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Brentwood
If there’s a Los Angeles community that can be referred to as the “coolest” (not referring to temperatures) in the whole city, it’s got to be Brentwood. Charming, vibrant, and peaceful yet full of exciting things to offer, Brentwood is an urban suburb with a merry mix of different vibes that complement its diverse set of residents. It’s also one of the most affluent neighborhoods not just in the state but in the whole country.
Care to find out what makes the homes for sale in Brentwood, CA, among the most sought-after properties in the City of Angels? Read on and learn why it’s great to have a 90049 zip code for your address.
WELCOME TO BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES, CA
According to historical records, the area that would eventually become known as Brentwood was first inhabited by the Tongva people until the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century.
Known to the Tongva as “Sawtelle,” the land eventually became part of Rancho San Vicente y Santa Mónica, a Mexican land-grant ranch given by Juan Alvarado to Francisco Sepúlveda in 1839.
Spanning a total area of 33,000 acres, Rancho San Vicente y Santa Mónica was eventually sold off in pieces by the Sepúlveda family after the Mexican-American War.
The 1880s saw the establishment of the 600-acre Pacific Branch of the National Home for Disabled Soldiers and Sailors in the area, which was then followed by the creation of a small community outside that facility’s west gate. This community would then be annexed by the City of Los Angeles on June 14, 1916 – a move that would signal the start of its further development as one of the city’s most in-demand neighborhoods.
In the 1920s, the construction of a station of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Brentwood led to the neighborhood quickly becoming popular among Los Angeles’ most prominent citizens, including film stars and industry executives. The easy commute from Hollywood and the L.A. commercial districts to Brentwood gave these people a good reason to find properties and build their homes here.
Today, Brentwood is known for its beautiful homes, upscale shops and restaurants, and world-renowned institutions such as the Getty Center and UCLA. Despite its growth and transformation over the years, Brentwood has managed to maintain its eclectic character and charm, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Los Angeles.
Location
Located in Los Angeles’ Westside area, the neighborhood of Brentwood can be found at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is bordered by the Pacific Palisades to the west, Westwood to the east, Bel-Air to the north, and Sawtelle to the south.
Covering a total area of around 16 square miles, Brentwood is just a short distance from some of the most popular neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including Encino, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. It’s also conveniently located near major freeways, such as the 405 and 10, making it easily accessible.
Climate
Like the rest of the City of Angels, Brentwood enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Daytime summer temperatures in Brentwood can reach around 90 degrees on average. Wintertime temperatures, on the other hand, can be quite comfortable with temps dropping to the 30 to 40-degree range. While it does snow here once in a while, it doesn’t accumulate to levels that would require shoveling your driveway.
Do note, however, that Brentwood is quite prone to Santa Ana winds, which can bring extreme heat and dryness during the fall months. Brush fires can erupt in the area so its residents are well-advised on fire safety protocols. Plus, there’s the L.A. Fire Department that arrives immediately at the scene to ensure the least fire-related harm to properties and people here.
Population
U.S. Census data from 2000 states that Brentwood is home to more than 31,000 residents. This L.A. neighborhood has a population density of 2,059 people per square mile – among the lowest population densities not only in Los Angeles but in the whole country. That said, Brentwood is perfect for those who wish to live in relative privacy.
Brentwood’s residents are among the most highly educated in the Los Angeles area, with 42% of the population known to have received a Master’s degree or higher. Its workforce consists primarily of white-collar workers who make up 96.75% of the working population in this neighborhood.
LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE IN BRENTWOOD, CA
There’s nothing ordinary about the grand estates and other luxury properties that are scattered throughout the Brentwood Los Angeles landscape. The luxury homes here are testaments to the neighborhood’s affluence and the high-end lifestyle that comes with living here.
At present, prices for luxury homes for sale in Brentwood CA start at around $1 million, with some properties selling for as much as $52 million.
One and two-story single-family residences make up the majority of homes for sale in Brentwood, CA. These residences are typically built in a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural styles, with the Mediterranean style being the most prevalent, followed by Spanish Colonial Revival.
Mediterranean-style homes often feature stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, and arched doorways and windows while Spanish Colonial Revival-style homes boast features like decorative tile work and wrought iron accents.
