Downtown Los Angeles, also known as DTLA, has done a complete turnaround since the early 90s. I remember going downtown in the 90s and hearing gunshots. Now it is flourishing as a vibrant metropolis, bustling business district and exudes a cool hipster vibe. 

Chinatown has been a part of DTLA since the 1930s, which many newcomers to Los Angeles choose to move further east to the San Gabriel Valley where even more Chinese restaurants and shops can be found. But what has sprung up in the last 20 years are high-rise luxury condos, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Metropolis, 1100 Wilshire, Eastern Columbia, Luma South Lofts, and many more. These are also flanked by luxurious hotels and ritzy office buildings. 

Additionally, there is Little Tokyo in the western part of downtown, which borders the Arts District. This is a vibrant hipster part of downtown which has converted old factories into trendy lofts and is extremely walkable where hip restaurants and bars are all within walking distance. 

The resurgence and gentrification of downtown is palpable and ongoing. This is one area either for living, going to school at USC, or investment that you do not want to overlook.