Understanding Venice

Quick — what’s the second most-visited tourist attraction in Southern California? If you said Venice, you’re right. It’s led many lives, from turn-of-the-century resort, Beat artist colony, hippie paradise and tech hub. Today, it’s one of the hottest “new” residential communities in LA. Venice historian Dr. Arnold Springer called it “one of the most unique, exciting and stubborn communities” in LA. And that’s why we love it.

The Neighborhoods of Venice

Beach
A string of stunning beachfront properties line the south end of Ocean Front Walk, steps from the sand and just down the way from the Boardwalk. On the charming, short streets behind them are some of Venice’s first early 1900s homes, ranging from fully restored to ready for a renaissance.

Canals
While many of the original Venice canals were filled in, a group of six “Short Canals” escaped. Restored in 1993, they’re fronted by homes ranging from turn of the century cottages to large multistory contemporary houses. The canals are the site of Venice’s annual Holiday Boat Parade.

Windward Circle
This area, two blocks from the beach north of Venice Boulevard, was once the site of the original Venice of America center and a network of (later filled) canals. Home to many arts and entertainment industry types, it’s been called the “East Village” of Venice, with ‘20s and contemporary homes.

Walk Streets
Bounded by California Avenue and Abbot Kinney, Lincoln and Venice Boulevards, this lovely area contains ten blocks of walking streets combined with “drive streets.” It’s the garden district of Venice, where lush landscaping perfectly sets off the charming ‘20s bungalows.

Silver Triangle
Located just east of the Canals and north of Washington Boulevard, this area was largely developed after WWII. These original late ‘40s-early ‘50s houses share the neighborhood with many newer contemporary and architectural homes.

President’s Row
Set east of Abbot Kinney between Washington and Venice Boulevards, this neighborhood’s southern streets are named after US Presidents. It consists largely of postwar bungalows plus a few stately early 1900s homes. Some studio conversions are appearing near the southern corner.

Oakwood
The most diverse neighborhood in Venice, combining early 1900’s bungalows with ‘60s-‘70s apartments. A number of architectural homes, condos and artist’s studios have recently appeared. Its commercial strip is now home to many tech, design and entertainment firms, including Google.

North of Rose
Rose Avenue is fast becoming Venice’s hot new shopping and dining destination. Homes in the adjoining block-wide strip on the Santa Monica border range from late ‘20s Spanish cottages to postwar duplexes.

East of Lincoln
Stretching from Lincoln Boulevard to Walgrove Avenue, this residential area includes homes dating from the ‘20s to the ‘50s, with a recent rise in new construction. The neighborhood is home to Penmar Park and Golf Course, with tennis, ball fields and a community center.

 

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