The City of Angels covers an area of more than 498 square miles and holds the distinctions of being the largest city in the state of California and the only major U.S. city divided by a range of mountains. The Pacific Ocean, Angeles National Forest, and the Mojave Desert are all within an hour or so drive of city proper.

It may be surprising for some to discover that many Los Angeles neighborhoods maintain a small-town feel despite the ominous presence of skyscrapers and power lunches. One can find a diverse array of communities to suit one’s tastes, including tightly knit ethnic hubs, thriving arts districts, and, of course, Hollywood, each with housing options ranging from affordable to luxurious.