)..Great creative juice!

[@MichaelMartello]

😎

[@TheLevos]

Hoping the wife and I can visit some day. Thanks for your hard work, we definitely enjoy these videos!

[@StephenMakesVideos]

This was so well done. And absolutely LOVE the Beach Boys throughout.

[@MichaelMartello]

haha thanks so much!😎

[@JoyfulOne468]

Favorite youtuber!!

[@MichaelMartello]

Honored 🙌🏻

[@kristab6981]

Every time I watch one of your videos it makes me want to book another trip! Lol

[@MichaelMartello]

It’s time!

[@DarrenKriz]

Great video man, west side all day >>

[@MichaelMartello]

thanks!! yessss

[@EdwardMcDougall1]

I usually spend 2 weeks whenever I travel to LA and spend a week staying in the city and then a week staying in the west side and man, it really is like going too a completely different place when you move away from places like hollywood even though its like a 45 minute ride

[@amitlal310]

That shot you took on Washington Pl- that is the neighborhood where I live. :) I agree, Westside is the best side.

[@MichaelMartello]

See ya at Costco!

[@Chickythevegan]

Love it, babe 💛

[@330toSRT8]

Don't forget Palisades has the three best hiking trails in LA: Los Leones, Temescal Canyon, and Will Rogers State Historic Park!

[@MichaelMartello]

This I agree with.

[@DavidCaris]

Speaking as a third generation Los Angeleno, the Westside is the only place I would consider. I grew up in the Beverly Grove area, moved to Santa Monica and then Beverly Hills for a while and finally bought in Mar Vista 30 years ago. I have seen a lot of change. Much of it not for the better. One constant is that visiting other parts of LA still makes me appreciate the Westside.

[@italianlifestyle7911]

Awesome place to be sure... the only thing missing is me🍸🌅

[@kendallevans4079]

As a resident here, I agree with everything you said including the "con" stuff......But you know what? On a beautiful day (and we have plenty) it's still THE place to live!

[@troyelam8978]

As an over 40, native Angeleno, I hate to break the news to a lot of people, but West LA starts around La Brea Avenue! Yes, I know a lot of Black people historically lived there, so there’s a tendency for the media to describe it as south central, but it’s not. It’s the beginnings of West LA! Some older folks would even argue, dare I say it, Crenshaw Boulevard!

[@Chieftracyhorse]

Time to book a west LA vacation!❤

[@bexiexz]

loved this!

[@330toSRT8]

Yes, West side is the best side! Great video!

[@pongtanit]

You nailed it. I work in West LA 💯 agreed.

[@karlcarloshuderz]

Your videos are so honest and direct. I love it. You got a lot of more subs now! Good to see.

[@MichaelMartello]

Appreciate it!!😎

[@MUNNYCAT]

Great vid! We're Valley Rats, and dream of West Side life when it's 110 degrees in studio city.

[@Barlovento2005]

Just finished watching your last video 😂

[@Youngwidower90]

You cant get mountains over the ocean in Flordia. Also, the weather is so much more comfortable in LA than fl

[@EnronnSierra]

Its coming down to the wire where I need to lock in my vacation destination for the summer. My mind has been fixed on LA/Santa Monica area for a few months now, but every time I watch a KZbin video, I feel less incentivized to visit. Big part of it is the size and how spread out it is. Now that you mention the water is not great to swim in, I feel even less interest in visiting. Recently I watched a video about the Promenade being in bad shape because of the amount businesses shutting down, homeless people loitering the area and open drug use. So, safety is a big concern. If you could do an updated video of these areas I would appreciate it.

[@HRK35]

Go to the southern beaches, like Manhattan beach or even more down south, Huntington beach etc... way better to visit and stay (more expensive too)

[@EnronnSierra]

@@HRK35 Did you mean to more or less expensive? I would staying at a hostel to keep cost down.

[@YusufAbdulrahman1]

What a fantastic video

[@kendallevans4079]

Also! Renting in Santa Monica is coveted as it's rent controlled! Good luck looking for available apt!

[@mrxman581]

But those apts are disappearing. I might be mistaken, but didn't they weaken or basically gut their rent control law several years ago?

[@stevensocher852]

Only certain buildings...

[@stevensocher852]

And u had to have been from waaay back

[@Standardized-Chaos]

This channel has been helpful in planning a move back to LA. For someone coming from Texas, what areas in west LA do you recommend

[@evangelinjerome9868]

Thanks a ton for your videos... They are very helpful. Planning visit LA this summer and looking for a Airbnb, which areas are safer and you would recommend for a first time LA visitors...

[@joewilshusen7290]

I lived in the OC for 25 years miss living there but the cost of living is terrible now

[@trexinvert]

As an eastsider, I'm always envious of you guys who work and live on the westside. However, it's always great to see that is available for us too over the freeway and DTLA borders. I would need to have the energy and planning to be able to indulge occasionally. To be able "trapped" on that side of LA and enjoy that daily you cannot put a price on that.

[@MichaelMartello]

Even a day trip is worth it!☀️

[@mrxman581]

Just take the LA Metro E line to Santa Monica. Great way to get to there now since the Regional Connector opened in June 2023.

[@peterwelby]

​@@mrxman581 The metro is not safe.

