Office space to rent Los Angeles, CA: Overview and History
Beaches, sunshine, Hollywood, and an impressive manufacturing and business base. Welcome to Los Angeles California. Founded in 1781 as a Spanish pueblo called El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río de Porciúncula. The city and its name both evolved from its pueblo roots to a booming city driven by oil, aerospace, and Hollywood.
Historic landmarks include the Bradbury Building on S. Broadway, a 1893 architectural icon famous for its unique interior, and the Los Angeles Theatre (615 S. Broadway), a 1931 movie palace that captures the grandeur of early Hollywood. The city's growth has long been tied to media and trade, shaping it into a cultural and economic hub.
Science has hit milestones in the city, in 1926, Dr. Albert A. Michelson set up mirrors on Mount Wilson to measure the speed of light, marking an important scientific achievement for the city, and in 1969 UCLA Professor Leonard Kleinrock sent the first electronic message over what would become the Internet.
Large companies that have chosen Los Angeles office space
Some of the largest companies based in Los Angeles include entertainment giants like The Walt Disney Company, headquartered in nearby Burbank, and tech firms like Snap Inc., based in Santa Monica. Other large companies include engineering heavyweight AECOM and real estate girnt CBRE Group. Major corporate areas include downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the Westside, which are popular for entertainment and media firms.
Office and business districts in Los Angeles, CA
Key business districts in Los Angeles include Downtown, Korea Town, Warner Center, Century City, and Hollywood. Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) hosts finance, government, and tech offices, while Century City is known for law firms and media offices. Hollywood, historically the heart of the film industry, remains a hotspot for entertainment companies, with the Westside housing many tech startups. L.A. offers great office rental options whether your business close to the competition or not.
Cost comparison of renting an office in Los Angeles
Compared to other large cities, Los Angeles has a high cost of leasing office space and living, although it’s still slightly more affordable than New York. Running a business in L.A. can be costly due to real estate and regulatory factors, but the city’s access to talent and entertainment markets attract companies. The city has a very large workforce, Los Angeles has a higher population density than New York City, with around 7,000 people per square mile compared to New York's 5,319.
Office space in Los Angeles: Transport and Infrastructure
The public transit system includes buses, subways, and light rail operated by LA Metro, though cars are still common due to the city’s sprawl. Walking and biking options are limited but improving in areas like Downtown and Santa Monica. Major highways include I-5 from San Diego and Sacramento, I-10 from Phoenix, and U.S. Route 101 from San Francisco.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport, 18 miles southwest of downtown, offering international and domestic flights. Other airports include Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Long Beach Airport (LGB), each within 30 miles. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach are key seaports for trade and are located about 20 miles south of downtown, making LA a central point for commerce on the West Coast.