Westwood living offers easy access to the big city, minus the heavy congestion and high crime rates. It's the perfect place for growing families, as well as for students and business professionals. Whether you're looking for a neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA, that's close to campus, or somewhere with an overall cost of living that's not as high as LA's, living in Westwood CA may be the place to be.
From the great nearby coffee shops to the lush greenery, unique architecture, and tree-lined streets, it's a unique and beautiful place to call home. If you're still on the fence about moving to Westwood, read our guide--it may solidify your choice to move here.
Where Is Westwood In Los Angeles?
Where is Westwood? It’s located west of LA’s downtown in the northern central portion of the city’s westside (roughly 7 miles from the coast), and is bordered by Beverly Hills, Century City, and Brentwood. It’s part of Los Angeles County and is near notable cities like Santa Monica (southwest), Mar Vista (south), and West Hollywood (northeast). It’s 15.5 miles from Westwood to Downtown Los Angeles.
Getting Around Westwood CA - Public Transportation Options
One of Westwood’s greatest allures is its walkability; you can get almost anywhere on foot within this Los Angeles neighborhood. However, residents also gain access to LA’s robust public transit, Metro.
You can utilize Metro bus lines 2, 20, 302, and 305, and Metro Rapid (Express) lines 720 and 761. Santa Monica Blue Bus has lines 1, 2, 3, 8, and 12 through the neighborhood, and Culver CityBus connects Westwood and UCLA area residents to the Metro Expo Line, which offers additional travel options.
Westwood Population & Demographics
With a population of 54,454, Westwood Los Angeles is a large neighborhood. Its racial and ethnic makeup is diverse:
- White (Not Hispanic or Latino): 25,775 – 49.7%
- Asian: 13,918 – 26.8%
- Hispanic or Latino: 6,855 – 13.2%
- Two or More Races: 4,597 – 8.86%
- Some Other Race: 3,021 – 5.82%
- Black or African American: 2,350 – 4.53%
- American Indian & Alaska Native: 187 – 0.36%
- Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander: 170 – 0.33%
The Asian and Hispanic population is notably high in Westwood LA, making it an attractive option for those who seek diversity. 27.3% of people are foreign-born, and 9.2% of the population speaks Spanish. The median household income for Westwood (zip code 90024) is $79,994, just slightly above the US median of $77,719.
Most residents are young adults, with 56% of people living in Westwood CA being between 18 and 34 years old. Only 5.1% are under the age of 9, meaning there aren’t many families with children here. 88% of households are occupied by people over the age of 18, and 42.6% of households have only one resident.
Of the 21,957 housing units, 33.2% are owner-occupied, whereas 66.8% are rent-occupied, reflecting the area's urban ambience and young demographics.
Is Westwood Safe?
There are no individual crime rate statistics available for Westwood, as it's a neighborhood within Los Angeles, so we will use Los Angeles and bordering areas as a reference when deciding if Westwood, California, is a safe place to call home! However, it’s important to note that LA has a handful of very high crime areas (like Skid Row) that greatly affect its overall crime rate.
- Los Angeles crime rate per 100,000 people: 3,543
- California crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,843
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
While LA does have a high crime rate, Westwood and the entire west side of Los Angeles are renowned for experiencing very little crime. The Los Angeles Police Department is also an award-winning department that’s eager to protect the people living in Westwood CA.
Cost of Living in Westwood
Most cities within Los Angeles have a very expensive living situation, and Westwood follows that exact trend. Los Angeles has a Cost of Living Index of 150, making it 50% more expensive than the average US city.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need a household income of $134,902 to live comfortably in Los Angeles County. Exploring daily expenditures can help you better gauge if you can afford to live in Westwood Los Angeles.
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.52
- Loaf of white bread: $4.10
- Dozen eggs: $7.83
- Pound of local cheese: $5.73
- Fitness club: $47.00
Source: Numbeo
Westwood Real Estate - Average Rent + Median Home Value
Many people (66.8%) living in Westwood CA rent, and according to RentCafe, the average rent per month for a 938-square-foot unit is $3,753. 59% of rentals are over $3,000, and only 3% are under $2,000 per month. The high renter population is likely due to the neighborhood's proximity to UCLA, as many Westwood residents are students; 53.3% of the population are enrolled students, and 42.1% are undergraduate students.
The housing market is also very expensive and competitive. For example, the Westwood CA median home price is $1.2 million, and the average price per square foot is $844—this may be slightly over your typical college student's budget. Homes typically take about 79 days to sell, and 25.3% sell above listing price.
If you have the budget to afford Westwood CA homes for sale, it would certainly be a good investment. However, renting is very common here, and a great alternative!
Where to Live in Westwood - Top Los Angeles Neighborhoods
The LA neighborhood of Westwood has many great areas to consider living in. Whether you have the budget to buy a home or need to find an apartment in the meantime while you pursue your degree, you’ll have plenty of options here.
Westwood Village
Westwood Village is located within Westwood, CA, and is renowned for its walkability and excellent nearby shops. The median home price in Westwood Village is $1.1 million, but most people in this area rent. The community borders Mathias Botanical Garden and is within a few blocks of the University of California, Los Angeles.
