Los Angeles is chock-full of iconic neighborhoods, but very few can top Venice as the most distinctive of all. This community boasts a unique identity that has made it one of the top tourist attractions in Southern California.
A brief history
Venice was founded in 1905 by Los Angeles developer Abbot Kinney who patterned the neighborhood after its namesake Italian city, complete with canals winding through the area. The canals were originally designed to serve as thoroughfares, but over the years, they lost this function and now serve largely as an important historic attraction.
Originally known as Venice of America, Venice was an independent city until it was annexed to Los Angeles in 1926. From the time it opened, tourists and new residents poured into the neighborhood mostly to enjoy the beach, especially when new attractions were built on the Kinney Pier in the 1910s.
From the 1930s to the 1950s, Venice fell into neglect and became known as the “Slum by the Sea”. This led to the influx of counterculture artists looking for low cost housing, who then gave birth to the neighborhood’s famous Beat Generation. Today, this colorful part of Venice’s history has become one of its most defining facets.
Living in Venice, CA
- The active lifestyle. With its reputation as a “cultural hub known for its eccentricities”, Venice Beach attracts millions of visitors every year. People come here to do a host of activities, including surfing, swimming, running, sunbathing, and more.
The Venice Beach promenade, also known as the Venice Boardwalk, is a great place for people watching, and is lined with fantastic restaurants, specialty shops, and unique homes. Street performers, fortune tellers, and street artists add vibrancy to the area. Muscle Beach, an outdoor bodybuilding gym made famous by personalities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, is one of the most popular attractions here.
Other well-known activity centers in Venice include Venice Beach Recreation Centerand Venice Beach Skatepark.
- Shopping. Just a few minutes from Venice Beach,Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a mile long shopping strip that features an eclectic array of independent shops, famous brands, salons, restaurants, art galleries, and more. It’s also the site of hip events like Food Truck Friday, the Annual Holiday Block Party and Snow Day, the Abbot Kinney Festival, and more.
- Arts and culture. Art can be found at almost every corner of Venice, thanks to the stunning and iconic murals that dot the neighborhood. Walking around Venice Canal Historic District and taking a gondola ride on the canals are a must if you want to fully experience the neighborhood. Literary arts lovers should not miss Beyond Baroque, one of the leading Literary/Arts Centers in the US.
Venice, CA real estate
Venice is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Southern California, so it’s not surprising that many homes here come with a multimillion dollar price tag. You’ll find plenty of options when it comes to property type – from luxurious estates and single family homes to relatively more affordable condos and townhomes.
You also get plenty of opportunities for a waterfront home, including the exclusive properties along the historic Venice Canals and the contemporary homes on Venice Beach. Venice Beach is the densest residential section of the neighborhood, mostly due to the numerous condos and townhomes in the area.
Around 65% of Venice, CAresidents are renters. Rental properties include single-family homes, furnished apartments, luxurious condos, and more.
We at Third Power Properties can help you with all your real estate needs in Venice, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent a home.Call us, Kelly Gleason and Anastasia Israel, at 310.684.3583 or email us at info(at)thirdpowerproperties(dotted)com today.
