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West LA
Let’s be clear right from the jump: West Los Angeles is its own neighborhood and shouldn’t be confused with the Westside region of Los Angeles. However, it is part of the Westside.
Read on to learn more about this interesting neighborhood and explore available West LA homes for sale here.
DEFINING WEST LOS ANGELES
West Los Angeles is a largely residential area that’s decidedly more low-key than its surrounding neighbors such as Santa Monica and Culver City. It spans an area of 1.05 square miles and has a population of more than 13,800. Cutting between its residential and commercial neighborhoods is I-405 – a major LA artery going from southwest to north.
Location
The exact boundaries of West Los Angeles tend to shift depending on who you consult but according to the West Los Angeles Community Plan which is recognized by the City of Los Angeles, West Los Angeles is bounded by Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard on the north, Pico Boulevard on the south, Centinela Avenue on the west, and Robertson Boulevard on the east.
Community vibe
West Los Angeles evokes a friendly, suburban vibe despite being right in the heart of the action in the Westside section of Los Angeles. It has consistently been a favored residential area, given its proximity to LA’s major cultural, economic, and recreational hubs.
Brief history
What we know as West Los Angeles today was once part of a larger area that ranged from Century City to Santa Monica, and had an agricultural character until the 1920s. From that time on, West Los Angeles began to transform into a residential area where single-family homes and apartments were built, along with several small business establishments.
Today, West Los Angeles retains its residential vibe and continues to play host to several retail and commercial establishments, many of which are locally owned.
WEST LA HOMES FOR SALE
West Los Angeles is attracting plenty of attention because of its friendly community and family-friendly vibe. It is also known for its perfect climate thanks to the delightful ocean breeze from nearby beaches which brings down temperatures to more comfortable levels, making the neighborhood much cooler than Downtown LA. Its proximity to many other major cities also makes it a preferred home base by people who are employed in these business centers. With all these characteristics, it doesn’t come as a surprise that growing families and professionals are eager to explore the offerings of the West LA real estate market.
Property types and architectural styles
Check out the West LA real estate scene to discover a diverse array of properties. Condos, for example, are typically located in the busier part of West LA and provide easy access to shops and restaurants. Their prices typically start at around $500,000, with more recently built luxury condos fetching more than $1 million. These towering buildings promise modern, convenient living, providing amenities such as fitness gyms, saunas, pools, and spas. West LA condos for sale that are located close to places like Brentwood and Sawtelle are particularly attractive to young professionals who are either employed in those areas or want to take advantage of the various venues for recreation there. Developments offering luxury West LA condos for sale also boast upscale amenities, such as recreation rooms for residents and EV charging stations.
Apartments and townhouses are also among the popular West LA homes for sale. You’ll even find multi-level townhouses on tree-lined streets, which gives them the feel of a single-family home. Such properties may be found in newer boutique buildings or older structures that have been renovated or repurposed. Some developments even have courtyard gardens, providing not just a refreshing green space but also a place for residents to relax and mingle.
Single-family homes make up a considerable proportion of West LA houses for sale. These properties come in a variety of styles, from Modern Contemporary to Mediterranean to Spanish Colonial Revival. You’ll also find traditional designs and older properties, some of which were built in the 1920s and have since been renovated to keep up with changing trends and preferences. Many of these properties take advantage of the fantastic LA weather, with designs that maximize all the available natural light and outdoor areas where you may relax and soak in the sunshine and warm breezes.
Features
While their architectural designs may vary, what these homes have in common are the unparalleled luxury and amenities that make them feel much like exclusive getaways. These homes have centralized heating and air conditioning; private backyards with firepits, pools, and sun patios; gourmet kitchens fitted with top-of-the-line equipment and appliances; separate breakfast areas; media rooms and home theaters; and spa-grade bathrooms, among many others. Larger properties may even have an accessory dwelling unit, perfect as a guest house or just extra space for you and your family. Such properties generally start at around $1.5 million and may reach highs of $9 million.
Whichever among the available West LA houses for sale you choose, you’ll find yourself living a laid-back life that the neighborhood is known for while still being able to enjoy the exhilarating atmosphere of Los Angeles and having access to all the attractions, establishments, and conveniences that the City of Angels has to offer.
LIVING IN WEST LA
Los Angeles is undeniably an exciting place to live in but if you’re in search of the perfect nook for a respite at the end of the working day, West Los Angeles is just the place for you.
West LA residents love the neighborhood because of its walkability (a remarkable score of 90 on WalkScore.com, no less). This is in sharp contrast to many other parts of LA where residents require a car to get around. Moreover, the beaches and other facilities are easily accessible, the locals always have a warm smile ready for you, and the neighborhood is family-friendly – these are characteristics you are more likely to find in a remote suburban area than a neighborhood right smack in the middle of Los Angeles’ Westside area.
Here are a few other things you need to know about living in West LA.