If you plan to rent and want to be within walking distance of top attractions like the Hammer Museum and an expansive shopping center, then consider Legacy at Westwood Apartments.
Floor plans range from 693 to 1630 square feet, and all units are fully updated with modern features like granite countertops and LVP floors. The amenities include a dog park, bike racks, a business center, free valet services, and a 24-hour fitness center with free weights.
If you want to reside in luxury condos when living in Westwood CA, Wilshire Holmby is the place for you. You get an ideal view of the quaint neighborhood below without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of residing in Westwood Village.
Westwood CA Weather
According to the Koppen climate classification, Westwood boasts a Mediterranean climate, or Csb. The weather is enjoyable most of the year, minus a month or two of excessive heat in the summer. Temperatures here vary from 42 degrees Fahrenheit to 93 degrees, with the most pleasant temperatures happening between late May and mid-October.
The warmest month here is August, with an average high of 85 degrees. The coldest month is December, which has an average daily low of 48 degrees. You will experience 263 sunny days a year when living in Westwood CA.
Things to Do in Westwood CA
Westwood is a primary residential neighborhood, with the UCLA campus occupying a significant portion of the area. While there are notable parks and attractions within the community’s limits, many residents travel to other Los Angeles areas for things to do.
Geffen Playhouse is a historic venue in Westwood that showcases live shows from the region's top performers. It’s one of the best theatres in Westwood CA, and one of the best things to do within the community limits.
10886 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 208-2028
If you’re looking for fresh produce and unique items for your home, come over to the farmers' market in Westwood CA. It’s open on Thursdays only, from 12 to 5 PM.
1036 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
The neighborhood's recreation center spans 2.9 acres and hosts Aidan's Place, a large playground, countless athletic fields, a dog park, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. It’s one of the best things to do in Westwood, whether you have kids or you’re a college student looking for a way to stay active.
1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, (310) 473-3610
Get your sweat on at CorePower Yoga in Westwood. The classes are known for their helpful instructors and quick results.
1031 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (833) 4480-2561
What to Do in Westwood If You’re Willing to Travel
Here’s a list of fun attractions that are within 10 miles of Westwood!
If you want to get involved in community events when living in Westwood CA, look to the village of Westwood’s events calendar. There are numerous opportunities to get to know your fellow Angelinos through weekly playtime meetups, social gardening, and art labs.
Westwood Restaurants
LA has one of the most diverse food scenes in the entire nation, and many of its most delicious dining options are located in Westwood. Explore all the great restaurants in your potential new home.
If you’re looking for traditional American cuisine, live music, and good service, The Hideout is the place to be. It’s popular with the younger crowd because it’s located near the college and still offers tasty food and friendly staff.
930 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 691-7850
House of Meatballs offers Italian dishes galore, alongside its unique meatball creations. There are traditional options, as well as unique varieties, such as eggplant meatballs.
1076 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 208-5117
Explore French eats at this top Westwood restaurant. Violet is renowned for its French onion soup, truffle fries, and steak au poivre.
1121 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (310) 208-1121
Jobs in Westwood CA
Westwood's economy has strong entertainment roots, as it's close to Fox and Sony. It's a technology hub that hosts various startups looking for eager individuals for entry-level positions. People living in Westwood CA should have great luck finding work in Los Angeles County’s leading industries: entertainment, technology, aerospace, and fashion.
Major employers in the Los Angeles California region are the County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the University of California, Los Angeles. If you’re a student seeking internships, consider the following. Lanetta Wahlgren, UCLA Internship Program, Writers Guild Foundation, and Koreatown Youth and Community Center.
There are also ample arts internships in the area. For example, the LA County Department of Arts & Culture offers college-level placement internships.
Schools in Westwood
Westwood hosts the notable UCLA, but there are also other colleges and K-12 schools for residents to consider.
The district serving public school students is the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). There are four schools serving the community: Fairburn Avenue Elementary School, Warner Avenue Elementary School, Ralph Waldo Emerson Middle School, and University High School. Sinai Akiba Academy and St. Paul the Apostle School are nearby private schools.
Higher Education - Explore LA’s College Town
Considering nearly half of the people living in Westwood CA are undergraduate students, this is where you want to live if you’re attending UCLA, one of the nation’s top public research universities. Its strong academics, vibrant campus life, and nationally recognized athletic programs attract young adults by the thousands.
Beyond UCLA, Westwood also hosts the American Jewish University, located nearby, which provides undergraduate, graduate, and community education programs.
Westwood Statistics & Information
- Westwood CA county: Los Angeles County
- Westwood CA area: 5.56 square miles
- Westwood CA zip code(s): 90024, 90025, 90049
- Westwood CA area code(s): 310, 424
- Westwood CA time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8 and -7)
- Westwood CA elevation: 338 feet
- Closest airport to Westwood CA: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 14.1 miles from Westwood
Westwood Los Angeles CA Map
Explore this lovely area with this map of Westwood CA
Moving to Westwood With Movegreen
Westwood CA Los Angeles is a great place to call home. If you agree upon learning everything there is to know about this neighborhood, then let our Westwood movers make living in Westwood CA a possibility. Contact us today at (866) 684-7336 for a free estimate on your upcoming move.
