Have you always dreamed of settling down in a safe community with great weather and easy access to beaches? You may want to consider moving to Westlake Village. Westlake Village, California is a city in Los Angeles County, offering friendly residents and a great location.
Living Westlake Village offers a serene suburban lifestyle with beautiful views, upscale homes, and excellent amenities. Residents enjoy access to top-rated schools, parks, and the Westlake Lake, ideal for outdoor activities. With its proximity to Los Angeles and a tight-knit community, Westlake Village provides the perfect balance of luxury living and convenience.
The development of Westlake Village began in 1963, when the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company purchased 12,000 acres of land for $32 million with plans to create a master-planned community or "a city in the Country."
The county line of Los Angeles and Ventura County bisected the original community. However, in 1981, the Los Angeles County portion was formally incorporated as the city of Westlake Village (the Village was added to avoid confusion with the Los Angeles city of Westlake), after the city of Thousand Oaks absorbed the Ventura County portion.
Today, Westlake Village is a good place to live for families and retirees seeking a laid back, Southern California city with prime real estate. So, if you're contemplating a relocation to this beautiful city, here's everything you need to know about living in Westlake Village.
Where Is Westlake Village?
Westlake Village is in Los Angeles County, positioned on the western border with Ventura County. Open space surrounds the city, which is situated in the northwestern Santa Monica Mountains. It's adjacent to the sprawling Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
It's also home to Westlake Lake, which is within the watershed of Malibu Creek. US Route 101 passes directly through the community, offering a convenient route to Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks for commuters living in Westlake Village. Other nearby communities include Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Newbury Park, and Malibu.
It's 38 miles or a 54 minute drive from Westlake Village to Los Angeles. It's only 3 miles or a 7 minute drive from Thousand Oaks to Westlake Village.
Westlake Village Population & Demographics
The Westlake Village population is 8,026 as of the 2020 census. The number of residents has seen a gradual decline since its peak in 2000, and the population decreased by 2.9% between 2010 and 2020. It has a spacious, suburban atmosphere, and the population density is 1,532 residents per square mile.
Westlake Village is an affluent area popular among families and retirees. The median age is 51.2, and 28% of residents living in Westlake Village are over 65. The median household income is $188,681, more than double the statewide median. Countless famous residents have lived in Westlake Village, including actor Will Smith and former pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 78.9% white (76.9% white, non-Hispanic), 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 0.6% Black or African American, and 10.4% two or more races.
Other Westlake Village demographics
- 51% of the Westlake Village CA population is female and 49% is male
- 96.9% of residents living in Westlake Village have a high school diploma, and 68.8% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 15.9%
Living in Westlake Village is safe. The Westlake Village crime rate is 2,006 crimes per 100,000 people, making it 29.4% safer than the rest of the state and 13.7% safer than the rest of the country. The violent crime rate is 74% lower than the rest of California and 64.8% lower than the rest of the US. The property crime rate is 20% lower than the statewide crime rate and 4.1% lower than the rest of the country. So, if crime is an issue for you, living in Westlake Village won't be a problem.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office handles crime in Westlake Village with the assistance of 140 officers and 50 civilian employees.
Westlake Village Cost of Living
Affordability may be a concern if you're planning on moving to Westlake Village. A great way to understand how much it costs to live in a particular community is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the affordability of an area to the rest of the US, using 100 as a baseline.
The COLI for Westlake Village is 182, which indicates the cost of goods is about 82% higher than the rest of the country. So compared to the typical US city, Westlake Village is expensive.
The Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute is another great resource. It reveals that the typical family with two adults and two kids needs to earn around $ 130,094 per year to afford the cost of living in Westlake Village.
Typical Westlake Village living expenses
- A gallon of milk: $5.25
- Bunch of bananas: $0.80
- Hamburger: $6.14
- Carton of eggs: $4.33
- Loaf of bread: $4.44
- A gallon of gas: $4.31
- Average Westlake Village monthly energy bill: $221.33
Source: Payscale
The sales tax for Westlake Village, CA, is 9.5%. Westlake Village real estate is also fairly expensive. Redfin indicates that the median sales price of Westlake Village homes for sale is $1.67 million. That means the average home price in Westlake Village, CA, is about four times more expensive than the average home in America. The median price per square foot is $681.
Most Westlake Village, CA, real estate is owner-occupied, and only 20% of homes in the community are rented out. However, renters living in Westlake Village will find attractive options as well. Rentcafe shows that the average rent in Westlake Village is $3,094 per month. Most rentals in the community are small-scale buildings with less than 50 units, although 53% are single-family homes. Rent prices in Westlake Village start around $2300 for a 1 bedroom and go up to $5500 for two or more bedrooms.
Westlake Village Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Westlake Village
Living in Westlake Hills offers beautiful, tree-lined cul-de-sacs featuring luxury homes and access to amenities. You'll find a range of gated communities, golf resorts, lakefront properties, and other desirable real estate options. However, with so many possibilities, it can be difficult to know where to begin. So, to help make your decision easier, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Westlake Village, CA.
