Considering a move to Brentwood but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Brentwood has a mix of hillside retreats, walkable condo hubs, and quiet estate streets that can feel very different block to block. In this guide, you will get a practical map of micro-areas, commutes, parking, parks, schools, and buyer tips so you can tour with purpose and make a confident decision. Let’s dive in.
Brentwood at a glance
Brentwood sits on the Westside of Los Angeles with informal boundaries and a commonly referenced 90049 zip code. You will find flat, walkable corridors along San Vicente, Barrington, and Bundy, plus hilly residential pockets to the north and east. Most homes are single-family, with condos and townhomes closer to the commercial corridors and the adjacent Wilshire corridor. If you are comparing areas, focus on your lifestyle fit first, then narrow to specific streets with your agent.
Choose your micro-area
Estates and privacy near the Country Club
If you prefer quiet streets, larger lots, and landscaping that adds privacy, look at Brentwood Circle and the Brentwood Country Club area. Many homes here are estate-style with gated entries and mature trees. Expect less through-traffic and a more secluded feel.
Hillside retreat in Mandeville Canyon
Mandeville Canyon offers a greener, canyon-like setting with winding roads and larger lots. You will see hillside properties, some with steep driveways, and more yard space than in flatter sections. It delivers a suburban feel while staying close to Westside amenities.
Kenter-Bundy corridor for neighborhood continuity
The Kenter Canyon and Kenter-Bundy corridor has a strong neighborhood feel with mid- to high-end single-family homes and many ranch-style houses. If you value community connections and nearby elementary options, this area belongs on your shortlist. Always verify exact school boundaries through official tools.
Walkable condo hubs around San Vicente
Near San Vicente, Brentwood Village, and parts of Bundy, you will find smaller blocks with shops, cafes, gyms, and grocery stores nearby. Condos and townhomes are common here, which makes this pocket a fit if you want lower-maintenance living and everyday convenience.
Condo towers along Wilshire Corridor
Immediately adjacent to Brentwood, the Wilshire corridor features high-rise condos with on-site amenities and quick access to Westwood and Century City. If you want an elevator lifestyle with Westside connectivity, keep this area on your radar.
View pockets near the Getty
Northern Brentwood, near Mulholland and the Getty Center, includes hillside streets with city and canyon views. These areas feel quieter, with homes tucked into the landscape and trail access a short drive away.
Commutes and getting around
Key routes and driving realities
The I-405 is Brentwood’s main north-south spine and often the fastest way to reach Westwood, Century City, the San Fernando Valley, and LAX. Traffic on the Sepulveda Pass can be heavy during morning and evening peaks, so timing matters. Wilshire and Sunset are core east-west routes, while San Vicente, Bundy, and Sepulveda provide surface-street options to Santa Monica and Westwood.
Transit options that help
Metro buses run along the main corridors and connect to the E Line toward Santa Monica and Downtown. Use the Metro Trip Planner to see current routes and schedules for your exact address. The D Line Extension to Westwood is under construction; follow updates on the Purple Line Extension project page to understand future rail access to UCLA and surrounding job centers.
Biking and micromobility
Brentwood has bike lanes on some corridors like San Vicente, which work well for errands and short rides. Hilly pockets, especially Mandeville Canyon, are less bike-friendly. If biking is part of your routine, test routes during the times you plan to ride.
Parking and permits 101
Street parking rules vary by block, and many Westside streets require permits during certain hours. Before you tour, check the LADOT Residential Parking Permit program for zone maps, guest permit rules, and application steps. On commercial corridors, meters and posted street-sweeping schedules are common, so read signs carefully.
If you are considering a condo or townhome, ask for HOA parking policies along with CC&Rs. Many communities assign spaces and control guest parking through permits. For older single-family homes, confirm garage size and driveway usability, especially if the property is on a slope. If you frequently host visitors or contractors, make sure the street and guest parking setup will work for your needs.
Parks, culture, and weekend routine
Getty Center
The Getty Center is a global cultural anchor minutes from northern Brentwood. You get gardens, architecture, exhibits, and expansive city views that make for an easy weekend plan. Check visiting info for hours, parking, and special programs.
Trails and open space
Will Rogers State Historic Park and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains offer popular trailheads for hiking and trail runs. If you favor regular outdoor time, living closer to the foothills can shorten your drive to trail access. In peak dry seasons, stay aware of brush conditions and local advisories.
Markets, coffee, and neighborhood staples
Brentwood’s weekend rhythm often includes the Brentwood Farmers Market, along with stops at Brentwood Country Mart, neighborhood cafes, and boutique fitness studios. Everyday errands are simple along San Vicente, Barrington, and Bundy, where you will find Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Bristol Farms, and smaller specialty markets.
