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West Los Angeles
Overview
West Los Angeles encompasses the neighborhoods Culver City, Century City, Westchester, Venice, Playa Vista, and more south of the Santa Monica Mountains. Though each neighborhood has its own personality, most of Westside is a paradise for the wealthy and epitomizes the very essence of LA glamor.
World-class hotels and epicurean delights add to The Westside’s charm. Home to many of LA’s finest museums and cultural institutions, Westside typifies the cultural sophistication that draws so many to the city of Los Angeles itself. It’s a residential, commercial, and retail heaven, complete with an educated population that values the arts.
Residential real estate in The Westside largely depends upon the city and community, and there’s a great deal of variety available when it comes to picking the perfect home. For instance, those looking in downtown Culver City will find a multitude of exquisite condos and gorgeous historic, single-family homes. Meanwhile, buyers looking along the coast of Venice are apt to encounter multimillion-dollar mansions just steps away from the beach, and Century City has a mix of coveted private communities, chic townhomes, and high-rise condos.
Local Lifestyle
Much of The Westside is best explored on foot, no matter which community visitors find themselves in. From the laid-back hipster spirit of Venice to the fast-paced commercial action of Century City, Westside mesmerizes with its sheer variety. Minutes from the beach or from LA's best retail destinations, residents of The Westside are those who want the best of both worlds.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Among the presence of Hollywood studios, world-famous beaches, and star-studded residential enclaves, it should come as no surprise that The Westside also excels in providing top-notch retail opportunities. Westfield Century City contains more than 175 retailers — including high-end brands like lululemon and Kate Spade — as well as plenty of excellent restaurants and a 15-screen AMC Theater. Minutes away in Culver City, another Westfield mall awaits with its own bevy of shops. Westfield Culver city is home to dozens of stores, restaurants, and lifestyle services, including national brands like LUSH, Bath & Body Works, and Guess. Prefer to shop somewhere a little more eclectic and unique? The Venice Boardwalk is full of artisan crafters and niche goods, specialty dining, and beach-themed gifts, all steps from the ocean. The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center is a one-stop destination for entertainment, dining, and events, and serves as one of the most energetic places for fun in all of The Westside. Hit up the massive Cinemark 18 & XD for all the latest showings, or take the gang to Dave & Buster’s for a night of unforgettable games and brews.
Things to Do
The Westside includes many of LA’s finest cultural institutions. The Getty Center, in particular, stands out as a top Los Angeles museum, revered for its fine arts collection and library. In addition to its fine museums and galleries, Westside also hosts some of LA’s most popular annual events.
Among those, the Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series is a highly anticipated, free-to-the-public occasion where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy the festival-style performances. Marina del Rey is also the setting for one of the biggest events in California — The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. Running for nearly 60 years and drawing in thousands of visitors, this special holiday celebration brings Christmas to the waters via spectacularly decorated and lighted boats. Westside is also a wonderful home for outdoor enthusiasts, replete with both beach settings and peaceful parks. Concert Park at Playa Vista and Ballona Creek Park are both excellent options for escaping the bustle of city life and embracing the serenity of nature and featuring kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds and sports fields.
Schools
Top collegiate educational institutions include:
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UCLA, world-renowned, 4-year public research university
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West Los Angeles College, highly rated public community college
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Loyola Marymount University, a top-ranked, private Catholic university
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Otis College of Art and Design, a highly rated private university and a national leader in arts education
