Sawtelle is a highly desirable neighborhood in Los Angeles that’s bounded by the affluent westside neighborhoods of Brentwood, Westwood, Santa Monica, and Culver City. The district is known for having several names, such as Sawtelle Japantown or Little Osaka, which are reminiscent of the neighborhood’s strong roots in Japanese-American history.

Today however, the neighborhood is probably best known for Sawtelle Boulevard—a popular tree-lined street filled with kitschy boutiques, Asian restaurants, and dessert shops. Residents who live in the Sawtelle neighborhood tend to be millennials—ranging from tech professionals working in the westside to young families and UCLA students living off-campus. Overall, Sawtelle is a popular neighborhood that gets its fair share of visits from both locals and tourists.

Here are five reasons to live in Sawtelle. 

Pedestrian and Bicycle-Friendly

Sawtelle Street photo by Shutterstock

With bike lanes and flat sidewalks at nearly every street in Sawtelle, this neighborhood is among the most pedestrian-friendly in Los Angeles. In an article by Curbed, Sawtelle was ranked ninth place out of Los Angeles’ top 10 most walkable neighborhoods. Also, Sawtelle earned an average score of 77 out of 100, according to Walk Score. Locals can easily complete their errands in the cultural center at Sawtelle Boulevard, the heart of West LA. Whether it’s grocery shopping, going out to eat, browsing at a souvenir shop, or grabbing a drink, most tasks and activities can easily be accomplished on foot.

Wide Array of Ethnic Cuisine

Japanese Restaurants in a strip mall on Sawtelle Street

From ramen and sushi to shave ice and creme brule crepes, Sawtelle features so many quality restaurants and eateries within steps of each other that it even rivals Little Tokyo on the eastside. Simply head towards Sawtelle Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard to find a never-ending sidewalk consisting of specialty stores, Japanese markets, Asian restaurants, and pastry shops. This street has become so trendy that even big-name restaurants are starting to set up shop.

Popular restaurants in the neighborhood include Tsujita LA for tsukemen-style dipping ramen, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar for upscale bar eats, and Nong LA for Vietnamese-style cuisine. After dining out, many people frequent dessert spots such as Brian’s Shave Ice & Boba for Hawaiian-style shave ice, Volcano Tea House for bubble-tea beverages, and Blockheads Shavery for Taiwanese shave ice. 

Close to the Freeway and Transit

Sawtelle photo courtesy of Clotee Pridgen Alloc

There are several entrances to the 405 freeway around the neighborhood, so commuting to other parts of Los Angeles can be a breeze for those who drive to get around town. However, during peak congestion times, Olympic Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard can turn into standstill traffic. On the other hand, during all other hours, commuting from Sawtelle to Downtown Los Angeles in the eastside can be as short as 20 minutes. The 405 also connects to other major freeways, such as the 10, so traveling to Santa Monica or even the Mid-Wilshire area can be accomplished without a hassle. Additionally, there are several transit options for residents in the area who don’t drive, including the Metro and the Big Blue Bus.

Close to the Beach

Santa Monica Pier 

Since much of Sawtelle feels small-town, not to mention, it’s surrounded by single-family homes and small complexes, many people think that all the area has to offer is city life. On the contrary, Sawtelle is also very close to the beach. The closest beaches include Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach, so residents living in Sawtelle can get to the beach in about 20 minutes—and that’s in traffic. The Sawtelle neighborhood also offers residents a more affordable housing option when compared to Santa Monica and Venice, which are among LA’s most expensive areas to live. 

Shopping and Nightlife Galore

Sawtelle photo courtesy of Clotee Pridgen Alloc

During the day, patrons can easily pass the time at shopping centers such as Westside Pavilion and One Westside Shopping Center, which feature designer stores, upscale restaurants, arts and craft stores, and much more. However, Sawtelle is a neighborhood that’s just as popular at night as it is during the day. Karaoke Bleu on Sawtelle Boulevard offers a late-night option for karaoke and craft cocktails, while The Arsenal on Pico is a local weapons-themed dive bar with a patio, bar bites, and classic cocktails.