California is well-known for its opulent and upscale communities that draw the global elite and wealthy. The state’s status as a haven for celebrities and millionaires is due to its thriving economy fueled by tech, entertainment, and financial sectors. However, which areas are the wealthiest areas in California for residing ?
In the wealthiest areas of California, you'll find meticulously kept roads and green spaces along with access to premier educational institutions and leisure amenities. The locals reside in expansive houses featuring generous outdoor areas, sweeping vistas, and a strong sense of safety and privacy.
What are the wealthiest areas in California for residing?
The following listing of affluent areas within California ranks these locations according to their high-end facilities, premium retail outlets, fine dining choices, as well as the median cost of homes. This data has been compiled using information provided by Property Club and Norada Real Estate. Below you will find an enumeration of some of the wealthiest communities in California:
| Richest neighborhood | Median home price |
| Pacific Palisades | $3.97 million |
| Bel Air | $4.0 million |
| Beverly Glen | $1.8 million |
| Brentwood | $834,956 |
| Playa Vista | $1.3 million |
| Westchester | $794,500 |
| West Hills | 1.1 million |
| Venice | $2.7 million |
| Porter Ranch | $1.3 million |
| Encino | $1.6 million |
1. Pacific Palisades
Considered as one of the wealthiest areas in California, Pacific Palisades is strategically situated on the western edge of Los Angeles, nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Its idyllic environment, highlighted by breathtaking views of the sea, contributes significantly to making this locale particularly appealing to well-heeled inhabitants.
The area is renowned for its plethora of multi-million-dollar homes, where the typical sale price for a house hovers around $3.97 million. Pacific Palisades provides an exceptional standard of living thanks to its top-notch facilities.
This encompasses parks, hiking paths, and the well-liked Palisades Village for shopping and dining. The community is renowned for its top-notch educational institutions, drawing families who are ready to invest extra to reside in this locality.
2. Bel Air
Bel Air stands out as one of the most costly areas in California because of its exclusiveness, opulent mansions, and esteemed status. The neighborhood boasts spacious home sites, high-end residences, and an illustrious past.
This area forms part of the Platinum Triangle of Los Angeles, which includes Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills, renowned for its expensive properties. Bel Air features opulent residences larger than 100,000 square feet, drawing wealthy inhabitants and famous personalities.
The appeal of this region is heightened by its position within the Santa Monica Mountains, its warm-summer Mediterranean climate, and its closeness to high-end facilities.
3. Beverly Glen
Beverly Glen stands out as one of the wealthiest areas in California because of its distinctive mix of elements that enhance both its appeal and rarity.
Nestled in the center of Los Angeles, Beverly Glen gives inhabitants easy access to the city’s attractions, recreational facilities, and commercial hubs while offering privacy and an exclusive atmosphere.
Beverly Glen benefits from access to some of the finest educational institutions in the region, making it an attractive choice for families seeking a premium living environment. Additionally, the community boasts considerable wealth with a median household income exceeding $311,000, suggesting robust economic conditions and a thriving housing sector.
4. Brentwood
Brentwood stands out as one of the wealthiest cities in California due to its closeness to the San Francisco Bay Area. This region is renowned for its robust tech sector and thriving economic environment.
Brentwood boasts an abundance of upscale automobile retailers such as Mini, Porsche, and Audi, which help place it among the wealthiest small towns in the United States. The area’s households have a median income of $133,304, with homes valued at a median of $489,700.
5. Playa Vista
Playa Vista is a Californian neighborhood known for its affluent population, steep property values, and distinctive attributes. This area has a median home price of $1,657,979, making it pricier compared to many other neighborhoods both within California and across the United States.
In Playa Vista, the typical rent amounts to $5,618, placing it above 98% of Californian communities. This area’s prosperity stems from its high-end real estate, eco-friendly initiatives, significant technology industry influence, excellent pedestrian accessibility, and vibrant communal spirit. Such attributes render it an exceptionally sought-after location for residence.
6. Westchester
Westchester is a district within the city limits of Los Angeles. Known for being among the more affluent regions in the state, Westchester owes much of this status to its advantageous proximity to significant urban centers such as the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The typical household income in Westchester stands at $408,000, showcasing the region’s wealth. Property listings generally begin at approximately $5 million, with some properties occasionally listing for as high as $10 million to $15 million.
7. West Hills
Located within the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, West Hills stands out as one of California’s most affluent areas. With a median household income reaching $135,871, which significantly surpasses the national average, West Hills ranks in the top 2% nationally.
West Hills boasts a strategic position, situated just half an hour from Downtown Los Angeles. This easy access to prominent urban centers adds to its appeal as a desirable residence for wealthy individuals looking for ease of movement and closeness to city facilities.
8. Venice
Venice, a seaside district within Los Angeles, California, has evolved through time from an artistic haven into one of the most desirable and affluent areas in the state.
A half-mile segment between Venice and Westminster along Abbot Kinney represents the core of Venice’s revitalization. This formerly rough neighborhood has been transformed into an area featuring luxury stores, fashionable cafes, and expensive dining establishments.
The typical home price in Venice has surged to almost $1.6 million, outpacing numerous other areas within Los Angeles. Additionally, the area’s median household income has increased to $152,527.
9. Porter Ranch
Situated in the San Fernando Valley, Porter Ranch stands as one of California’s most affluent areas. More than half of the households in this region—specifically at least 52%—bring in an annual income exceeding $100,000. Property values in Porter Ranch have surged past the $1 million mark for a typical house, which can cost anywhere between $700,000 and $3 million.
Porter Ranch provides numerous facilities such as parks, malls, and golf clubs designed for an upscale living experience. Its suburban, enclosed environment along with opportunities for outdoor activities attracts many well-heeled inhabitants.
10. Encino
Encino boasts a high median household income along with costly property values. The typical home in Encino is valued at around $2.6 million, making it pricier than 97.1% of areas in California and 99.5% of regions across the U.S.
Encino has a median household income of $117,836, which serves as a significant marker of economic well-being in the area. The neighborhood is home to highly regarded educational institutions, including both public and private schools. This makes Encino an attractive choice for families looking to provide their children with excellent schooling opportunities.
Final word
The top 10 wealthiest areas in California include Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Beverly Glen, Brentwood, Playa Vista, Westchester, West Hills, Venice, Porter Ranch, and Encino. Known for their opulent lifestyles, elite enclaves, and substantial average household earnings, these locales stand out.
.co.ke featured an article highlighting the top areas in Seattle suitable for both families and young professionals. Situated within King County, Washington, Seattle stands as a major urban center in the Pacific Northwest region.
With a population exceeding 734,603, it ranks as the 15th most populous city in the U.S. If you're wondering about the best neighborhoods in Seattle for young professionals and families, discover them here.
