Abbot Kinney Venice

Abbot Kinney Venice is a fun and unique shopping and dining area. Unlike so many other shopping areas in Los Angeles, it isn't yet overrun with national chain stores. Yet. The ubiquitous Pinkberry and Starbucks are there of course but otherwise the neighborhood has managed to stay pretty authentic. Still filled with unusual "mom & pop" establishments, it is the local Venice hipster "go to" shopping place.

Clothing, restaurants, bars, candles, books and coffee pretty much sums it up. People riding bicycles and lots of foot traffic make it a fun neighborhood to live in or visit.

Some stereotypes of "Abbot Kinney Venice" folks are hipsters, hippies, people who drive old VW bugs and buses (all the old VWs in the country seem to retire in Venice...has anyone else noticed this?) and laid back types who walk their dogs and play guitar. Hip, young families who babywear and dress baby in organic cotton. Of course surfers and beach bums fit in there somewhere too. All in all, it is a colorful place and feels more like San Francisco than any other neighborhood in LA.

If you are thinking of moving to this neighborhood, there are lots of rentals but expect a premium price (especially the closer you get to the beach or Abbot Kinney Venice area) and understand that there is never enough parking in some areas. During some of the more seedy years, Venice was a cheaper neighborhood to purchase a home in LA but this is definately not so anymore. It is uber-trendy again and home values reflect that.

You can't fully understand this area unless you understand some basic Venice history (don't worry, it is truly fascinating) and of course don't forget to stop at the insane (and fun) Venice Boardwalk and Venice Beach while you are in the area.