Other popular architectural styles that you can encounter in the neighborhood include:
- American Colonial
- Bungalow
- Cape Cod
- Craftsman
- Ranch
- Mid-century Modern
- Contemporary
Differences in architectural styles notwithstanding, homes in Brentwood typically come with various amenities that make living here even more comfortable and convenient. For instance, many homes have spacious, open-concept living areas, high-end finishes, expansive gourmet kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, luxurious bathrooms with spa-like features, hardwood flooring, and high ceilings.
Outdoor living spaces are also a major feature in many of Brentwood’s luxury real estate offerings. These include large, beautifully landscaped yards, swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, and covered patios with outdoor fireplaces, all of which provide a perfect place to entertain guests or simply relax and enjoy the California sunshine and stunning views of the surrounding hillside.
Aside from their top-notch features and gorgeous architecture, location is also a significant factor behind the high demand for luxury homes for sale in Brentwood, CA, mainly because of the neighborhood’s proximity to equally popular L.A. communities like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
LIVING IN BRENTWOOD, CA
Here are the people, places, events, and things that make Brentwood a much sought-after community in Los Angeles’ Westside region.
Famous residents, past and present
Because of its affluence, location, amenities, and attractions, it’s not surprising to learn that Brentwood has attracted the attention of some of the country’s most prominent personalities.
Some of the most notable residents who used to and currently call Brentwood home are:
- Kristin Davis – Best known for her role as Charlotte in Sex And The City, Davis has lived in Brentwood for the past 20 years – first, in a four-bedroom home she bought in 1998 for $690,000; and now, in a $5.29-million mansion she bought in 2020. Davis’ new home boasts features typical of the homes in this swanky neighborhood, such as an outdoor kitchen, spacious living areas, and even a private library.
- Reese Witherspoon – Tucked away in Brentwood’s Mandeville Canyon is a home once lived in by Reese Witherspoon. The Legally Blond star, alongside husband Jim Toth, bought the property for around $16 million back in 2020 and is now looking to sell it for a whopping $25 million. The home, which dates back to the early 90s, has over 9,000 square feet of living space and boasts features such as hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, and massive bedrooms complete with equally-luxurious bathrooms. In addition, the massive property has several outdoor attractions, including al fresco dining spots, a sprawling garden, and a full-sized saltwater swimming pool.
- Ryan Murphy – Best known for producing award-winning shows and cult favorites such as Glee, American Horror Story, and Nip/Tuck, Ryan Murphy is another one of Brentwood’s esteemed residents. The Emmy Award-winning producer currently has three luxury properties in the neighborhood’s Sullivan Canyon pocket as part of his real estate portfolio. These include a $9-million mansion he bought in 2013, a $6.5-million residence he purchased in 2020, and a $7.2-million renovated 1977-era horse ranch he acquired the year after.
- Lindsey Buckingham – Legendary rockstar Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is another notable Brentwood resident, with the hitmaker known to have bought a $14-million property in 2022. Built during the 1930s, the recently-upgraded property has more than 5,000 square feet of single-story living space and boasts impressive features such as four bedrooms and five baths, a skylit foyer, formal living and dining rooms, a gourmet kitchen, a wood-paneled library with built-in bookcases and a wet bar, and a one-bedroom guesthouse with its full bath.
- LeBron James – Whether it’s on the hardcourt or the housing market, no one quite does it like LeBron James. The basketball legend, best known for winning three NBA championships and four NBA MVP awards, currently owns several luxurious properties. One of these is a massive, 16,000-square-foot home in Brentwood. Bought in 2017 for $24.5 million, the home has eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, as well as high-end amenities such as a wine cellar, a game room with a pool table, a home theater, a cigar room with air-purifying technology, and a fully furnished gym that’s directly linked to a fully-equipped spa. The home also has an elevator that leads straight to a rooftop terrace where visitors can indulge in the area’s breathtaking views.
Schools
Families with school-age children will be delighted to know that Brentwood offers access to some of the best schools in Los Angeles, all of which provide students with plenty of opportunities for personal and academic success.
These public schools include Kenter Canyon Elementary School, Brentwood Science Magnet Elementary School, and Paul Revere Charter Middle School, as well as University High School in West Los Angeles and Palisades Charter High School in the nearby neighborhood of Pacific Palisades.
As for private schools in the Brentwood area, these include The Mirman School, Milken Community High School, and Brentwood School.
Economy
Brentwood’s affluence can be traced to a strong economy that is bolstered by several important industries.
The retail sector, for instance, is a significant contributor to the neighborhood’s economy, followed by its slate of dining spots that are popular among residents and tourists alike. In addition, Brentwood is home to a thriving luxury real estate market, with prices for homes often reaching well into the millions.
