Why Live in Chinatown
Chinatown in Los Angeles is a historic neighborhood, originally established in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants. The area is characterized by its vibrant cultural heritage, with red lanterns, pagoda-like structures, and Taoist temples creating a distinctive atmosphere. Central Plaza serves as a focal point for historical landmarks, cultural events, and authentic Chinese dining, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists. The neighborhood is highly walkable, offering convenient access to downtown LA and Little Tokyo. Authentic cuisine is a major draw, with traditional Sichuan restaurants, dim sum at Golden Dragon, and pastries from Queen’s Bakery. Shopping options include galleries, herbal shops, and the Far East Center for Asian groceries. Cultural attractions like the Chinese American Museum and the Thien Hau Temple add to the neighborhood’s appeal.
Community events such as the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and Chinatown Summer Nights bring residents together for food, music, and traditional performances. The new LAX-C night market offers a variety of Thai foods and goods. The neighborhood is well-connected with two train lines, five bus lines, and proximity to major freeways, making commutes and travel convenient. Housing in Chinatown is predominantly rental, with a mix of condos, Spanish-style homes, and townhouses. The architecture blends traditional Chinese elements with 20th-century American styles.
Green spaces like the Los Angeles State Historic Park and the recently opened Ord and Yale Street Park provide recreational opportunities and community events. Schools in the area are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, with Castelar Elementary School offering a highly rated Mandarin Dual Language Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chinatown a good place to live?
Chinatown is a good place to live, receiving 4.1 stars from its residents. Chinatown is considered very walkable and bikeable with great transit options. Chinatown is an urban core neighborhood. Chinatown has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 17.9 people per acre and a median age of 40. The average household income is $71,089 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 35.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Chinatown are renters, with 92.5% of residents renting and 7.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Chinatown can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Chinatown neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Chinatown?
The median home price in Chinatown is $749,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $150,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,790 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $162K a year to afford the median home price in Chinatown. The average household income in Chinatown is $71K.
What are the best public schools in Chinatown?
The best public schools that serve Chinatown are:
What are the best private schools in Chinatown?
The best private schools that serve Chinatown are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Chinatown?
Yes, home prices in Chinatown are down 25% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Chinatown, CA
On average, homes in Chinatown, Los Angeles sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Chinatown, Los Angeles over the last 12 months is $530,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$530,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$577,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$932,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$849,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$588
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$749,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%