Wedged between Santa Monica and West Los Angeles is Sawtelle Japantown, a relatively small but culturally-rich neighborhood with some of the best ramen joints in the city. While the area around Sawtelle Boulevard was settled by Japanese immigrants in the early 1900s, today it’s home to a mix of Pan-Asian restaurants and businesses, from Filipino comfort food to Taiwanese boba tea shops and Japanese dollar stores.
This walkable neighborhood is popular among young professionals and offers easy connections to Westside business hubs. If you’re searching for a new apartment in a lively neighborhood with no shortage of dining options, set your sights on these three rental communities in Sawtelle Japantown.
1. Linea
Developer: Carmel Partners
Location: 2435 South Sepulveda Boulevard
Priced from: $2,613/month
For a limited time, receive up to two months free rent on the sophisticated apartment residences at Linea. Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units are available, in addition to sprawling penthouses with private balconies or terraces (as per plan). The aesthetic is described as “city chic meets coastal comfort,” featuring wood-style plank flooring, quartz countertops, Italian-inspired cabinetry and designer fixtures.
Linea touts a curated collection of inviting indoor and outdoor amenities including a rooftop pool terrace, fully-equipped fitness center with a spin room and yoga studio, and a stylishly-appointed resident lounge. The community is adjacent to the Expo/Sepulveda Metro Station and steps from the diverse eateries that line Pico Boulevard.
2. The SW
Developer: California Landmark Group
Location: 1947 Sawtelle Boulevard
Priced from: $1,999/month
If you’re looking to live in the heart of Sawtelle Japantown, look no further than The SW — a modern, newly-constructed residence with restaurants on the ground level. There are studio and one-bedroom vacancies with open-concept floorplans measuring 308 to 788 square feet. The interiors offer industrial flare, complete with exposed ductwork, black-framed windows and concrete floors.
The SW features a rooftop deck with a dipping pool, resident lounge, fitness center and landscaped courtyard. Right outside your doorstep, you’ll find a plethora of sushi restaurants, noodle bars, karaoke lounges and specialty shops.
3. &Pico
Developer: Moss & Company
Location: 11916 West Pico Boulevard
Priced from: $2,495/month
&Pico offers luxury studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes in a convenient locale. Expect stainless steel appliances, including gas ranges, vinyl-plank flooring, in-suite washers and dryers, central heating and air conditioning, walk-in closets, and private patios or balconies (as per plan). The community enjoys premium services and amenities, from the rooftop sky deck with a soaking spa to the paw-some pet park and dry cleaning drop off area.
Situated near the border of Sawtelle and Santa Monica, &Pico provides easy access to Trader Joe’s, Ralphs, Walgreens and Bed Bath & Beyond. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and cocktail bars nearby, and the Expo/Bundy Metro Station is only a six-minute walk from the development.
