Starting residency is exciting, exhausting, and usually comes with a very fast move. This guide was created specifically for incoming PIH Downey Hospital Family Medicine residents to help you quickly understand neighborhoods, housing options, commute considerations, and what life in Los Angeles is actually like during training.
Before your first day of residency, you'll complete a credentialing and onboarding process. This ensures that all residents are properly licensed, verified, and approved to begin clinical duties.
Typical onboarding steps may include:
Background checks
Medical license verification
DEA registration (if required)
Immunization documentation
Drug screening
Hospital system credentialing paperwork
Training modules and orientation scheduling
Many residents are surprised by how much paperwork arrives in the spring, so staying organized early can help reduce stress as your move approaches.
This is likely the most convenient choice for you with options for apartments, condos or single family homes. Here is a link to some popular pockets within Downey.
Cerritos is known for excellent schools and well maintained parks. It offers a family friendly neighborhood with a relatively short commute for you. Consider this area for a quiet, suburban feel.
Highland Park is one of Northeast Los Angeles’ most vibrant and historic neighborhoods, known for its mix of classic Craftsman homes, hillside views, and a strong local arts scene. York Boulevard and Figueroa Street anchor the neighborhood with popular restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and nightlife that attract young professionals and creatives. Located about 15–20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Highland Park offers an energetic urban lifestyle while still maintaining a distinct neighborhood feel.
Alhambra is a welcoming city in the San Gabriel Valley just east of downtown Los Angeles, known for its diverse food scene and convenient central location. The area offers a mix of established residential neighborhoods, apartments, and condos, making it a popular option for young professionals and families. With easy access to major freeways and nearby cities like Pasadena and Los Angeles, Alhambra provides a balance of suburban comfort and urban accessibility.
Downtown Los Angeles offers a dense, energetic urban lifestyle with high-rise apartments, major sports and entertainment venues, and some of the city’s best dining. For residents moving to the area, neighborhoods like South Park, the Arts District, and Bunker Hill tend to be the most popular because they are well-maintained, more residential, and close to restaurants, grocery stores, and fitness options. As with any large downtown area, safety and livability can vary block by block, so many newcomers prefer buildings with secured parking and controlled access.
Silver Lake and Echo Park are neighboring Eastside communities known for their creative energy, walkable streets, and vibrant food and coffee scene. These areas feature a mix of hillside homes, modern apartments, and classic Los Angeles bungalows, attracting many young professionals who enjoy an active neighborhood feel. Located just a few miles from Downtown Los Angeles, they offer easy access to nightlife, parks, and cultural venues while maintaining a distinct local character.
Crime data can vary block by block in Los Angeles. Use the interactive maps below to explore trends over time and compare neighborhoods, but we always recommend visiting areas in person when possible to get a better feel for the community.
If you're relocating with a partner or family, researching local schools can be an important part of choosing the right neighborhood. This interactive school ratings tool allows you compare school rankings and see how different areas may fit your long-term plans. Even residents without children often review school districts since they can influence neighborhood stability and home values.
This interactive map below helps you explore how walkable different neighborhoods are and what amenities are nearby, including grocery stores, coffee shops, parks, and restaurants. For residents with busy schedules, living close to everyday essentials can make a big difference during early mornings, late shifts, and post-call days.
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