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Westwood Century City
Located on the greater Westside section of the iconic city of Los Angeles, Westwood and Century City are urban havens that share the area’s affluence, vibrant vibe, and cultural heritage. These two neighborhoods are just a few miles away from the two parts of the prestigious Platinum Triangle – Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills – and the historic entertainment industry hub, Culver City. While more inland than coastal, both neighborhoods also provide easy access to the lovely beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica. All these, plus their proximity to the campus of one of the premier educational institutions in the country, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), put Westwood and Century City in the top ranks of L.A. neighborhoods with the most sought-after zip codes.
Allow me, top West L.A. luxury Realtor Sharona Alperin, to acquaint you with Westwood and Century City, CA so you will know what to expect when you take residence here, the remarkable homes for sale in these areas that will take your breath away, and much more.
OVERVIEW
In terms of wealth and land area, Westwood and Century City are both considered affluent yet relatively small in size compared to other L.A. neighborhoods. To get to know these two locales better, let’s discuss their similarities and differences.
The people living there
With UCLA being right at the heart of Westwood, the neighborhood lives and breathes school spirit! Meanwhile, Century City leans more toward business with offices dominating the area. That said, you can expect Westwood residents to be largely composed of young people who lend a vibrant vibe to the community. Meanwhile, managers and executives in their prime with ages ranging between 30 and 50 comprise a big chunk of Century City’s population.
Population size
Estimates from various sources place Westwood’s population at a range between 50,000 and 55,000. Meanwhile, a smaller number of people reside in Century City, with estimates between 4,000 and 6,000. This disparity is largely due to the pull of UCLA, which populates Westwood with students and staff from the university. This population trickles onto Century City which has a more diverse demographic consisting of students, UCLA staff, and people employed in the companies found here.
It’s interesting to note that while Century City’s resident population is quite small, its daytime population density could rise to as high as 48,000 when office employees report to work in this “city within a city.” The same applies to Westwood, the daytime population density of which could rise to approximately 100,000 when the entire UCLA population comes to school.
Mobility
Walkscore.com regards Westwood as “very walkable,” owing to its petite size and the various amenities scattered throughout the community. One could complete daily errands by just walking around the neighborhood. Given its relatively similar size and the abundance of urban conveniences, Century City is also considered very walkable.
Should there be a need to travel outside neighborhood boundaries, residents in both areas consider a private vehicle as an efficient way to go from Point A to B. But they also have the option to ride any of the buses with routes that pass through the neighborhoods. Biking is also a favored option, especially in Westwood where bicycle lanes and racks can be found both inside and outside the UCLA campus.
GROWTH OVER THE YEARS
Westwood and Century City are separated from each other by less than 4 miles but these two L.A. neighborhoods walked through different paths toward development.
Westwood’s journey was a transformation from agricultural land to a thriving college town, especially after the expansion of the University of California to Los Angeles. Residents of the area came together to call for the opening of a southern branch of the Berkeley campus, and a sprawling parcel of land originally known as the Wolfskill Ranch was bought to heed that call. UCLA officially opened its doors to students in 1929, and the growth of the community centered around this campus.
If Westwood’s growth focused on academia, Century City’s roots come from more familiar territory – the entertainment industry. This neighborhood originally served as the backlot of major movie studio, 20th Century Fox. However, the studio – as well as other film productions – took a hit with the rise of television in the late 40s. As it struggled to keep its head above water, the studio decided to take a portion of the Westside backlot and transform it into a commercial and business hub. By 1960, the development of Century City began.
WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY TODAY
Both Westwood and Century City are now prime locations in the real estate landscape of Los Angeles, CA.
Westwood Village was developed as an extension of UCLA and now serves as the heart of the community. Much of Westwood’s dining, retail, and commercial spaces are situated in this area.
As for Century City, key players in many business endeavors now have offices here, including JPMorgan Chase, IBM, HBO, and Century City Marriott. 20th Century Studios still has properties in the area even after the 2020 Disney takeover. The Fox Studio Lot actively operates in the neighborhood and continues to contribute to the glitter of Hollywood.
WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY, CA: A BUSTLING REGION FOR REAL ESTATE
Market overview
The future continues to look bright for Westwood and Century City as home values in these two neighborhoods continue to rise with an appreciation rate of around 10%. Median prices of sold homes in these areas never dipped below $1 million in the past three years even in the face of several market upheavals like the recent pandemic and the gradual rise of interest rates to curb inflation.
With Westwood being a vibrant college locale and Century City, a mighty economic powerhouse, putting your money into the real estate of these two neighborhoods and having these turned into rentals for students and office workers promise a lucrative passive income and generous returns on your investment.
And if you decide to make Westwood or Century City the location of your new abode, know that you’ll have first dibs on all the great things that these communities offer: top-ranking schools; a strategic point that’s near a wide array of business, retail, dining, and recreation options; a fabulous quality of life; and many more.
