Vintage Apartments Los Angeles: Why Renters Love Them | Urban LA Living

April 14, 2025
Vintage Apartments Los Angeles: Why Renters Love Them

Many people today gravitate toward apartment living for practical reasons, such as lower rents, minimal maintenance, and convenient locations.


However, there's a compelling case to be made for choosing vintage apartments. Los Angeles renters, in particular, are increasingly drawn to these historic spaces. What's surprising is that while newer apartment buildings may boast sleek amenities, there are unique benefits that only they can offer—benefits that continue to further draw discerning tenants.


In this article, the Urban LA Living team has compiled the top reasons why LA renters still prefer a vintage apartment over a modern build.


Charming


The most popular allure of vintage apartments in Los Angeles is their charming and unique character. To put it into perspective, we need to compare homes built in the early to mid-20th century with those built today. Modern homes are often constructed with the bare minimum in mind, focusing on upgradeability and cost-efficiency. As a result, they’re generally far less expensive to build.

In contrast, historic apartments were designed by architects who prioritized character and aesthetics. While construction was more expensive, the results were great! You won’t find blank, white rooms or cookie-cutter floor plans—features that dominate today’s housing market.  


Instead, you’ll discover a space that reflects the era in which it was built: a true home, not just somewhere you can eat, sleep, and store your stuff in.


Architects of the past also embraced innovations in design and craftsmanship. They frequently used materials considered luxurious by today’s standards, giving each apartment a unique personality and an elevated sense of style.  In modern construction, cost-effective materials often take precedence over charm, making vintage apartments all the more appealing to today’s renters.


There is, however, a middle ground. Modernized vintage apartments maintain their old-world charm while being thoughtfully updated for contemporary living. Most now feature upgraded electrical and plumbing systems. These were previously common renter concerns in older buildings.

Take our recently renovated Hollywood Colony, for example. While we’ve modernized the space with new fixtures, storage, and updated appliances, it still captures the retro feel of stepping back into the 1970s.


Better foundations


Ever heard the saying, "They don't make them like they used to"? Your grandpa might’ve been onto something in terms of apartment hunting. One of the most appealing features of vintage apartments is that they’re simply built better. Older buildings were constructed using high-quality materials by expert craftsmen who took pride in their work.


Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with modern building techniques, but the current trend in the housing industry emphasizes speed and affordability. Naturally, this often results in less robust construction quality. 


In contrast, most vintage buildings were made with brick, wood, and stone—materials built to stand the test of time.  These materials weren’t just more durable to decay and weathering; they were also energy-efficient and naturally soundproof, which is a nice bonus for a vintage apartment. 


However, vintage apartments do fall short when it comes to energy efficiency and modern safety standards. Older homes were built before rising utility costs became a concern. As a result, some apartments might have energy inefficiencies. This could deter a practical renter like you from considering vintage apartments.

Another common issue is that these buildings were constructed before modern building regulations and codes were established.  This means they may have awkward floor plans, outdated plumbing, and may even have access issues. Yes, these issues may seem minor at first, but they can become serious problems if left unaddressed.


That’s where modernized vintage apartments come in. Take our available apartments, for example. All of our units feature updated insulation, electrical systems, and even energy-efficient appliances in place. We take these precautions before the renter moves in to ensure their safety.


Additionally, our renovations ensure that every unit is secure, fully up to code, and equipped with modern plumbing and electrical systems. 


Already in a good location

Another appealing feature of vintage apartments is their location. They're often situated in or near city centers, originally built to support early urban expansion. These older buildings are typically close to prime, walkable areas such as parks, local shops, employment hubs, and other daily conveniences. 


Newer apartments, by contrast, are frequently constructed in emerging zones, offering better parking or newer infrastructure, but at the expense of longer commute times.


Furthermore, many vintage apartments are located in well-established neighborhoods that carry cultural significance and historical charm.


For example, our luxury apartments in Hollywood give you front-row seats to landmark attractions like the Hollywood Bowl or the Walk of Fame. Some of our units even boast sweeping views of the LA skyline and the iconic Hollywood sign!


Questions to ask before scheduling a showing

"With all this stuff you're saying, now I've got to check out a few vintage apartments near me." Hold your horses! Although we love your enthusiasm, there are still some considerations you need to mull over. 


Before you book a showing and fall in love with a vintage apartment (which you likely will), it's important to come prepared. Having a list of questions to ask the landlord or property manager is essential. Remember, asking upfront is infinitely better than breaking a lease agreement later!


Your basic questions should always cover topics related to safety, maintenance costs (utilities and repairs), and the overall quality of life when living inside the unit. For the full list of recommended questions, check out our 16-question list when looking to rent an apartment in LA.


Check out vintage apartments with Urban LA Living

With its main appeals covered and the basic questions in hand, all that's left to do is book a showing! Your new home is waiting — explore all of the available vintage apartments Los Angeles renters love with Urban La Living. 


We have both furnished and unfurnished units across Koreatown, Hollywood, and even in downtown LA. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.

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