Everyday services snapshot
Schools and enrollment steps
Brentwood is served by Los Angeles Unified School District, with boundaries that can change. Always check your exact address using the LAUSD Resident School Identifier. Private schools operate in and near the area as well, and each has its own admissions calendar. For any school plan, start early, review official websites, and book campus tours when possible.
Healthcare and daily shopping
Healthcare hubs include Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood and Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. You will also find urgent care and medical offices along the main corridors. Groceries, pharmacies, and fitness options are clustered near San Vicente and Brentwood Village, so you can combine errands in one outing.
Housing types and what to expect
Single-family spectrum
Across Brentwood, you will see mid-century ranch homes, remodeled contemporaries, and large estate properties. Hillside areas like Mandeville Canyon and northern pockets near Mulholland tend to have larger lots. If privacy, yard space, or views top your list, these micro-areas are worth a close look.
Condos and townhomes
Condos and townhomes concentrate around San Vicente, Brentwood Village, and adjacent Wilshire. They appeal if you want lower maintenance and walkable access to shops and services. Ask for recent HOA budgets, reserve studies, and any special assessment history to understand total cost of ownership.
Pricing and market context
Brentwood is a high-priced Westside market, with single-family homes often trading well into the seven figures and estate pockets commanding premium pricing. For current medians, inventory, and days on market, use live market tools or request a custom snapshot. Your agent can pull comparable sales for your exact street and property type.
Inspections and due diligence
If you are considering hillside homes, add geotechnical and drainage evaluations to your inspection plan. Many older homes benefit from seismic retrofits and foundation reviews. Portions of Brentwood sit near wildland areas; use the LAFD Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone map to understand brush management requirements and insurance considerations. For condos and townhomes, review HOA rules on parking, rentals, and remodel approvals before you offer.
Plan your scouting trip
Before you arrive
- Define your top two lifestyle priorities, such as walkability or yard space.
- Shortlist micro-areas and home types that match those priorities.
- Ask your agent for pre-visit disclosures, floor plans, HOA packets, and parking details for each property.
What to check during tours
- Visit the property at morning and evening commute times to test routes and noise.
- Walk the block to assess parking availability, slope, and proximity to main roads.
- Verify garage capacity, driveway usability, and any guest parking rules.
- Note yard and drainage conditions, especially on hillside lots.
Timeline and escrow basics
Most conventional purchases in California close in about 30 to 45 days, depending on financing and contingencies. If you are relocating, line up insurance quotes, utility transfers, and any HOA approvals early. For condos and townhomes, reserve time to review HOA documents and ask questions before removing contingencies.
Safety and preparedness basics
For neutral, current data, use LAPD tools to explore incidents by block and time of day. The LAPD crime maps and statistics page is a good starting point. For hazard awareness and seasonal planning, review brush and fire-zone information from the Los Angeles Fire Department. If you are considering hillside properties, ask about local evacuation routes and vegetation management requirements.
Sample touring shortlists
- Large private estates and quiet streets: Brentwood Circle, streets near the Country Club, and northern pockets near Mulholland or the Getty Center.
- Schools, yards, and neighborhood continuity: Kenter Canyon sector and streets near neighborhood parks.
- Low-maintenance, walkable living: San Vicente corridor, Brentwood Village, Bundy and San Vicente nodes, and adjacent Wilshire condos.
- Canyon retreat close to the city: Mandeville Canyon and adjacent hillside streets.
- Single-level or downsizing options: Smaller single-family pockets and low-rise condos along San Vicente and Bundy.
Ready to make a move?
Relocating to Brentwood is easier when you have a hyper-local plan. If you want a tour map that matches your lifestyle, a live market snapshot for your streets of interest, and a clear offer strategy, connect with Kyle Leibovitch. You will get neighbor-level guidance backed by polished brokerage resources.
FAQs
How does Brentwood’s street parking work for residents?
- Many streets use permit rules that vary by zone and hours. Check your block and apply through the LADOT Residential Parking Permit program, and confirm guest permit options before you move.
What are realistic commute options from Brentwood?
- The I-405, Wilshire, Sunset, and San Vicente are primary routes. Buses connect to the E Line, and the Metro Trip Planner helps you model exact trips. Track the Purple Line Extension for future rail access to Westwood.
How can I evaluate wildfire exposure for a Brentwood property?
- Review the LAFD Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone map, ask for vegetation-management details, and get insurance quotes early if the home is near brush.
Which schools serve a specific Brentwood address?
- Boundaries change, so confirm using the LAUSD Resident School Identifier and follow up with individual school websites for enrollment timelines and requirements.
Where do locals go on weekends in Brentwood?
- Popular stops include the Getty Center, the Brentwood Farmers Market, and trailheads in the Santa Monica Mountains. Everyday errands cluster along San Vicente and Brentwood Village.
