Where is the heart of the web / internet industry in Los Angeles (LA)?

Question

I am an internet business owner who is moving from San Francisco (SF) to Los Angeles (LA), and since I will need to make new business connections after I move, I would like to live in or near an area that is known for being home to web or tech companies.

I have lived in LA before - in Santa Monica, Miracle Mile, and Studio City - but I was working in a different industry then. If there is no such mini "Silicon Valley of Los Angeles", then I will probably move back to Santa Monica.

But if there is a hub of web companies in LA, then that will definitely be a factor in my decision of where to live. So, please let me know if you know of any big clusters of web companies in LA.

I know some of you are thinking "stay in SF". Unfortunately it's not an option.

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

if you are doing new media / creative the established firms are in Santa Monica (pico Olympic corridors). the more innovative and arts oriented firms are in Culver city now.. (check out this link). The valley has cheaper commercial rents Labor force matters the most. think of the areas where you would be recruiting staff from and try to minimize commutes. Looking for engineers? Think Torrance or Pasadena. Need artists think sliver lake, Venice or downtown. TV experience? look in the valley. Try to keep commutes down and you will keep productivity and retention up.

Answer 2

Actually I would say that it would be more south of LA in Orange County. There is a city called Irvine and is VERY..VERY tech heavy.

Within 10 miles around there are headquarters or regional offices of several major companies. There are also several smaller companies in this area.

If you want to go farther south there is San Diego and an area called Sorrento Valley. There are also a collection of technology based companies there are some in all specialties but they tend to lean toward the bio-med area.

Answer 3

Jezz, we're just country folk, we thought you guys in San Jose were in charge of the the internet/web/tech stuff. This question will take sometime...but I suspect you are probably going to want to be in the Valley or maybe over toward Cal Tech in the Pasadena area. I do know Cal Tech has a way cool computer lab you would drool over...
In the mean time get a copy of the "California Technology
Companies Directory" $195 non L.A. Chamber members, $165 for members (may as well join anyway) and that will get you started. (You will need this anyway.) and join (free) L.A. Times on-line and send an e-mail to their technology reporter
(He knows everything) and ask him some questions...

Answer 4

Santa Monica, Wilshire, and Woodland Hills- but most of the companies are in S.M. Agoura Hills business district has quite a few high-tech companies, Google has a large office in Encino. Good luck!

Answer 5

first, LA has no heart (sorry, couldn't resist.)

i don't think there is anyplace that is specifically geared towards web/internet businesses. I think it would depend on your market. if it's the entertainment industry, the burbank (media city!) or culver city are your best bets.

of course, you'll need top notch amenities, T-1, etc. But most of the newer office buildings offer those sorts of things.

if you've got to be anywhere in LA, santa monica is as good as anywhere. at least you're near the beach.

and no one is thinking "stay in SF." really.

Answer 6

Don't stay in SF... are you kidding e? LA is where its at... I have lived in Woodland hills LA for a year. Stuido city is 10 min away. Woodland hills is quite and not far from anything. Great area from what you need. Check it out.

Answer 7

Irvine and Orange County.