[@dcal3775]

I really enjoy watching your videos, but I had to laugh when you started talking about the beaches. I grew up in SoCal, and I have swam at the beaches my entire life. You guys from the East Coast sound soft. LMAO

[@stevehofmaster4292]

West side is definitely The Best Side😊😊❤❤❤

[@jeffreysalley]

You have an engaging personality

[@ReychelH]

If you want to see lovely beaches, then go to Orange County! Laguna Beach is stunning!❤❤❤

[@jayvalenciia]

do the east side next

[@bengee3519]

Hi Michael, I just moved to LA and I love your videos! I just went to Culver City and tried pops and philz (amazing!) and it was also the car show as well so it was a good day. Do you have any other recommendations for restaurants in Culver? Also, I’m planning to move to Culver in the next couple years. Is rent usually $3k for studio? or are there cheaper apartments you think close to downtown culver? Also, I live in Koreatown and love it. Definitely make a video about Koreatown please and also maybe Larchmont Village and Sawtelle!

[@polyphonicdavid]

i live in west hollywood and haven’t been west of the 405 or east of cahuenga blvd in months 😭😅

[@JM-dk4ec]

Can you cover Belmont shore/belmont height area? I just moved here from nyc

[@stephensarmento3529]

You might have a sunset but on the east coast we have a sunrise lol aint no one trying to go to the beach as 5am though lol

[@maha77]

I don't travel east of Lincoln Blvd

[@dante340]

Best spots in Westside for me are Century City mall, Sawtelle, and Downtown Culver City. The rest of it? ..bleh. South Bay has much better beaches. And Santa Monica is a nice spot for tourists, but as a longtime LA native, I have absolutely no reason to go there lol

[@Daskoldbrau]

West LA is technically everything west of Western. Up until pretty recently you could always get between places in this area fairly quickly. Some might say La Brea is the line, but really the entire La Brea neighborhood is the west side. What defines the area is single family zoning. Until the 60’s this was all suburban, so that’s how the west side was traditionally defined. Santa Monica is just Santa Monica. Silverlake and echo park aren’t the east side either. A lot of people there are transplants and they think of it that way, but the east side is actually what’s east of the LA river. This is how people thought of it historically but it also makes the most sense today. It’s weird to say Monterey park and echo park are both the east side. Does that make downtown the east side?

[@2Bluzin]

Hey you showed a shot of The Rooster Fish on Abbot Kenny, that used to be the only gay bar in the west side. I dont know if it's still gay but it's been there more than 30 years.

[@MichaelMartello]

you're right! it's pretty straight now. lol

[@SomeLazyDr]

Nailed it, dude. This is exactly how west LA is like.

[@davidkim3477]

Now to the Southbay

[@TeisteBrito-hr5fn]

The West is the best !

[@gridley]

It's good that zoning laws have prevented LA's coastline from being lined by apartment towers, as seen in certain other coastal urban areas, particularly parts of Miami or Fla. Although I believe there are highrises in some coastal parts of Vancouver or Sydney, or even San Diego or Long Beach, they don't seem quite as intrusive. SoCa's coastal weather is cooler & cloudier (June gloom) than in certain Mediterranean-type or tropical areas, but that's a natural air conditioner for the LA basin. The water is colder too, although the water further north around SF, Portland or, of course, Seattle is even chillier. Because of the climate & terrain of coastal LA/SoCa, it has a different (& what I'd describe as a friendlier) vibe than areas like the Hamptons, Martha's Vineyard, Newport RI, etc. Not just palms but exotic looking plants known as succulents also aren't found in colder or wetter, tropical climates. Coastal LA is like a newer, less historically charming US version of southern Spain, France, parts of Italy.

[@mrxman581]

I agree, and it also doesn't have the hot humidity of Florida and the corresponding bugs that come with that kind of weather.

[@NaProbablyNot]

LA South Bay > West LA

[@MichaelMartello]

🤫

[@EpicKook]

The best beaches are north and south of you and have little to zero bacteria

[@jennifermarie3158]

If you are having seasonal depression in West LA, you simply wouldn't survive anywhere else

[@tw.o.g]

Do the north shore

[@Messai.rached]

Hey! What up I'm from your followers and I'm from Arabic... Did Los Angeles safety ? Or no?.

[@Official.DJBIGGUMS]

The Mongo push 😭😭😭

[@beaub650]

#anythingwestonLincoln #AWOL

[@user-yc8fr4vp5d]

Absolutely love the Beach Boys vibes. 🌞💦🌴🌅

[@jaydez_]

What I love about LA is that people from all over the world come here with a dream. They're go getters, hustlers, working every day to make their dreams a reality. It's the city of dreams, some dreams come true, some don't, but keep on dreaming.

[@a.c.7541]

😂 Ocean, frizzy hair? 9:22

[@greyluk]

The two dislikes come from eastsiders hahaha

[@d-lo811]

LA's west side is too damn gloomy for me.

[@Messai.rached]

Los Angeles my best place in the world

[@TrevorRudolph-i6n]

Go Home!

[@libbykaynorris]

Lucky enough to live here? Some of us worked for it. BTW, worst Beach Boys cover band on record.

[@MichaelMartello]

Great! I worked for it too. Still lucky to be here. Cheers🥂

[@JM-dk4ec]

But yea I’m staying in west la Brentwood it lacks diversity or Amy sort of depth/culture is trash

[@martinmengh]

so pathetic

[@Messai.rached]

Los Angeles my best place in the world

[@Messai.rached]

Los Angeles my best place in the world