The 7 Most Affluent Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Known as the City of Angels, (for lots of good reasons), Los Angeles is famous for its high cost of living and pricey real estate market. In this list we’re looking at some of the most expensive neighborhoods in LA by the real estate market. Plus, we’ve factored in other advantages, like location, privacy, proximity to activities, and more. Whether you’re looking to move in, or just invest in real estate, our list will point you in the right direction! Maybe you can find your slice of heaven in one of these affluent neighborhoods.

Beverly Hills

It’s the most famous zip code in the world: 90210. Beverly Hills is world-famous for many reasons. It’s centrally located,which means easy access to all the great things LA has to offer. However, many tourists come to Beverly Hills just to take a look around. So, don’t expect too much privacy.

Beverly Hills is great for families. In the southern half, you’ll find Roxbury Park — a family-friendly outdoor park that hosts huge events like Woofstock 90210 and artSHOW. Just north of Santa Monica Boulevard is Beverly Gardens Park where the famous Beverly Hills sign is located, along with Lily Pond, the Electric Fountain, and a collection of sculptures. 

Of course, we can’t talk about Beverly Hills without talking about the Golden Triangle, with Rodeo Drive at its center. This is the high-fashion heart of the neighborhood. We’re talking high-end shopping, exclusive retail stores, boutiques, and the finest of dining.

Trousdale Estates

Just north overlooking Beverly Hills, you’ll find Trousdale Estates. When it was first being developed, the builders promised “Life Above It All.” And they weren’t just referring to the physically higher location. If you want all the great things Beverly Hills has to offer, minus the numerous tourists, Trousdale Estates is where to look.

Thanks to the higher elevation, many of the homes in Trousdale Estates have spectacular views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. Every night’s sunset is like a painting. The farther north into Trousdale Estates you go, the more you’ll find mid-century and contemporary homes that offer this incredible view.

If privacy and safety are important to you, this is definitely the neighborhood for you. Trousdale Estates also has its own dedicated private security outfit, with armed patrols keeping the neighborhood safe around the clock. The Beverly Hills Police Department also dedicates 24/7 patrols in Trousdale Estates. 

Hollywood Hills

When talking about the most affluent neighborhoods in LA, we have to talk about Hollywood Hills. Divided into East and West by the 101 Freeway, the Hollywood Hills neighborhood is filled with a wide variety of homes, from palatial mansions to quirky chalets. 

Ultimately, where you choose to live depends on what you want most out of the Hills. East Hollywood Hills is closer to Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign, and Universal Studios Hollywood. West Hollywood Hills gives easier access to Runyon Canyon Park, Hollywood Boulevard, and the Sunset Strip. 

Doheny Estate

Within the Hollywood Hills, just east of Trousdale Estate, you will find Doheny Estate. Technically, this estate is within the Bird Streets neighborhood. This is some of the most prized Los Angeles real estate. Why? Like all things in real estate, it’s all about the location.

Doheny Estate is secluded within the Hollywood Hills, giving you plenty of privacy. However, it’s still just minutes away from the Sunset Strip and West Hollywood. You have the option to enjoy all that glamorous LA lifestyle, while still being able to retreat into peace and tranquility.

Brentwood

For a far more laid-back vibe, check out Brentwood. Situated directly between downtown LA and the west coast beaches, this neighborhood has a more suburban feel than the others on this list. It’s a good mix of massive mansions, typical family homes, and affordable apartments. 

Brentwood has its own shopping district along San Vicente Boulevard. Along that road, you’ll find golfing at the Brentwood Country Club, rustic and adorable shopping at Brentwood Country Mart, and boutique shopping and dining at the Brentwood Town Center shopping mall.

The added benefit of living in Brentwood is its proximity to local west coast beaches. Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, and Malibu Beach are all an easy 30-minute drive away! Plus, you’re still only about 30 minutes away from Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. 

Malibu

Malibu is synonymous with west coast beach living.  Sitting on the Pacific Coast, between the ocean and the Malibu Mountains, this is the picture-perfect place that comes to mind when you hear the words California dreaming. From the oceanfront celebrity homes, to the rocky and scenic El Matador Beach, all the way to the iconic Malibu Pier, some consider Malibu to be peak SoCal. The surf is always up, and the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Keep in mind that Malibu is a bit far-removed from greater Los Angeles. It could take you anywhere from 40 minutes to a couple of hours from West Hollywood, depending on the traffic. However, you can find pretty much anything you need here. Malibu is a city of its own. Great shopping, dining, and entertainment can all be easily found within city limits. 

The epicenter of surfing is Surfrider Beach in Malibu, which was made the first World Surfing Reserve in 2010, protecting the surf habitat and the surrounding environment. If you need surf and sun in your life, then you need to be in Malibu!

Pacific Palisades

Can’t choose between the beaches and the hills? If you live in Pacific Palisades, you don’t have to! Nestled perfectly in the middle of beachy Malibu and the mountains surrounding LA, Pacific Palisades is a piece of west coast paradise!

The neighborhood is tranquil — with less than 1000 residents per square mile, it’s one of the lowest population densities in LA. Many of the homes are nestled in the hills, among the canyon roads, but they still have easy access to the beach. If you’re more of a hiker, you can find miles of trails at Will Rogers State Park and Temescal Gateway Park, both just minutes away. Pacific Palisades is practically perfect in every way!