Welcome to Westwood, Los Angeles: Your Complete Neighborhood Guide
Discover Westwood Living
Welcome to Westwood, one of Los Angeles' most prestigious and vibrant neighborhoods. Located in the northern central portion of the Westside region, Westwood offers an exceptional blend of urban sophistication, academic excellence, and residential charm. Whether you're considering Westwood real estate or simply exploring this remarkable community, this guide provides everything you need to know about living in this sought-after neighborhood.
Westwood Real Estate Market Overview
Property Types and Home Values
The Westwood real estate market features diverse housing options to suit various lifestyles and preferences. The neighborhood encompasses several distinct sub-areas, each with unique character and pricing:
North of Wilshire (Zip Code 90024)
- 1,087 single-family homes ranging from 2,416 to 31,450 square feet
- 2,154 condominiums
- Average listing price for single-family homes: $900,000
- Premium properties reaching up to $3.17 million
- Average price per square foot: $662
Westwood Hills (Zip Code 90049)
- 1,223 single-family homes ranging from 1,271 to 13,195 square feet
- 71 condominiums
- Bordered by the 405 Freeway and UCLA
South of Wilshire Boulevard (Zip Code 90024)
- 1,201 single-family homes ranging from 1,382 to 8,558 square feet
- 3,249 condominiums
- Includes the prestigious Comstock Hills area
South of Santa Monica Boulevard (Zip Code 90025)
- 1,000 single-family homes ranging from 764 to 5,505 square feet
- 3,185 condominiums
Luxury Condominiums
Wilshire Boulevard through Westwood serves as a major corridor featuring luxury high-rise condominiums, particularly popular among young urban professionals. These buildings offer modern amenities and Class A office towers, making Westwood highly desirable for those seeking upscale urban living.
Demographics & Community Profile
Population Statistics
Westwood is home to 54,609 residents who contribute to a dynamic, educated community:
- Median Age: 38 years
- Average Individual Income: $82,366
- Total Households: 18,443
- Average Household Size: 2 people
- Population Density: 29,022 people per square mile
- College Educated: 74% of residents hold college degrees
Community Diversity
The Westwood neighborhood boasts impressive ethnic and cultural diversity, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents from all backgrounds. The student population from UCLA, combined with established families and young professionals, creates a unique community dynamic that's both intellectually vibrant and family oriented.
Westwood Schools: Academic Excellence
Highly Rated Public Schools
Westwood is renowned for exceptional educational opportunities, making it particularly attractive for families with children.
Westwood Charter School (K-5)
- Highly rated public charter school
- 662 students with 25:1 student-teacher ratio
- 79% of students are proficient or above in math
- 73% of students proficient or above in reading
- Ranked in the top 5-10% of California elementary schools
- 5-star rating from School Digger
Warner Avenue Elementary
- Serves the North Westwood area
- Strong academic performance
- Community-focused environment
Fairburn Avenue Elementary
- Serves South of Wilshire neighborhoods
- 8/10 rating on GreatSchools
- 87% math proficiency and 87% reading proficiency
Private School Excellence
The Westwood area offers access to some of California's most prestigious private schools:
- Brentwood School - A+ rating on Niche, ranked #6 Best Private High School in California
- Harvard-Westlake School - Elite preparatory institution
- Marymount High School - Outstanding all-girls education
- St. Paul the Apostle School - Grades K-8
- Multiple other highly rated private institutions nearby
Higher Education
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- One of the nation's top public universities
- Major employer in the neighborhood
- World-class research institution
- Home to the Fowler and Hammer Museums
- Mathias Botanical Garden and Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
- Vibrant college sports culture
Mount Saint Mary's University
- Draws students from around the world
- Contributes to the neighborhood's academic atmosphere
Parks and Recreation
Westwood Recreation Center
Located at 1350 Sepulveda Boulevard, the Westwood Recreation Center serves as the community's recreational hub:
Facility Highlights:
- Aidan's Place Playground (universally accessible)
- Outdoor turf soccer field (lighted)
- Two full gymnasiums with indoor basketball courts
- Indoor racquetball courts
- Indoor aquatics facility for year-round swimming
- Outdoor basketball courts (lighted)
- Tennis courts
- Baseball Diamonds (Bad News Bears Field)
- Barbecue pits and picnic areas
- Dedicated dog park
Programs and Activities:
- Youth sports leagues (ages 4-15)
- Seasonal camps (summer, winter, spring)
- Parent & Me programs
- Ballet, piano, and music classes
- Adult fitness and ceramic classes
- Martial arts and gymnastics
- Pickleball courts
- Volleyball and flag football programs
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
UCLA Campus Attractions
- Mathias Botanical Garden - Beautiful outdoor space for nature enthusiasts
- Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden - World-class outdoor art collection
