The Great Los Angeles Single-Family Home Census: A Somewhat Serious Investigation
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, movie stars, and... endless rows of single-family homes? But just how many single-family homes are we talking about here? Enough to house every avocado enthusiast and aspiring screenwriter? Buckle up, folks, because we're diving into the fascinating, and maybe slightly frustrating, world of LA's single-family home situation.
By the Numbers: We've Got a Lotta Houses (But Maybe Not Enough)
Here's the thing: getting a definitive number on single-family homes in LA is about as easy as finding a decent parking spot on a Friday night in Koreatown. Data sources toss around numbers like confetti at a Dodgers game. InfoPlease [States that as of 2020] there were around 524,787 detached single-family units, which sounds like a lot. But then you have the SCAG, the Southern California Association of Governments, whispering that 77.7% of residential land in greater LA is zoned for single-family homes only [according to a study by Othering & Belonging Institute]. That's a whole lot of "may contain single-family homes" real estate.
So, Why the Big Mystery? The Plot Thickens...
Here's where things get a little murky. LA loves its single-family homes, but it also has a bit of a love-hate relationship with density. Multi-unit dwellings haven't exactly been encouraged everywhere. This means that while there are a ton of single-family zoned areas, it doesn't necessarily translate to a house on every single plot. Plus, there's the whole "condos versus single-family homes" debate, which we're not even getting into today.
The Verdict: Enough Homes, Not Enough Space?
So, what does it all mean? Well, it's safe to say there are a whole lot of single-family homes in Los Angeles. But finding one, especially something affordable, in the neighborhood of your dreams? That's a whole different story. Maybe it's time for LA to figure out how to make room for everyone, single-family home dreams and all.
This little census isn't a definitive answer, but hopefully, it's sparked some curiosity. And hey, if you're out there counting houses in your spare time, drop a line in the comments and let us know what you find!