The challenge, however, is the prevailing seller’s market which is largely due to a severely scarce housing stock. This scarcity is one of the major factors contributing to the lofty price points of homes for sale in Westwood and Century City, CA.
However, with the help of an experienced and reliable Realtor who specializes in these western Los Angeles neighborhoods, securing one of the gorgeous homes for sale in Westwood and Century City, CA can be a breeze.
Major sections of Westwood/Century City
Various sections of Westwood and Century City provide a different vibe and experience. Here’s a rundown of these distinct sections and the things you can expect from each one.
IN WESTWOOD:
Westwood Village
As mentioned earlier, Westwood Village is where locals and visitors congregate, which is why it’s referred to as the heart of Westwood. The energy here is high as most of the restaurants, retail spaces, coffee shops, night spots, and recreation venues are concentrated in this area. While Westwood Village is predominantly commercial and social in nature, you can still find a few modern apartment buildings here.
Westwood Village is also a cultural hub, thanks to two notable establishments: the Hammer Museum and the Geffen Playhouse. The Hammer Museum along Wilshire Boulevard is known for its progressive exhibitions and public programs Meanwhile, the Geffen Playhouse, a non-profit theater company on Le Conte Avenue, aims to make their art accessible to everyone, notwithstanding race, faith, sexual orientation, abilities, gender, or background.
Every Thursday between 12 noon and 5 P.M. on Broxton Avenue between Kinross and Weyburn Avenues, locals and visitors can shop for fresh, locally sourced produce and other delightful items at the Westwood Village Farmers’ Market.
North Westwood
Predominantly residential, this section of Westwood is notably more tranquil than Westwood Village. Some of the more established single-family homes and multi-family units are found here, which is why you’ll find classic designs like Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Art Deco, and Mid-century Modern among the various structures here.
South Westwood
This section offers a happy mix of student housing, food spots, and shops that primarily cater to the UCLA community. Thus, you can expect South Westwood to be filled with youthful energy. A notable feature of South Westwood is Westwood Recreation Center on Sepulveda Boulevard. This park boasts a variety of sports facilities, a playground, a community room, picnic areas, and barbecue pits.
UCLA Campus
Taking up around 38% of Westwood’s total area is the main campus of UCLA. This constitutes approximately 350 acres of land. Given the area’s academic background, one could expect to find stately learning and study halls, libraries, museums, and a bevy of well-maintained green spaces here. Some of these mini-parks include the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, the Janss Steps and Sculpture Garden, the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, Freud Lawn, Wilson Plaza, Schoenberg Hall Courtyard, and many more.
IN CENTURY CITY:
Fox Plaza District
This section of Century City extends from the historic Fox Studio Lot to the massive Century Plaza Towers, making it the heart of Century City. Primarily the corporate, hotel, and commercial area of the neighborhood, the Fox Plaza District is also home to upscale shopping destination, Westfield Century City. This open-air shopping center is where you’ll find stores selling luxury brands and trendy merchandise, as well as gourmet restaurants, event spaces, and a state-of-the-art movie theater.
West Century City
With Beverly Glen Boulevard serving as its western boundary, West Century City mirrors the business-centric aura of the Fox Plaza District.
East Century City
The concentration of residences in the Century City neighborhood is found here. That said, it exudes a more laid-back feel. Apartment high-rises and a number of single-family homes are among the real estate options that can be found in this area.
Property types and amenities
Property types in both Westwood and Century City are quite similar: multi-family residences, high-rise luxury condos, and some single-family homes. The difference lies in the date of construction and the vacancy rates.
Many residences in Westwood are relatively new, having been built around the turn of the millennium at the earliest. However, one can still find older homes from the 1940s up to the 1960s in the area, sporting Tudor and Spanish Colonial styles.
Apartment living is the norm in Westwood, as many students from out of town need a place to rent while enrolled at UCLA. While the campus has its share of dormitories, a good chunk of the student body prefers living quarters around the UCLA area for more freedom and legroom. During school breaks, these students may leave the area for vacations out of town or for a chance to visit loved ones. This is when the permanent residents get to enjoy a more relaxed version of Westwood. This may also explain the high vacancy rate of 28.5% – some properties may become empty during these breaks.
The real estate in Century City, CA tells a slightly different story. Commercial real estate is prevalent in Century City but it does have its share of residential properties. Homes here are more established, having been constructed between 1970 and 1999. You’ll still find a number of older homes from the 40s to the 60s standing here, though, each with its own kind of Old-World charm.
Century City is where you’ll find some of the tallest and most luxurious condos in L.A., as well as well-maintained apartments and multi-family homes with Mid-century Modern designs dating back to the neighborhood’s early stages of development. The condominiums in Century City offer stunning views of the city skyline and are equipped with modern amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and 24-hour concierge services. They radiate a sense of contemporary luxury and offer a convenient and comfortable lifestyle.