- Hammer Museum - Contemporary art and cultural programming
- Geffen Playhouse - Tony Award-winning theater
Additional Recreational Spaces
- Holmby Park - Peaceful green space perfect for family outings
- Los Angeles Country Club - Founded in 1897, features 36 holes of championship golf
- Proximity to hiking trails in Santa Monica Mountains
- Easy access to beaches in Santa Monica and Malibu
Westwood Village: Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
A Vibrant Commercial District
Developed in the late 1920s, Westwood Village is a 55-acre planned suburban shopping district - only the second of its kind worldwide. Today it remains a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Dining Excellence
Westwood Village offers one of Los Angeles' best dining scenes:
- Nuka Cafe - Authentic Turkish cuisine
- Pomodoro Trattoria - Classic Italian comfort food
- Lamonica's - Traditional Italian favorites
- Asuka - High-end sushi and Japanese dining
- Diddy Riese - Iconic bakery famous for cookies and ice cream sandwiches
- Eataly - High-end Italian food market with dining, shopping, and cooking classes
- Hai Di Lao - Premium Chinese hot pot
- Sichuan Impression - Authentic Sichuan cuisine
- Violet Bistro - French bistro with modern flair
Shopping & Retail
- Trader Joe's and Whole Foods for groceries
- Brandy Melville - Casual, hip clothing
- Kaitlyn Clothing - Boutique with diverse fashion options
- Keene - Fashion-forward boutique retail
- Historic motion picture theaters
- Specialty boutique stores
Cultural Attractions
- The Geffen Playhouse - Professional theater productions
- Fox Theater - Historic venue for films and events
- Billy Wilder Theatre - Film screenings and cultural events
- The Crest Theatre - Entertainment venue
- Hammer Museum - World-renowned contemporary art
- Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery - Historic landmark
- Westwood Branch Library - Community resource
Neighborhood Amenities & Lifestyle
Walkability and Transportation
Westwood earns a Walk Score of 69, making many errands, dining, and entertainment options accessible on foot or by bike. The neighborhood features:
- Pedestrian-friendly streets with tree-lined walkways
- Public transportation access throughout the area
- Easy connectivity to broader Los Angeles via bus and metro
- Ample street and private parking lot
- Bike-friendly infrastructure
Safety and Security
Westwood is one of Los Angeles' safe neighborhoods:
- Average of 1 violent crime and 12 property crimes per week
- 2.5 crimes per 10,000 people (significantly below city average)
- West Los Angeles Community Police Station (1663 Butler Avenue)
- UCLA Police Department serving campus areas
- Los Angeles Fire Department coverage
- Well-lit streets and active neighborhood watch
Fitness and Wellness
The health-conscious community supports numerous fitness options:
- Equinox Fitness Center - Premium gym facility
- Yoga Works - Yoga and mindfulness classes
- Westwood Pilates - Specialized fitness training
- Multiple independent fitness studios
- Outdoor recreation opportunities year-round
- Access to Santa Monica Mountains hiking trails
Location Advantages
Prime Westside Position
Westwood's strategic location places residents at the heart of West Los Angeles' most desirable areas:
Neighboring Communities:
- North: Bel Air - Exclusive hillside estates
- South: Century City - Business and entertainment hub
- West: Brentwood - Upscale residential area
- East: Beverly Hills - World-famous luxury shopping
Easy Access To:
- Santa Monica beaches (minutes away)
- Hollywood attractions
- Rodeo Drive shopping
- Major film studios and talent agencies
- LAX International Airport
Business and Employment
Westwood serves as both a residential haven and business hub:
- Home to entertainment industry professionals
- Business elite in luxury condominiums
- UCLA employment opportunities
- Professional services corridor on Wilshire Boulevard
- Emerging tech hub with cultural restaurants and markets
Living in Westwood: The Experience
For Families
Westwood provides an ideal environment for raising children:
- Top-rated public and private schools
- Safe neighborhoods with low crime rates
- Abundant parks and playgrounds
- Seasonal camp programs
- Youth sports leagues
- Family-friendly restaurants and activities
- Strong sense of community
For Students
The UCLA student population creates a vibrant college-town atmosphere:
- Affordable housing options near campus
- Study-friendly cafes and coffee shops
- Active social scene
- Easy access to campus resources
- Part-time employment opportunities
- Cultural and entertainment venues
For Young Professionals
Urban professionals appreciate Westwood's sophisticated lifestyle:
- Luxury high-rise condominiums on Wilshire Boulevard
- Proximity to major employment centers
- Upscale dining and entertainment
- Fitness and wellness facilities
- Networking opportunities
- Walkable urban environment
For Retirees
The more suburban areas of Westwood offer peaceful living:
- Spacious homes near Los Angeles Country Club
- Quieter residential streets
- Cultural attractions and museums
- Easy access to healthcare facilities
- Active adult programs at recreation center
- Beautiful parks and gardens
Real Estate Investment Potential
Why Invest in Westwood?
