Westchester, which first got its boost during California’s aerospace boom in the 1940s and 1950s, is often mentioned as one of LA’s hottest neighborhoods thanks to a new industry boom: the tech giants who’ve given rise to Silicon Beach. Tucked beside LAX, Westchester is home to two important institutions of higher education: Otis College of Art & Design, which is Los Angeles’ first independent art college, and Loyola Marymount University (LMU).
Adjacent to LMU and bounded by Manchester Ave. on the south, Sepulveda Blvd. on the east, and Bluff Creek Dr. on the north The Kentwood neighborhood in Westchester is noted for its “hometown America” feel. In the 1940s, the bluffs where LMU and Kentwood are located today overlooked Howard Hughes’ aviation businesses, and Douglas Aviation set up their aircraft construction near today’s LAX. All the workers for these booming businesses needed houses. Many of the homes constructed in the area during this time were built by Fritz Burns and Kaiser Community Homes, with its factory located right in Westchester.
North KentwWestchester, which first got its boost during California’s aerospace boom in the 1940s and 1950s, is often mentioned as one of LA’s hottest neighborhoods thanks to a new industry boom: the tech giants who’ve given rise to Silicon Beach. Tucked beside LAX, Westchester is home to two important institutions of higher education: Otis College of Art & Design, which is Los Angeles’ first independent art college, and Loyola Marymount University (LMU).
Adjacent to LMU and bounded by Manchester Ave. on the south, Sepulveda Blvd. on the east, and Bluff Creek Dr. on the north The Kentwood neighborhood in Westchester is noted for its “hometown America” feel. In the 1940s, the bluffs where LMU and Kentwood are located today overlooked Howard Hughes’ aviation businesses, and Douglas Aviation set up their aircraft construction near today’s LAX. All the workers for these booming businesses needed houses. Many of the homes constructed in the area during this time were built by Fritz Burns and Kaiser Community Homes, with its factory located right in Westchester.
North Kentwood is considered the most desirable area of Westchester, located north of 80th Street, including many view homes, executive homes, and custom homes. North and South Kentwood both include homes built during the 1950s housing boom, along with newer construction. Homes along the bluff overlooking Playa Vista will have views of the city lights, with a few select homes including ocean views. Along with excellent views, both North and South Kentwood enjoy traditional tree-lined streets with well-maintained lawns and sidewalks. It is still possible to find genuine home value in Kentwood, and many younger couples and families are seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle with all the amenities of the city.
LAUSD schools in Westchester are strong, including high-scoring Kentwood Elementary School and health, science and sports magnets located at Westchester High School. Kentwood is minutes from all of the major Silicon Beach tech employers and within a quick drive of the Ballona Wetlands and Playa del Rey beaches, including the long, infrequently-crowded white sand strip at Dockweiler State Beach. Plenty of Los Angeles mid-century charm such as Pann’s Coffee Shop lend local color, and residents report that airport noise has improved over the years.
Parks
Westchester Park
Playa Vista Park
Dockweiler State Beach
Schools
Kentwood Elementary School
Orville Wright Middle School
Westchester Senior High Schoolood is considered the most desirable area of Westchester, located north of 80th Street, including many view homes, executive homes, and custom homes. North and South Kentwood both include homes built during the 1950s housing boom, along with newer construction. Homes along the bluff overlooking Playa Vista will have views of the city lights, with a few select homes including ocean views. Along with excellent views, both North and South Kentwood enjoy traditional tree-lined streets with well-maintained lawns and sidewalks. It is still possible to find genuine home value in Kentwood, and many younger couples and families are seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle with all the amenities of the city.
LAUSD schools in Westchester are strong, including high-scoring Kentwood Elementary School and health, science and sports magnets located at Westchester High School. Kentwood is minutes from all of the major Silicon Beach tech employers and within a quick drive of the Ballona Wetlands and Playa del Rey beaches, including the long, infrequently-crowded white sand strip at Dockweiler State Beach. Plenty of Los Angeles mid-century charm such as Pann’s Coffee Shop lend local color, and residents report that airport noise has improved over the years.
Parks
- Westchester Park
- Playa Vista Park
- Dockweiler State Beach
Schools
- Kentwood Elementary School
- Orville Wright Middle School
- Westchester Senior High School