Unlike in Westwood, most of the residences in this “city within a city” are owner-occupied. However, the vacancy rate here is still relatively high at 27.7%, only slightly lower than Westwood’s statistic.
LIVING IN WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY
Education
Many Westwood residents are usually referred to as “Bruins” – a nickname given to those lucky enough to become part of UCLA’s academic community. UCLA brings the prestige to Westwood and Century City because of its esteemed reputation as one of the top public universities in the United States. This acclaim has become instrumental to these two neighborhoods’ high appeal among home buyers.
Apart from this exemplary institution for higher education in Westwood/Century City, of equally high regard are the elementary, middle, and high schools in these areas. The top-rated Los Angeles Unified School District serves the community, offering various educational options, including traditional schools, magnet programs, and charter schools.
Among the standout schools in the area are Warner Avenue Elementary, Emerson Community Charter, and University Senior High School, all known for their rigorous academic programs and dedicated staff.
There’s also a wealth of learning opportunities outside the classroom in these neighborhoods like libraries, museums, and cultural centers. The Westwood Branch Library, for instance, regularly hosts reading groups, workshops, and educational programs for all ages. Meanwhile, the Hammer Museum, a part of UCLA, offers a variety of exhibitions, collections, and programs that seek to inspire and educate visitors.
Entertainment
The entertainment scene in Westwood and Century City is a heady mix of high culture and Hollywood glamor. It’s common to spot a few Hollywood stars in the Geffen Playhouse, either on stage or in the audience! Meanwhile, the iconic Fox Studios in Century City and the well-preserved Bruin Theatre in Westwood are must-visit spots for movie buffs.
Dining
Living in Westwood and Century City means being spoiled for choice when dining out. Whether you’re up for a grand meal or needing a quick bite, these neighborhoods have got you covered.
For a taste of cuisine from Iran in Westwood, Persian Square is a must-visit. Apart from the food spots serving everything from traditional kebabs to saffron-infused ice cream, this area also has other businesses like hookah lounges, bookstores, and even a Persian market – all managed by Iranian-Americans. Meanwhile, for winning American sandwiches, salads, and spirits, there’s Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe to visit.
In Century City, the dining scene blends the trendy and the classic. Eataly, located in Westfield Century City, is an interesting concept as it’s not just a restaurant but a celebration of Italy’s food culture. Meanwhile, for a fun time grilling marinated meats with the family, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ on West Pico Boulevard is a must-try.
Shopping
The retail scene in Westwood and Century City is a study in contrasts. Much of the shopping action in Westwood happens in Westwood Village, where local shops catering to the UCLA community line the streets.
On the other hand, Century City is home to some upscale retail destinations, the largest of which is Westfield Century City. This high-end outdoor shopping mall is where you’ll find a range of stores selling luxury brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, Chanel, and L ‘Occitane En Provence. It also regularly hosts events, adding an extra dash of excitement to your shopping spree.
Outdoor and recreational activities
Westwood Recreation Center and Holmby Park are two local favorites that offer expansive green space for picnics, leisurely walks, or a good old game of catch. The playgrounds are a hit with the kids, and there are basketball and tennis courts for the more athletically inclined. If you’re up for a challenge, there’s a par-3 golf course at Holmby Park where you can practice your swing.
Meanwhile, in Century City, Westfield Century City offers not just retail options but also recreation, entertainment, and its very own outdoor space right at its very center. Referred to as The Atrium, this is where shoppers can relax among the benches and meet up with friends.
If you’re a golf enthusiast, you will love Rancho Park Golf Course, located across Pico Boulevard from Century City. This 18-hole, par-71 championship golf course offers a challenge to golfers so be ready with your approach shots.
The Los Angeles Country Club is another great venue for golf aficionados living or working in the neighborhood. It’s the perfect haunt for those who seek exclusivity and top-tier amenities to complement their golf game.
While not exactly part of the three unofficial sections of Century City, Century City Park serves as the area’s crowning glory in terms of green spaces. Located just below the Los Angeles Country Club, it covers 6.5 acres of land in the northernmost section of the neighborhood. On its north flank is Wilshire Boulevard while Santa Monica Boulevard borders its south side. Given the neighborhood’s more corporate nature, Century City Park provides residents and office workers with a quiet retreat from the stressful urban din.
FIND THE BEST HOMES FOR SALE IN WESTWOOD/CENTURY CITY WITH WEST L.A.’S TOP LUXURY REALTOR
Get to know the best real estate offerings in Westwood/Century City by working with the Realtor with a solid background of experience in the West L.A. luxury market – Sharona Alperin. Let me offer my expertise and tools of the trade to assist you in buying a gorgeous home in the areas of Westwood and Century City.
Call me at 310.888.3708 or send me an email to begin your journey toward attaining the California dream and lifestyle in Westwood/Century City.
Homes For Sale In Westwood Century City
