One of Los Angeles' oldest neighbourhoods, West Adams embraces its history and plans for its future. The grandeur of late 19th century Colonials coalesces with the cramped study tables of nearby USC students. More than mansions and scholars, this central LA neighbourhood attributes its liveliness to its active Latino and LGBTQ communities. West Adams stretches along two freeways, so getting around this daytime destination is easiest by car. If you're without wheels, don't dismay—public transportation is possible.
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The community says:
Everyday Lifestyles Amid Historic Los Angeles Architecture
As one of LA's oldest neighbourhoods, West Adams boasts a rich history preserved by its present community.
Developed between 1880 and 1925, historic Craftsmans and Neoclassical mansions pepper its expansive boulevards.
Despite the inherent regality of its architecture, West Adams feels much less opulent these days.
Now, casual cafes and everyday apartment complexes share the streets of West Adams.
USC students and hard-working families call West Adams home.
The neighbourhood's mixture of housing reflects a population in every stage of life.
Theatres, diners, auto repair shops, and car dealers make room for one another in the neighbourhood.
West Adams makes room for one more thing, too.
It makes room for its views of Downtown.
Trojan Land: University of Southern California
Scholars from nearby University of Southern California enliven West Adams.
USC's academic lifestyle pervades the tabletops of its surrounding coffee shops and cafe counters.
Evidence of West Adams' proximity to Trojan Country is written on the walls.
It also rides on the sidewalks.
West Adams' Vibrant Latino Community
A thriving Latino community calls West Adams home.
Taco trucks, bodegas, and Mexican-inspired artworks populate the neighbourhood.
Rooted In Farmers' and Flea Markets
The weekly market means fresh berries, crepes, and quesadillas make their way to West Adams.
Beyond its produce and crafts, park spaces dot West Adams' mediterranean landscape.
Play time and palm trees were always meant to go together.
Witness a swish in the making.
Los Angeles Landmarks In West Adams
Built in 1910, the 2nd Church of Christ stands proudly in West Adams.
A decade later, St. Vincent de Paul church was erected to serve increasing numbers of residents.
The William Andrews Clark Memorial Library was also built in the 1920s. This UCLA affiliate holds one of the country's most comprehensive collections of rare manuscripts.
Exploring its catalogues is free and open to the public.
Originally the home of millionaire Thomas Douglas Stimson, the Stimson House was built in 1891.
Over the years, the home has served as a brewery, a fraternity, and a respite for Mount St. Mary's College students.
LA Legacy: West Adams' Historic Homes and Mansions
West Adams is home to one of the largest collections of historic homes this side of the Mississippi River.
Nearly every type of revival architecture is represented in West Adams.
Gothic, Colonial, Renaissance, Mediterranean, Mission, Egyptian Revival.
The list continues.
Inside a West Adams home, you're living history.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighbourhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Lauren Devon
Lauren Devon is an editorial and commercial lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. She loves the adventure of her work, as well as the creativity and collaboration that goes with it. With the help of locals, Lauren explored the heart of each community for Airbnb, and discovered neighbourhood gems that made each story diverse and fresh.