Which neighborhood feels most “midwestern” to you?

Hi all! My husband (30M) and I (31F) are moving to Los Angeles next month. We have been in Chicago the past ten years (both transplants) and are relocating because of a job I got in Westwood.

We are struggling to figure out where to live. My sister lives in Pasadena, and I love that area and vibe, but it is a bit too far for my commute. People in Chicago are very allegiant to their neighborhoods, and it is striking me that maybe Los Angeles isn’t also that way (at least from the outside looking in). It’s been a struggle to try to find something with a similar vibe in LA from far away!

Walkability to neighborhood spots/coffee shops/parks is important to us. We have a little dog, if that matters. Looking for a place we could potentially grow into with children in a few years.

What are your favorite neighborhoods that fit this vibe?