What happens when you combine a small-town vibe with big-city convenience and proximity to some of the best attractions Los Angeles has to offer? You get LA’s Larchmont Village neighborhood—a historic haven turned hotspot that is quickly becoming the place to live in Los Angeles. Of course, this newfound fame comes at a price. As is the case with many other Los Angeles neighborhoods, living in – or even visiting – Larchmont Village has become increasingly expensive in recent years.
But that’s not to say that you can’t have a great time in this one-of-a-kind neighborhood without breaking the bank! Our Larchmont Village home, Common Elmwood, offers a more attainable alternative to the rising rents in the neighborhood—with fully furnished private bedrooms in designed spaces starting at $1,200/month. Factor in the included amenities (like on-site laundry, free WiFi, and regular professional cleanings) and Elmwood makes sense no matter what your budget looks like. But even if you’re pinching pennies, there’s plenty to do in this exciting neighborhood. Here’s how to spend a day near Common Elmwood on any budget.
Thinking thrifty
Need to make your dollar go further? Nothing wrong with that! A memorable day in Larchmont Village doesn’t have to be an expensive one. If you’re looking to keep things under $20, start with an iced coffee from Go Get Em Tiger and stroll down Larchmont toward Chevalier’s Books. One of the last remaining relics from the neighborhood’s past, this iconic bookstore has undoubtedly amassed quite a collection in its near century of operation. Flip through the pages and savor the bookstore smell before you head back to Common Elmwood, but be sure to stop by Sam’s Bagels on the way. Enjoy your New York-style bagel (lox with cream cheese and capers for us, please!) while you catch some rays atop Elmwood’s private rooftop.
Got some extra change?
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If you’re working with a little more, start your day bright and early with Barry’s Bootcamp, but skip the Barry’s Fuel smoothie afterwards. Instead, opt for brunch at Cafe Gratitude to complete what is becoming the quintessential LA morning. Any of their affirmations are earned after your class, but the I AM BONITA and I AM POWERFUL are our go-to’s. Keep that post-workout burn going by perusing the racks at the many shops on Larchmont, or swing by Trader Joe’s for some ingredients for dinner — and maybe a pint of ice cream. You’ve earned it!
Ready to splurge?
For those on less of a budget, we’re headed to nearby Silverlake, only a 10 minute drive from Common Elmwood. First stop is a fuel-up at Alfred Coffee with a classic Bodega Bagel (just a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich) and a more adventurous Chaga Cold Brew. When in LA! Next is some window shopping (or shopping-shopping if you feel like treating yourself) at Mohawk General Store. Though it may sound like an army-surplus store, it’s actually one of the most chic boutiques in all of Los Angeles. Pro tip: they also have great sales. For dinner, head toward neighboring Los Feliz for Kismet, a mediterranean outpost from the team at Jon & Vinny’s and Son of a Gun. Many plates are slow-cooked and intended to be shared, encouraging diners to savor each moment.
Larchmont Village’s renaissance might wield a hefty price tag, but there is still tons to do in this historic neighborhood no matter what budget you’re operating on. Explore our picks, and our Larchmont home – Common Elmwood – and start planning your next day in this unique corner of Los Angeles.