The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city known for glamour, luxury and beautiful weather. LA also boasts some of the most exclusive and expensive neighborhoods in the world. These areas aren’t simply about million-dollar homes—they offer privacy, style, and lifestyles tailored for those who expect the best. Whether it’s oceanfront estates, hillside mansions, or homes nestled in fancy gated fences, these neighborhoods define elite living. Here’s an in-depth look at Los Angeles’ most expensive neighborhoods and what makes each of them unique.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is the epitome of luxury living and the west coast socialite lifestyle. This iconic neighborhood is instantly recognizable by its palm-lined streets and world-famous shopping district, Rodeo Drive. Here, grand estates feature private theaters, wine cellars, and sprawling gardens that rival five-star resorts. Beyond the extravagant homes, Beverly Hills offers cultural richness with fine dining, shopping, art galleries, and renowned hotels like The Beverly Hills Hotel. It’s no surprise that celebrities, business moguls, and international elites continue to flock here year after year. 

Key Features:

• Iconic Rodeo Drive, a global luxury shopping destination.
• High-ranking public schools and exclusive private institutions.
• Proximity to Hollywood’s studios and nightlife.

Real Estate Costs:

• Average home price: $4 million.
• Luxury estates: Often exceed $100 million.

West Hollywood (WeHo)

West Hollywood offers a mix of art, urban culture and high-end living. It's known for its creative energy and draws entertainers, artists, and anyone looking for something unique. The Sunset Strip is packed with music venues, rooftop bars, and stylish hotels that keep the nightlife buzzing. By day, the area shines with boutique shopping, art galleries, and cafes perfect for people-watching. WeHo also has a strong sense of community, celebrated for its inclusivity and welcoming vibe.

Key Features:

• Sunset Strip, famous for its nightlife and entertainment.
• Diverse, LGBTQ+-friendly community.
• Walkable streets with access to high-end dining and retail.

Real Estate Costs:

• Average home price: $1 million.
• Exclusive properties: $4 million or more.

Hidden Hills

Hidden Hills is ideal for people who want privacy and plenty of space. Tucked away on the western edge of the San Fernando Valley, this gated community is a favorite for high-profile residents. Homes here are built on large lots and often include horse stables, private gyms, and top-of-the-line kitchens. It’s a quiet escape for celebrities who appreciate its peaceful, rural feel. With insane hiking trails and wide-open views and wellness businesses. Hidden Hills blends country charm with private, quiet luxury.

Key Features:

• Ultra-private, gated lifestyle with tight security.
• Sprawling estates perfect for equestrian enthusiasts.
• Home to some of the world’s biggest celebrities.

Real Estate Costs:

• Average home price: $5 million.
• Top-tier estates: Up towards $30 million.

Calabasas

Calabasas is a thriving hub for affluent professionals and entrepreneurs, offering a useful mix of luxury and convenience. Its gated communities, such as The Oaks, feature expansive properties designed to accommodate high-end lifestyles, with amenities like home offices, state-of-the-art entertainment spaces, and wellness facilities. The neighborhood’s proximity to Los Angeles makes it a strategic location for business leaders who want access to the city while enjoying a quieter, more exclusive environment. This is a favourite for many celebrities, famously known to be inhabited by the Kardashian empire. 

Key Features:

• Prestigious gated communities like The Oaks.
• Excellent schools and family-friendly amenities.
• Modern mansions with stunning mountain views.

Real Estate Costs:

• Median home price: $1.5 million.
• Luxury estates: Can exceed $7 million.

Brentwood

Brentwood embodies understated elegance and refined living. Located on the west side of LA, it’s a haven for professionals, celebrities, and executives. Homes here range from classic estates with manicured gardens to modern properties with sleek designs. Brentwood’s quiet streets and high-end amenities attract residents who prefer a regular lifestyle.

Key Features:

• The Getty Center, a renowned art museum with panoramic views.
• Access to parks and recreational areas.
• Architecture blending traditional and modern designs.

Real Estate Costs:

• Average home price: $3 million.
• High-end estates: $15 million or more.

Bel Air

Bel Air is a name that has become synonymous with extravagance and exclusivity. Nestled in the hills overlooking Los Angeles, this neighborhood offers jaw-dropping estates with views that stretch from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. Properties often feature private gates, infinity pools, and wine cellars that could rival the best restaurants. The Bel Air Country Club, a highly exclusive private club, is a major draw for residents. Living in Bel Air means enjoying unparalleled privacy and a level of luxury that only the 1% get to experience.

Key Features:

• Exclusive Bel Air Country Club.
• Stunning hillside views and expansive estates.
• Gated communities with tight security.

Real Estate Costs:

• Average home price: $9 million.
• Luxury properties: $50-$150 million.

Malibu

Malibu blends natural beauty with beachfront peacefulness. Stretching along the Pacific Coast, it’s known for its pristine beaches, high-profile residents, and oceanfront mansions. Carbon Beach, aptly nicknamed “Billionaire’s Beach,” is home to tech moguls and celebrities who appreciate its privacy and stunning views. Beyond the homes, Malibu offers a relaxed lifestyle with surf culture, hiking trails, and fresh seafood dining. 

Key Features:

• Carbon Beach, home to some of the most expensive beachfront properties in the world.
• Surf culture and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Proximity to LA while feeling far removed from city chaos.

Real Estate Costs:

• Median home price: $4 million.
• Beachfront properties: $25 million or more.

Pasadena

Pasadena offers a unique combination of historic charm and cozy luxury. Known for its early 20th-century mansions and tree-lined streets, this area appeals to those who value a quieter pace of life. Many homes here are steeped in history, showcasing stunning Tuscan architecture and intricate details rarely seen in newer builds. Pasadena’s cultural highlights include the Rose Bowl, Millionaire’s Row, and thriving arts and dining scenes. It’s a hub for old-money families, academics, and intellectuals seeking understated luxury.

Key Features:

• Millionaire’s Row, showcasing historic homes.
• The Rose Bowl, an iconic venue for sports and events.
• Tight-knit community with cultural and educational resources.

Real Estate Costs:

• Average home price: $1 million.
• Historic estates: Over $3 million.

Los Angeles has a neighborhood for every kind of luxury. Hidden Hills offers privacy and space for those who want to escape the spotlight, while Malibu combines stunning ocean views with relaxed living. Calabasas is perfect for families looking for modern homes in a close-knit community, and West Hollywood thrives on energy, creativity, and nightlife. Each area has its own character, but they all deliver on comfort, exclusivity, and style. No matter what lifestyle you’re after, LA’s top neighborhoods make it easy to live the way you want.

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