Westwood / Century City

 

Welcome to Westwood / Century City

The home of UCLA, Westwood has the energy and international flavor of its youthful and diverse student population. It’s also a major center of commerce, with luxurious high-rise apartments and office buildings running the length of Wilshire Boulevard. Some of the most opulent single-family homes in Los Angeles can be found in its Holmby Hills Estates neighborhood, including the famous Playboy Mansion.

At the heart of this community is Westwood Village, founded in 1929. Its shops, theaters, and restaurants have kept the small-town feel of the original neighborhood, though glossy office towers and penthouses now surround it. The village is a central meeting place for students and tourists and a destination for moviegoers, who flock to the beautiful vintage theaters, sites of many world premieres. A notable Westwood Village attraction is the Armand Hammer Museum, renowned for its world-class collections of Impressionist and Modern art. A remarkably varied group of ethnic restaurants cater to a diverse student population. The Wilshire Corridor, a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard that houses some of the most luxurious condominiums in the city, appeals to empty nesters and well-to-do professionals. Corridor living includes 24-hour concierge service and upscale amenities. Both charter and public schools are well-reviewed by the community, and there are many private schools within easy driving distance.

The borders of Westwood are Sunset Boulevard to the north and Olympic Boulevard to the south, with Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards running through the center. All are major traffic routes. The architecture is a pleasing retro blend of Art Deco, Mediterranean revival, and modern. Close by are Brentwood, Beverly Hills/Bel-Air, and Century City, all with their own vibrant shopping and dining centers. There is extensive local bus service to the area, along with plans to extend the new Purple Line subway and add lanes to the 405 freeway to ease travel time to and from Westwood.