Bel Air is a gorgeous corner of Los Angeles nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. This chic community, which sits north of Westwood between Beverly Hills and Brentwood, is one of the most sought-after residential communities in the country. Part of the “Platinum Triangle” of Los Angeles, along with Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills, Bel Air is a true masterpiece of California luxury living. Boasting stunning vistas, gorgeous palatial homes, and an air of peaceful calm, Bel Air is a beacon of luxury and beauty.
Living in Bel Air is the epitome of prestige and opulence — the ultimate lavish enclave. Homes in this Los Angeles haven are some of the most upscale and architecturally significant properties around. The majority of homes for sale in Bel Air regularly range upwards of 10 million and far beyond, making it one of the most affluent communities in the state.
Real estate seekers from around the world flock to Bel Air for the posh lifestyle and peaceful repose. The name alone has become synonymous with luxury, drawing in the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Here are five reasons why people love living in Bel Air.
1. Unmatched prestige
With its location in the verdant, rolling hillsides high above the rest of Los Angeles, Bel Air has a vibe of unparalleled tranquility. It feels far removed from the vibrant activity of areas like downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. Bel Air residents have the perfect calm escape after a busy day of work and socializing in one of the area’s more lively spots. This level of peaceful calm has elevated Bel Air to the most desired community in the greater Los Angeles area.
2. Lavish homes
These lavish estates are architectural marvels, spanning styles from Tudor Revival to Mediterranean to contemporary. Bel Air homes have been designed by some of the biggest names in architecture, such as Gordon Kauffman, Pierre Koenig, Zoltan Pali, David C. Rich, and Lord Norman Foster. Famous homes in the Bel Air area include Le Belvedere, the Manor (also known as Spelling Manor), and Stahl House, also called Case Study #22.
3. An idyllic location
When Bel Air residents want to hit the town, vibrant downtown Los Angeles and lavish Beverly Hills are only minutes away. Both spots have plenty of upscale eateries, fine boutiques, and buzzing nightlife to enjoy. Within the limits of the Bel Air community, residents have the Bel-Air Country Club, a renowned hotel that’s hosted big-name Hollywood stars. The 18-hole championship course at the center of the club is an icon on the California golf scene.
4. A rich history
Bell and his associates soon founded institutions like the Bel Air Country Club and the Bel Air Garden Club. The building that once served as the planning office for community development is the main building of the Hotel Bel-Air today. Icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood, like Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and Burt Reynolds, all flocked to the serene hillsides of Bel Air. Today, many of the biggest names in entertainment call this community home, craving the quiet serenity in this Los Angeles enclave.
5. Excellent local schools
Bel Air children can attend several highly rated private educational institutions. These include Marymount High School, a private all-girls high school with a competitive college-preparatory program and a strong focus on leadership development. Harvard-Westlake School is a prestigious secondary school with a strong emphasis on academics and extracurriculars.
An experienced real estate team
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash