Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA
Chinatown at a Glance
Chinatown is ranked #85 of 104 neighborhoods in Los Angeles with an overall score of 2.4/5. Its standout factor is nearby merchants (5.0/5). It ranks 56th of 104 in Los Angeles for schools. The trade-offs are safety (1.6/5) and schools (2.9/5).
Chinatown Reviews & Questions
Chinatown in Los Angeles is the newer version of the city's original Chinese district, which was cleared for Union Station, and it opened on this site in 1938. Central Plaza, where a Bruce Lee statue stands near a figure of Sun Yat-sen and a dragon mural, still anchors the neighborhood along Broadway and Hill Street. Housing in Chinatown is mostly older apartment buildings and newer mid-rise complexes, with some converted warehouse and industrial space used for offices and studios. There are few single-family homes. New residential projects have gone up near the Metro line and along Broadway. Los Angeles State Historic Park is right next door, a long open lawn stretching between Spring Street and the Metro A Line tracks, and it's the main place for runs, dog walks and picnics. Elysian Park rises just to the north with trails and views, and the Alpine Recreation Center serves sports and classes. The food is a big reason people come. Philippe The Original on Alameda Street has been serving French dip sandwiches double-dipped in gravy for over a century. Phoenix Bakery on Broadway is famous for its strawberry cakes. For errands, Chinatown has plenty of small groceries and markets along Broadway and Hill, but it has lacked a large central supermarket for years, so bigger shopping means a drive. The Metro A Line stops at a pagoda-style Chinatown station, and Union Station and Olvera Street are just a short walk south. The trade is that everyday grocery runs take more planning than in most neighborhoods. On the other hand, a French dip at Philippe's and a train out of Union Station are both a stroll from the front door.
Top Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
Chinatown Amenities
Near good merchants5.0
Public Spaces3.3
Curb Appeal2.9
Overall Amenities score: 3.5
Chinatown Weather
Chinatown Photos
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Schools Serving Chinatown
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Street Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Castelar Street Elementary | Primary | K-8 | |
| Florence Nightingale Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| School of Business and Tourism at Contreras Learning Complex | High | 9-12 | |
| Contreras Learning Center-Los Angeles School of Global Studies | High | 9-12 | |
| Edward R. Roybal Learning Center | High | 9-12 | |
| Contreras Learning Center-Academic Leadership Community | High | 9-12 | |
| Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts | High | 9-12 | |
| Contreras Learning Center-School of Social Justice | High | 9-12 | |
| Belmont Senior High | High | 9-12 | |
| Abraham Lincoln Senior High | High | 9-12 | |
| Woodrow Wilson Senior High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Chinatown FAQs
8 answers
Is Chinatown a good place to live?
Chinatown ranks 85th of 104 neighborhoods in Los Angeles with an overall Houseberry score of 2.4 out of 5. Its strongest factor is nearby merchants (5.0/5). The trade-offs are safety (1.6/5) and schools (2.9/5).
Is Chinatown safe?
Chinatown, Los Angeles scores 1.6 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 98th of 104 neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Which schools serve Chinatown?
Schools serving Chinatown, Los Angeles include Ann Street Elementary (1.9/5), Castelar Street Elementary (3.0/5), Florence Nightingale Middle (3.0/5), School of Business and Tourism at Contreras Learning Complex (3.7/5) and Contreras Learning Center-Los Angeles School of Global Studies (2.9/5). 7 more schools are listed in the Schools section on this page.
What is the weather like in Chinatown?
Chinatown, Los Angeles receives 80% of its possible sunshine, 81st of 104 in Los Angeles. Summer days run 63° to 82°F and winter days 48° to 68°F, August is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 16 inches a year.
Is Chinatown walkable to shops and restaurants?
Chinatown, Los Angeles scores 5.0 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.3 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.5 out of 5, 47th of 104 in Los Angeles.
What is Chinatown known for?
Chinatown, Los Angeles is associated with Central Plaza, Philippe's French Dip and State Historic Park. Its highest-scoring factor is nearby merchants (5.0/5).
How does Chinatown compare to other Los Angeles neighborhoods?
Chinatown ranks 85th of 104 neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It ranks 56th of 104 in Los Angeles for schools (2.9/5) and scores lowest on safety (1.6/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Los Angeles are Mandeville Canyon and Pacific Palisades.
What are the downsides of living in Chinatown?
Chinatown, Los Angeles scores lowest on safety (1.6/5) and schools (2.9/5).
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