Getting around
West Los Angeles itself is considered highly walkable but if you want to head Downtown or to other places like Culver City, it’s a good idea to take the bus or the Metro, the rail transit system in Los Angeles. Major roads and avenues run through West Los Angeles, so you could get to Santa Monica, Century City, or Culver City in less than 15 minutes. I-10 and I-405 are the nearest major highways to West Los Angeles. You may also explore the city on a Metro Bike which is part of the city’s bike-sharing system. What’s even more fun is that the said bike-sharing system gives you the option to choose between a classic bike or an electric bike for your ride.
Economic and job opportunities
The City of Los Angeles is home to many major companies and industries. Aside from the motion picture and entertainment industry, the city counts companies in the video game, health care, technology, retail, and food and beverage industries among its major employers. Those wanting to jumpstart their careers or go for greener pastures in their employment may get the opportunity to do so in this major urban center.
Schools
West Los Angeles is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, and this neighborhood has four public schools within its boundaries. One of these is Nora Sterry Elementary School which offers 16 general education classes and two special education classes. While the school offers a well-rounded curriculum, it also provides students with the opportunity to explore the arts, with classes in visual arts, music, dance, and theater. Two other elementary schools here are Richland Avenue Elementary School, a bilingual English-French public elementary school recognized as a California Distinguished School Program; and Brockton Avenue Elementary School which serves students from UTK to fifth grade and has nine general education classes and four special education classes. The local high school is University High School Charter.
Dining and shopping
Los Angeles is often said to be a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the available cuisine courtesy of the incredible restaurants within the vicinity.
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Le Great Outdoor Restaurant promises a fun outdoor dining experience with a homey backyard vibe and order some skewers and other farm-to-table dishes.
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Hermanito in Sawtelle is where you want to be for fantastic Mexican fare.
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The Apple Pan is where you need to go for a taste of local history. Opened in 1947, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in LA. It has gained fame for its apple pies with vanilla ice cream, banana cream pie, and burgers.
When it comes to shopping, West Los Angeles has a number of local shops and boutiques and smaller shopping complexes that provide residents with their every need.
Get your basics from Marshalls and HomeGoods at One Westside Shopping Center, and then when you’re done shopping, grab a meal at Panda Express or Popcorn Chicken. If you’re into thrifting, you’ll want to visit Trove. Known as the top thrift and consignment store in LA, Trove has fabulously trendy clothing items, elegant vintage fashion, and an interesting selection of home decor and accessories.
If you’re looking for more upscale brands, there’s always Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, and other surrounding cities. The great part about living in West Los Angeles is that anything you need is just a short drive away.
Parks and recreational activities
Given its largely residential nature and small size, West Los Angeles doesn’t have many neighborhood parks. However, Stoner Recreation Center, also called Stoner Park, lies just outside the boundaries of West LA, specifically in Sawtelle. Spanning 24 acres, the park features barbecue pits; outdoor basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts; playgrounds; a skate park; and a football field; among others. Stoner Park also hosts summer concerts, community festivals, and sports tournaments.
Visit Reynier Park, as well. This small community park features a playground, basketball courts, and picnic tables, as well as a rose garden that dates back to the 1950s and houses many varieties of roses.
Several other parks are reachable from West LA in minutes. One of these is Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, a 40-acre park that sits within Rancho Park Golf Course. Its amenities include picnic areas, a baseball diamond, playgrounds, an archery range, barbecue pits, basketball and tennis courts, and more. Another is the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Center in the Baldwin Hills Mountains of Los Angeles. The drive from West Los Angeles takes less than 20 minutes. Once you’re there, you may either just admire the scenic views or you may want to explore one of its many trails.
Attractions and events
Los Angeles has an infinite list of attractions but here are a choice few that are particularly accessible from West Los Angeles.
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The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA showcases more than 70 sculptures in a stunning outdoor display.
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Visit the Hammer Museum in Westwood and check out their vast collection of sculptures, photography, and installations. You’ll find every art style here, from classic to contemporary and experimental art.
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Find fresh produce and lots of local products at farmers’ markets in the area, such as the ones in Westwood, Santa Monica, and Motor Avenue in Cheviot Hills.
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Enjoy live music at the Twilight Concert Series at the Santa Monica Pier.
Los Angeles may be known for its glitz and glamor but living in West Los Angeles shows you that what’s beyond the sparkle is a true community that is warm and welcoming.
GET READY FOR YOUR NEW LIFE IN WEST LA
Get to know the charm and interesting attractions of West Los Angeles! Who knows – this may just be the ideal home base for you if you want to be part of the more laid-back and homey side of the city.
Let me help you discover the perfect property in West LA. I’m Sharona Alperin, your West LA Realtor. My team and I are composed of consummate professionals who leverage our backgrounds and experience to meet clients’ goals and ensure their satisfaction. We also apply our excellent communication skills to reach out and forge strong connections with clients from all backgrounds to better understand their needs.
Call us at 310.888.3708 or send us an email to inquire about West LA homes for sale. You may also chat live with us on our website for a quicker response.
Homes For Sale In West LA
