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Residential

Since the beginning of its renaissance in 1999, Downtown Los Angeles has been one of the fastest growing residential markets in the country, establishing itself as a premiere urban destination and a vibrant community of diverse local neighborhoods. 

On this page you will find key market stats and residents, an overview of DTLA’s unique neighborhoods, and the history and future of its on-going evolution. 

Source: DTLA Residential Report, 2023

A Guide to the Residential Market in Downtown Los Angeles
DTLA Residential Report

This report provides a comprehensive examination of the current residential market in DTLA and a detailed assessment of opportunities for its on-going development.



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Residential Evolution

From 1999 to 2008, the Downtown LA Renaissance was led by adaptive reuse of historic office buildings comprising almost 90% of new residential inventory. Development shifted to new construction of mid-rise apartments up to 8 stories. Finally, from 2018 to today, development has again shifted to high-rise projects of 30+ stories.

Adaptive Reuse: Eastern Columbia
Adaptive Reuse: Old Bank District
Adaptive Reuse: Barker Block
Low-Rise: Eighth & Grand
Low-Rise: Trademark
Low-Rise: The Aliso
High-Rise: 825 S. Hill
High-Rise: Atelier
High-Rise: Park Fifth
High-Rise: Circa
Condos: Perla
Condos: Ritz Carlton Residences
Condos: TEN50
Affordable Housing: Star Apartments
Affordable Housing: 649 Lofts
Land Use Map

DTLA 2040

The new Downtown Community Plan that was adopted in 2024 provides a blueprint for the next phase of residential growth. It not only increases Downtown’s overall capacity for new residential development, it includes several key provisions that will encourage increased density by providing incentives and eliminating requirements.

Key Features of New Community Plan 

  • Increase the portion of Downtown where housing can be built by-right from 33% to 60%
  • Updated zoning and land use designations are more tailored to current uses
  • 3-level Community Benefits Program provides density bonuses for including affordable housing, open space/community facilities, and contributing to a community benefits fund
  • Elimination of parking requirements, allowing developer to assess their needs
  • Expansion of adaptive reuse to include any building that is more than 25 years old

Learn More About DTLA 2040

Neighborhoods

Downtown is comprised of many unique neighborhoods that have grown alongside each other, while retaining their distinctive characters. Different communities with distinct features appeal to different segments of the market. This is reflected in the various types of residential projects that are developed in each neighborhood and how they integrate themselves into the fabric of the community.

A bird's eye view map of Downtown LA's neighborhood districts.
Financial District
Dense, diverse, and dynamic, the Financial District is the heart of DTLA. Sitting at the center of the region’s Metro rail system, and possessing an unparalleled selection of restaurants, it is the epitome of convenience. Rental and condo properties have added a residential community that keeps the neighborhood buzzing through the day and into the evening.
South Park
South Park is the premier sports and event destination of Southern California, with Crypto.com Arena, the L.A. LIVE entertainment complex, and the L.A. Convention Center attracting more than two million visitors annually. The area has also experienced massive population growth, becoming its own full-fledged residential community.
Historic Downtown
With its classic buildings adapted for office and residential use, this area boasts many of the things that originally put LA on the world stage – ornate movie palaces, showcase architecture, and the bustling Broadway corridor. It’s also where visitors can experience DTLA’s contemporary reputation as a one-of-a-kind food, arts, and shopping destination.
Arts District
Situated on the eastside of DTLA, adjacent to the LA River and railyards, the Arts District is famously home to galleries and cultural spaces, live/work lofts, and unique restaurants and retail in converted warehouses and former factories. It’s also become a haven of innovative space for technology, media, and other creative companies. The neighborhood’s buzz can be felt day and night and has made it one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.
Chinatown
Despite substantial demographic change, this area has managed to remain a destination for authentic regional Chinese culture and cuisine. More recently, it has attracted exciting new culinary and nightlife ventures. With several new residential developments in the works, the area is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
Fashion District
Once known exclusively as Downtown’s wholesale quarter, the Fashion District now counts more than 1,000 retail stores in its 100 blocks, selling everything from fabrics to flowers, and of course, fashion. Crowds come to peruse the deals at Santee Alley or take advantage of frequent “Sample Sale” events. It is home to an increasing number of residents and will be one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in DTLA.
Bunker Hill
A mix of soaring skyscrapers internationally known cultural institutions, and world-class architecture, Bunker Hill is also home to an increasing concentration of desirable residential properties. While bustling with office workers on weekdays, the success of The Broad, Disney Concert Hall, and adjacent culinary destinations has ushered in a new population, altering perceptions, and activating the area on evenings and weekends.
Little Tokyo
Not surprisingly, Little Tokyo boasts some of Downtown’s finest sushi and noodle restaurants while also embracing an increasingly diverse demographic. By day, the compact, pedestrian, and family-friendly district primarily serves a convenience function, while evenings draw a more youthful, energetic crowd.

DTLA Residents

DTLA is the “first choice” for Angelenos who want an active urban lifestyle. As such, Downtowners are much more likely to use alternative modes of transportation and tend to work much closer to where they live. Because the DTLA housing market is predominantly rental and its demographics skew towards young and single, it is also more transitory than the rest of the region. At the same time, it attracts a significant share of long-term residents, as demonstrated by our survey.

Source: DTLA Residential Report, 2023

DTLA Alliance Reports & Research

Our independent research and reports across key sectors of the Downtown LA market provide crucial data and analysis for developers, investors, and businesses when assessing the DTLA environment.

DTLA Reports & Research

Contact the Economic Development Team

The DTLA Alliance’s economic development department is your resource for information about Downtown LA. We are here to answer your questions, provide in-depth insights, lead custom tours, and much more.

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