Los Angeles is a melting pot filled with people from all sorts of backgrounds and complete with a variety of job opportunities, businesses, and restaurants. This quality is no different when it comes to real estate in LA.

First-time homebuyers, who know where to look for an affordable home, can easily snag a one-bedroom condo for $300,000. On the other hand, for those who have a little extra spending money and aim to live in a neighborhood with great schools for the kids, a single-family home can go as high as a few million in some areas. Homes in Los Angeles come in diverse styles, prices, and sizes—so it’s up to the buyers to know what kind of neighborhood they want to live in.

Here are four great neighborhoods in Los Angeles for first-time homebuyers.

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Mid-City

Mid-City neighborhood of Los Angeles, California

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With easy commutes to both the westside and eastside, Mid-City is ideal for first-time homebuyers in search of a central location and convenience. With amenities and attractions nearby, tree-lined streets along Venice Boulevard, and the neighborhood’s proximity to the popular 10-freeway, it’s understandable why the neighborhood is one of the city’s top places to purchase a first home.

Homes in this community come in various styles, sizes, and prices, with current home prices ranging anywhere from the high $400s to over $2.4 million, according to Neighborhoods.com data. More affordable homes can be found south of Venice Boulevard, farther away from amenities and dining options. However, prices start climbing closer to the main streets of La Cienega Boulevard and Pico Boulevard, which are popular spots for their quality restaurants and boutiques.

According to TheMLS.com, over the past year, Mid-City home sales have shot up 32 percent compared to last year.

Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California

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For first-time homebuyers looking to settle down, raise a family, and live a bit farther from the noise of Los Angeles, head towards Eagle Rock, which sits solidly at the city’s northeast corner. Comically known as “the place where hipsters go to die or raise kids,” Eagle Rock has a reputation for its many family-friendly amenities, trendy restaurants, great schools, and scenic mountain views. 

Even though Eagle Rock’s top-rated schools are at the pre-school and high school level, the neighborhood is also home to Occidental College. Eagle Rock is ideal for first-time homeowners who also want to be near the amenities and activities of neighboring family-friendly communities, such as the pricier Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena. Single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and loft-style homes in Eagle Rock range from the low $500s to over $3.4 million.

Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles, California

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Over the past couple years, locals have witnessed Marina del Rey explode into a community filled with upscale shops and restaurants, impressive developments, and luxury homes. Close to Los Angeles International Airport, abundant entertainment options, and plenty of beaches and harbors to explore, this seaside neighborhood is ideal for first-time homebuyers looking to settle down without giving up any amenities.

Marina del Rey is just enough removed from the city’s congested hotspots, offering residents tranquil seaside living just a short distance away from popular tourist spots such as the Venice Beach Boardwalk, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and Marina Beach (also known as Mother’s Beach). From townhomes to condominiums, this neighborhood is known for it’s unique mix of housing that provide locals with a live, work, and play kind of lifestyle—similar to Downtown Los Angeles or Playa Vista. 

First-time homebuyers may also get more bang for their buck in this neighborhood when compared to other nearby communities, such as Venice, per the LA Times. Home prices in Marina del Rey currently range from the high $400s to just over $1 million, and the median sale price is in the mid $800s.

Ladera Heights

Nearby neighborhood to Ladera Heights of Los Angeles, California

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With real estate news in LA focused on Inglewood’s development, more first-time homebuyers are drawn to the modest but well-established southwest LA neighborhood of Ladera Heights. Compared to last year, Ladera Heights experienced the biggest increase in home sales at a whopping 193 percent.

Residents living in Ladera Heights are mostly professionals and families who share a close sense of community. Many first-time homebuyers are drawn to this neighborhood because it offers a peaceful setting while still being near west LA’s thriving tech scene, busy shopping centers, and the 405 freeway.

When the Inglewood stadiums are completed in the next few years, home prices in Ladera Heights are bound to increase as well. Current prices in this neighborhood range from the high $400s to $2.4 million, with a median sale price over $1.1 million.