Considering a move to West Los Angeles? Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, top-rated schools, or vibrant cultural life, West LA offers an ideal mix of charm, opportunity, and lifestyle options. 🌴✨
This guide covers the best places to live in West Los Angeles—from cost of living and real estate to schools and local attractions—so you can find the perfect neighborhood to call home.
Top Neighborhoods in West Los Angeles to Live In
Below are the most desirable West Los Angeles neighborhoods, each with unique character and lifestyle perks. Let’s explore what makes them great!
🌊 Santa Monica – Coastal City Living at Its Best
Why Move to Santa Monica?
Santa Monica combines a laid-back beach vibe with urban amenities. Not only is it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but it’s also a hotspot for tech, dining, and shopping.
Quick Facts:
- Population: ~93,000
- Median Home Price: $1.9M+
- Average Rent: ~$3,500/month
- Schools: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD)
- Attractions: Santa Monica Pier, 3rd Street Promenade
Best for: Beach lovers, professionals, families
Fun Fact: The Santa Monica Pier houses the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel! 🎡
🌳 Brentwood – Luxury, Peace, and Family Comfort
Why Choose Brentwood?
Brentwood offers a quiet, affluent atmosphere, complete with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. In addition, it’s well-known for celebrity homes and upscale shopping.
Quick Facts:
- Population: ~34,000
- Median Home Price: $2.5M+
- Average Rent: ~$3,800/month
- Schools: Brentwood School, Paul Revere Charter Middle School
Best for: Families, professionals, upscale living
Fun Fact: Marilyn Monroe’s last home was in Brentwood.
🎓 Westwood – A Student-Friendly Neighborhood in West LA
Why Live in Westwood?
Home to UCLA, Westwood buzzes with youthful energy and culture. With museums, theaters, and coffee shops, it’s a walker’s paradise and a commuter-friendly hub.
Quick Facts:
- Population: ~52,000
- Median Home Price: $1.4M+
- Average Rent: ~$2,800/month
- Schools: University High School, Warner Avenue Elementary
- Landmarks: UCLA, Hammer Museum
Best for: Students, professionals, families
Fun Fact: Westwood Village’s Fox Theater often hosts Hollywood movie premieres. 🎥
🎬 Culver City – The Creative Core of West Los Angeles
Why Consider Culver City?
This fast-growing city blends history and innovation. Once the heart of classic film studios, today it’s filled with creatives, startups, and foodies alike.
Quick Facts:
- Population: ~40,000
- Median Home Price: $1.3M+
- Average Rent: ~$2,900/month
- Schools: Culver City Unified School District
- Hotspots: Sony Pictures Studios, downtown Culver food scene
Best for: Creatives, tech workers, entrepreneurs
Fun Fact: “The Wizard of Oz” was filmed in Culver City! 🌈
🌄 Pacific Palisades – Peaceful, Scenic, and Upscale
Why Pick Pacific Palisades?
If you’re looking for ocean views, hiking trails, and a calm residential feel, Pacific Palisades has it all. In fact, it’s one of LA’s most scenic and exclusive neighborhoods.
Quick Facts:
- Population: ~23,000
- Median Home Price: $3.5M+
- Average Rent: ~$4,200/month
- Schools: Palisades Charter High School
- Parks: Will Rogers State Historic Park
Best for: Luxury buyers, retirees, nature enthusiasts
Fun Fact: Hike to Inspiration Point for one of the best panoramic views in LA! 🌅
⛵ Marina del Rey – The Boater’s Dream Community
Why Marina del Rey Stands Out
This harbor town offers waterfront living, laid-back charm, and excellent access to coastal adventures. Although it’s quieter than Venice, it’s just minutes away from West LA hotspots.
Quick Facts:
- Population: ~11,000
- Median Home Price: $1.2M+
- Average Rent: ~$3,200/month
- Schools: Coeur d’Alene Avenue Elementary, Marina del Rey Middle School
- Attractions: Fisherman’s Village, kayak and paddleboard rentals
Best for: Retirees, boating lovers, young professionals
Fun Fact: It’s the largest man-made small-craft harbor in the U.S.! ⚓
Which West LA Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Each West Los Angeles community brings its own flavor—whether it’s coastal charm, suburban luxury, or youthful city vibes. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and priorities to find the perfect match.
✔️ For the Beach Lifestyle: Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades
✔️ For City Energy & Culture: Culver City, Westwood
✔️ For Family Living: Brentwood, Westwood, Pacific Palisades
👉 Want expert help finding the best neighborhood in West LA for you? Let’s chat today!
Vicki Galvan
Realtor | Broker #𝟢𝟣𝟫𝟧𝟦𝟫𝟣𝟦
Super Woman Super Realtors
📞 877-245-7597
📧 vicki@vickigalvan.com
🌐 vickigalvan.com
Other helpful reads:
🔗 Best Cities in the Inland Empire
🔗 Reasons to Move to the Inland Empire