5 Reasons People Love Brentwood

Mary Lu Tuthill | April 1, 2020

There's Plenty to Love About Brentwood: The Hidden Gem of the Westside

When you think about Los Angeles' Westside, what comes to mind? The opulence of Beverly Hills? The rarefied air of Bel Air? Or the coastal elegance of Pacific Palisades?

While Brentwood may not always garner the flashy headlines of its neighbors, this private, upscale community is the true "insider's choice." It’s difficult to discount a place where past and present residents include legends like Steve McQueen and Marilyn Monroe, alongside modern icons like Harrison Ford, LeBron James, and Travis Scott.

Explore current Brentwood homes for sale to see the latest listings in this exclusive enclave.

1. 2025 Market Insight: A Rare Window of Opportunity

The 2024–2025 real estate market in Brentwood has shifted into a unique "balanced" state. While median listing prices for luxury single-family homes hover around $6.8 million, inventory has seen a slight uptick, offering buyers more leverage than in the frenzied years past.

For the first time in years, the "days on market" for premier estates has normalized, meaning buyers have breathing room to negotiate. Whether you are looking for a condo along San Vicente (median ~$1.25M) or a Mandeville Canyon estate, 2025 is shaping up to be a strategic year to enter the Brentwood market before interest rate adjustments reignite competition.

2. The Neighborhoods: From "The Flats" to The Canyons

Brentwood is not a monolith; it is a collection of distinct micro-neighborhoods, each with its own character.

The Flats: The most walkable and coveted section, located south of Sunset. Here, you find the famous "Brentwood Country Mart lifestyle," where residents walk to coffee and dinner.

Mandeville & Sullivan Canyons: Heading north into the Santa Monica Mountains, these areas offer equestrian zoning, massive lot sizes, and total privacy. It is country living just 10 minutes from the city.

Brentwood Park: The crown jewel of the area. Known for its wide, tree-lined streets and minimum lot size requirements, this is where you find the most significant architectural estates.

Crestwood Hills: A mid-century modern treasure trove. This architectural enclave in Kenter Canyon is famous for its preserved homes designed by masters like A. Quincy Jones, offering spectacular ocean views.

3. Unbeatable Centrality

Brentwood’s greatest asset is its geography. It is the bridge between the beach and the city.

To the Beach: Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean are just a 7-minute drive down San Vicente.
To the Office: Century City and Beverly Hills are 10–15 minutes east.
To the Valley: The 405 freeway access (when clear!) puts Sherman Oaks just over the hill.

Unlike Malibu (too far) or Beverly Hills (too congested), Brentwood offers the perfect "15-minute city" lifestyle for Westside professionals.

4. Culture & Dining: The "Sophisticated Village"

Brentwood punches above its weight culturally. It is home to the world-renowned Getty Center, a Richard Meier-designed masterpiece that sits on the hilltop like a modern acropolis.

On a daily level, the culture revolves around the Brentwood Country Mart. Far from a typical mall, this red-barn historic landmark is where A-listers buy their morning coffee at Caffe Luxxe or grab tacos at Frida.

The dining scene along San Vicente has also evolved. While classic staples like Toscana remain buzzing with industry power players, newcomers like Baltaire have cemented Brentwood as a culinary destination for high-end steakhouses and social dining.

5. An Outdoor Lifestyle

Finally, Brentwood is the fittest neighborhood in Los Angeles. On any given morning, the grassy median of San Vicente Boulevard is filled with runners, and the trails of Westridge Canyonback Park are dotted with hikers and dogs.

For golfers, the neighborhood is flanked by two of the most exclusive clubs in the nation: The Brentwood Country Club to the south and the Riviera Country Club just to the west. This focus on wellness, green space, and activity is the true hallmark of the Brentwood lifestyle.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you are looking for a gated estate in Brentwood Circle or a mid-century gem in Crestwood Hills, expert guidance is key in this nuanced market.

Explore the surrounding communities of Bel Air and Pacific Palisades, or contact Mary Lu Tuthill today for a private consultation.

About the Author

Mary Lu Tuthill

Mary Lu Tuthill is the Vice President of Global Luxury Brentwood. She brings a refreshingly genuine, earnest and forthright work ethic to the business of real estate. It's these qualities along with her incredible knowledge and experience, that has allowed her to become a leading luxury realtor on the LA Westside.

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