Westwood real estate represents a sound investment opportunity:
- Strong Demand: Proximity to UCLA ensures consistent rental demand
- Prestigious Location: Surrounded by Los Angeles' wealthiest neighborhoods
- Limited Supply: Established neighborhood with constrained inventory
- Educational Excellence: Top-rated schools attract families
- Cultural Amenities: Museums, theaters, and entertainment venues
- Safety: One of LA's safest neighborhoods
- Accessibility: Central location with excellent transportation
- Economic Stability: Diverse employment base including UCLA, entertainment, and business
Rental Market
Average rental rates in Westwood:
- Three-bedroom apartment: Approximately $5,000/month
- Strong rental demand from students, professionals, and families
- Consistent occupancy rates due to UCLA proximity
Neighborhood History
Development Timeline
1919 - Neighborhood development began 1922 - Residential development commenced in surrounding areas 1927 - UCLA groundbreaking on September 12, 1929 - UCLA campus opened; Westwood Village development began 1970s - First high-rise development (Oppenheimer Tower) 1980s - Iranian immigration created Tehrangeles corridor 1988 - Community response to gang violence strengthened safety measures 2018 - Neighborhood subdivided into two official council districts
Architectural Character
Westwood's architecture reflects nearly a century of Los Angeles’ development:
- Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival styles in original Village
- Mid-century modern residential buildings
- Contemporary high-rise condominiums
- Historic landmark buildings
- Thoughtfully preserved Westwood Village character
Community Engagement
Neighborhood Councils
- North Westwood Neighborhood Council: Represents UCLA, Westwood Village, North Westwood Village, and Persian Square
- Westwood Neighborhood Council: Represents surrounding residential areas
Community Resources
- Westwood Homeowners Association
- Park Advisory Board (accepting new members)
- LA Parks Foundation partnership
- Farmers Market (weekends)
- Community events and festivals
- Volunteer opportunities
Climate and Outdoor Living
Westwood benefits from Southern California's Mediterranean climate:
- Year-round outdoor activities
- Mild, sunny weather
- Proximity to beaches and mountains
- Beautiful landscaping and gardens
- Outdoor dining opportunities
- Pleasant evening strolls
Transportation and Commute
Average Commute Information
Westwood residents benefit from central location and multiple transportation options:
- Public transportation readily available
- Bike-friendly streets
- Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft)
- Scooter rentals
- Easy freeway access (405, 10, Santa Monica Freeway)
- Reasonable commute times to major employment centers
Why Choose Westwood?
Westwood stands out as a premier Los Angeles neighborhood offering:
✓ Academic Excellence: UCLA and top-rated K-12 schools ✓ Safety: One of LA's safest communities ✓ Culture: Museums, theaters, and entertainment ✓ Dining: World-class restaurants and cafes ✓ Recreation: Parks, sports facilities, and outdoor activities ✓ Location: Central Westside position near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Santa Monica ✓ Community: Diverse, educated, and welcoming residents ✓ Investment Value: Strong real estate appreciation potential ✓ Lifestyle: Perfect blend of urban sophistication and residential comfort
Making Westwood Your Home
Whether you're seeking Westwood homes for sale, Westwood condos, or Westwood apartments for rent, this neighborhood offers unparalleled quality of life in Los Angeles. From young professionals in luxury high-rises to families in spacious single-family homes near excellent schools, Westwood accommodates diverse lifestyles while maintaining its distinctive character.
The combination of world-class education at UCLA, top-rated K-12 schools, abundant parks and recreation, vibrant Westwood Village, and proximity to Los Angeles' most prestigious neighborhoods makes Westwood an exceptional place to call home.
Getting Started
To explore Westwood real estate opportunities:
- Research current Westwood homes for sale in your preferred sub-area
- Contact local real estate professionals specializing in Westwood properties
- Visit the neighborhood to experience Westwood Village and parks
- Tour top-rated schools if you have children
- Attend community events to meet residents
- Explore different areas: North of Wilshire, Westwood Hills, or South of Wilshire
Additional Resources
- UCLA Website: www.ucla.edu
- Westwood Village: Explore shops and restaurants
- LA Parks Department: Recreation center information and class registration
- Westwood Neighborhood Councils: Community involvement opportunities
- School District Information: LAUSD and private school resources
Welcome to Westwood - where academic excellence meets urban sophistication, where culture thrives alongside community, and where every resident finds their perfect place to call home in the heart of West Los Angeles.