Southshore Hills | A Parkside Neighborhood with Fantastic Views
Situated in the rolling hills overlooking the lake, Southshore Hills is a beautiful community of luxury homes centered around a park of the same name.
The Colony | A Gated Community with a Range of Home Styles and Upscale Amenities
The Colony is a gated community of condos and duplexes in Cape Cod-style architecture with attractive amenities like a private pool and tennis court.
Westlake Trails | A Secluded Neighborhood in the Foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains
Westlake Trails is an exclusive community of custom homes for affluent residents living in Westlake City that is known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained horse trails.
Westlake Village Weather & Climate
According to the Koppen Classification System, Westlake Village's climate is Mediterranean, with relatively mild weather throughout the year. That means residents can anticipate warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
The temperature will stay between 46Β°F and 78Β°F, although it can get as cold as 39Β°F in the winter and as hot as 86Β°F in the summer. The best time to visit someone living in Westlake Village is typically June through September. Snow isn't much of a concern, although the city does average about 17 inches of rain per year, so be sure to pack an umbrella.
Things to Do in Westlake Village
From community parks to escape rooms, you'll find various fun things to do in Westlake Village, CA. Downtown Westlake Village is full of interesting shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You'll also find plenty of options at local shopping centers like the Shoppes at Westlake, the Promenade at Westlake, or the Westlake Plaza Shopping Center. Here are some of the best things to do in Westlake Village for options outside of shopping.
Westlake Village Community Park
Westlake Village Community Park is an 18-acre green space boasting eight acres of synthetic turf athletic fields, picnic tables, volleyball courts, fitness equipment, and playgrounds.
31107 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91362
101 Escape Rooms is an interactive experience that challenges participants to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and escape the room before time runs out.
31139 Via Colinas #210, Westlake Village, CA 91362 (747) 222-7638
Westlake Village Golf Course, CA, is an 18-hole par 67 course that attracts visitors from all over the world with its challenging terrain, beautiful views, and convenient amenities.
4812 Lakeview Canyon Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361 (818) 889-0770
Additional Attractions in Westlake Village
For anyone who wants more fun things to do in Westlake Village, the Parks and Recreation Department's website has a list of special events.
Westlake Village Restaurants
Food lovers will find an impressive range of delicious restaurants in Westlake Village, CA, serving everything from Greek food to artisanal cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Westlake Village.
If you're hungry for international dishes made with fresh local ingredients, the Moody Rooster is one of the best restaurants in Westlake Village, CA. Its innovative menu items include sautΓ©ed Spanish octopus and Duroc Pork Tomahawk.
2900 Townsgate Rd UNIT 113, Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 370-3131
Pearl District Restaurant is an upscale New American bistro and bar with patio seating and eclectic dishes like lobster tempura and crispy skin branzino.
982 S Westlake Blvd #8, Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 230-9944
Mythpoint is the best Westlake Village, CA restaurant if you're in the mood for Greek cuisine with homemade recipes, happy hour specials, and classic menu items like moussaka and gyros.
3825 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite: E, Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 443-4242
Jobs in Westlake Village
Living in Westlake Village offers access to a robust job market. It's home to many commercial offices and corporate headquarters for notable companies such as Dole Food, Guitar Center K. Swiss, Anheuser-Bushe, and JD Power and Associates. The largest industries offering jobs for residents living in Westlake Village are professional, scientific services, healthcare and social assistance, and finance and insurance.
The largest employers in Westlake Village are:
Many fantastic Westlake Village jobs are readily available to residents seeking employment in roles such as office support or accountant. Local government jobs in Westlake Village, CA, are likewise available for those seeking good benefits and competitive pay.
Westlake Village Schools
Students living in Westlake Village are zoned for schools within the Las Virgenes Unified School District. White Oak is the only elementary school in Westlake Village, CA and serves students in grades K-5. It's a well-respected school and 71% of students test at or above proficiency in math and reading.
There are no middle or high schools in Westlake Village, CA. However, students are also zoned for Lindero Canyon Middle School and Agoura High School in Agoura Hills. Agoura High School ranks #322 out of all California high schools with a graduation rate of 97% and an AP participation rate of 47%.
There are also several private schools in Westlake Village, CA, such as Fusion Academy, Oaks Christian School, and the Carden Conejo School. California Lutheran University has an off-campus center in Thousand Oaks. Residents of Westlake Village can also stop by the local branch of the LA County Library System for books and other media.
Westlake Village Statistics & Information
- Westlake Village County: Los Angeles County
- Westlake Village area: 5.5 square miles
- Westlake Village zip code: 91359, 91361 and 91362
- Westlake Village area code: 747 and 818
- Westlake Village elevation: 880 ft
- Westlake Village time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Westlake Village: The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 40 miles away.
Westlake Village, CA Map
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Westlake Village with this map.
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