According to recent statistics posted by Niche, the median household income in Brentwood is $207,877, which is well above the national median income of $69,021.
Shopping
The affluent Brentwood L.A. lifestyle extends from the real estate to the neighborhood amenities, as seen in the impressive lineup of shops that you’ll find here.
Those looking for luxury brands, for instance, can drop by the Brentwood Gardens Shopping Center, which is home to a good number of boutiques and department stores. The San Vicente Plaza, on the other hand, offers an eclectic mix of dining, shopping, and fitness options. Looking for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience? Visit Brentwood Country Mart, a beloved community hub that has been around since 1948, with shops and stalls arranged around a central courtyard that evokes early American and English country marketplaces.
Dining
Brentwood, L.A. is nothing short of a culinary paradise with the many restaurants here offering a diverse array of exquisite dishes. Here are some recommended food spots that locals know and love:
- AOC – Launched in 2002 by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, A.O.C. is a cozy American-style eatery that specializes in small plates and wine. It employs a farm-to-table approach in its menu that features dishes such as ricotta gnocchi and grilled hanger steak.
- Baltaire – A chic and sophisticated contemporary restaurant, Baltaire is a Brentwood favorite best known for its elegant interiors and intimate atmosphere. Led by Executive Chef Samuel Jung, this dining spot takes pride in its impressive selection of high-grade steaks, exceptional seafood, and top-quality drinks.
- Toscana – A beloved neighborhood trattoria, Toscana has been serving excellent Italian food in Brentwood for the past 30 years. Located on San Vicente Boulevard, Toscana boasts an amazing menu showcasing authentic, farm-to-table flavors of Northern Italy, with dishes such as wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, steaks, and seafood.
- Katsuya – Those with a craving for modern Japanese cuisine should best head to Katsuya, still on San Vicente Boulevard. Known for its sleek décor and fashionable, contemporary setting, Katsuya offers some of the best sushi in Los Angeles.
- Farmshop – For locally sourced, California-inspired fare, look no further than Farmshop. Located in the historic Brentwood Country Mart, Farmshop is an artisanal restaurant, bakery, and market rolled into one. Offering a rustic yet refined dining experience, Farmshop’s restaurant serves dishes made strictly with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while the bakery offers an array of house-made bread and pastries.
Attractions
Brentwood’s residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions that they can visit, with the neighborhood having everything from outdoor spaces to major cultural landmarks.
One such attraction is the Getty Center. Opened to the public on December 16, 1997, this $ 1.3 billion center is well-known for its impressive architecture, lush gardens, and amazing views of the Los Angeles landscape. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the Getty Center is home to one branch of the J. Paul Getty Museum, which is best known for its collection of pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, photographs, sculptures, and decorative arts. Aside from the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Center is also home to the Getty Research Institute (GRI), the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation, and the J. Paul Getty Trust.
Los Angeles’ strong Jewish heritage is immortalized in the Skirball Cultural Center on Sepúlveda Boulevard. Founded in 1996, the Skirball Cultural Center is a Jewish educational institution that’s widely considered to be among the leading cultural venues in Los Angeles.
Named after philanthropist-couple Jack H. Skirball and Audrey Skirball-Kenis and designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, this facility has an impressive collection of more than 30,000 items related to Jewish history and culture.
Those looking to embrace a more active lifestyle, meanwhile, can check out Rustic Canyon Trail. Located along Rustic Creek in the Santa Monica Mountains, this rugged and, at times, challenging trail connects Will Rogers State Historic Park and Sullivan’s Ridge. The trail is open year-round and is known for its magnificent views of both the coastline and the mountain range, offering hikers a peaceful reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
EXPLORE BRENTWOOD, CA WITH SHARONA ALPERIN & ASSOCIATES TODAY
Finding luxury real estate in Brentwood can be a challenge, especially with the high demand for properties here and the scarce inventory. But when you have the top Los Angeles Realtors helping you out in navigating the home-buying process, you increase your chances of landing the luxury home you’ve always dreamed of here. This is what we at Sharon Alperin & Associates can do for you.
Our wide network and the professionalism we carry under the prestigious Sotheby’s International Realty brand are the credentials we bring to the table in every real estate transaction. Thus, you can expect us to go over and beyond to address all your requirements as you go through your home-buying journey in Brentwood and other upscale Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Don’t hesitate to give our team a call at 310.888.3708 or send us a message here.
Homes For Sale In Brentwood
