Getting yourself acquainted

If you want to spend 20-75 million dollars on an estate, Bel-Air is for you. There are typically a dozen estates on the market in the 25-50 million dollar range and as many – if not more – that are pocket listings off the market that well exceed the 50 million dollar price range.

Bel-Air, Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills make up what is known as LA’s Platinum Triangle. The neighborhood has long provided sanctuary for the most wealthy and private moguls of politics, business and entertainment (President Reagan, Walt Disney, Bruce Lee, Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor… the list of residents is endless). The community is anchored by its two gates on Sunset Blvd. which lead into the neighborhood (the East and West gate). And while it’s possible to buy a home in Bel-Air for 2-3 million, the typical price will be closer to starting at $10,000,000 and going up from there.

Bel Air Neighborhood Statistics

With an average income in excess of $200,000 – Bel Air is truly a playground for the affluent. As one might expect, not a lot of people live in Bel Air (less than 10,000) and those that do are extremely wealthy and well-educated. According to LATime… — With an average income in excess of $200,000 – Bel Air is truly a playground for the affluent. As one might expect, not a lot of people live in Bel Air (less than 10,000) and those that do are extremely wealthy and well-educated. According to LATimes statistics more than 65% of the residents of Bel Air have a four year degree. More than 35% have a masters degree or better, making this neighborhood the most well-educated in Los Angeles.

As one might expect, Bel Air residents are not college-age. In fact, despite the fact that UCLA’s campus is a short drive down Sunset Blvd., the average age of Bel Air residents is among the oldest in Los Angeles – 46 years old to be exact. In fact,… — As one might expect, Bel Air residents are not college-age. In fact, despite the fact that UCLA’s campus is a short drive down Sunset Blvd., the average age of Bel Air residents is among the oldest in Los Angeles – 46 years old to be exact. In fact, one-fifth of the residents in Bel Air are over 65, most living in households with 2.5 residents.

Bel Air Crime

As one might expect, crime in Bel Air is rare, especially violent crimes. According to areavibes.com, the crime index (Violent & Property) in Bel Air, CA is 60% lower than it is in Los Angeles, CA. This makes Bel Air safer than 85% of the neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

Spotcrime.com is a great resource for those who are interested in viewing crime statistics in cities across America. This site allows you to search crimes by address or city. It also categories crimes in the area, making it easier to identify when thefts, burglaries, and vandalism can be a problem in a neighborhood. The site also specifies things like shootings and arrests.

View Recent Crimes in Bel Air, CA

Bel Air Schools

As one might expect, Bel Air residents send their kids to private schools. There are no lack of them in and around the city, either. Harvard-Westlake and Marymount High School are among the finest learning institutions in California while schools like Berkeley Hall, Brentwood School & The Archer School For Girls offer students a unique, top-notch education experience.

There are 3 public schools in Bel Air; Community Magnet Charter Elementary, Roscomare Elementary & Warner Avenue Elementary – each of these schools has an Academic Performance Rank of ‘10’, the highest possible.

The areavibes.com website gives Bel Air a “C+” grade for education, but that is mainly because of its lack of public schools. The bottom line is that very few children who are lucky enough to grow up in Bel Air, CA ever attend anything but the best … — The areavibes.com website gives Bel Air a “C+” grade for education, but that is mainly because of its lack of public schools. The bottom line is that very few children who are lucky enough to grow up in Bel Air, CA ever attend anything but the best schools in the state. With financial resources comes great access to education.

Bel Air Parks & Libraries

Bel Air has some of the most beautiful tree-lined streets in Los Angeles and the local parks & libraries are top-notch. The Stone Canyon Overlook & Getty View Park are two of the region’s most popular parks and offer great opportunities to enjoy a hike with a great view.

Beverly Glen Park is also a location that many Bel Air residents frequent, but can be a bit hard to access since it is surrounded by large segments of privately owned property.

There are no public libraries in Bel Air, but Westwood and UCLA are a 5 minute drive down Sunset. The Donald Bruce Kaufman library in Brentwood and Westwood Library on Glendon Ave. are two public libraries within a short drive from Bel Air.

The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049

“There is no admittance fee to visit the museum, but visitors are required to make a reservation to park. The parking fee is $5.00 per car (regardless of how many people you can fit into your vehicle). If you, or someone in your group is a college s… — “There is no admittance fee to visit the museum, but visitors are required to make a reservation to park. The parking fee is $5.00 per car (regardless of how many people you can fit into your vehicle). If you, or someone in your group is a college student, you don’t need a reservation to park. Just show the parking attendant your student I.D. card and pay the parking fee. If you want to bring a picnic, the Getty Center offers a picnic area in a garden setting near the tram and parking garage.” – from the art a go go website
Visit The Getty Center’s website to learn more about The J. Paul Getty Trust

One of the true architectural landmarks of Southern California, the Getty Center is located high in the hills overlooking Brentwood and just across the 405 freeway from Bel Air. Part of the experience in visiting The Getty lies in the voyage you must take to get there - with most visitors opting to take the three-car tram from the parking garage.

Bel Air Restaurants

While Bel Air itself doesn’t have any true restaurant options, Brentwood, Westwood, Beverly Hills & Santa Monica are all within driving distance and offer great culinary options. Bel Air residents appreciate the finer in life and the cuisine in the surrounding high-rent regions offer ample opportunities for gastronomes to sample some of the best food in California, the west coast, and the world.

Wolfgang Puck At Bel Air Hotel
701 Stone Canyon Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90077
(310) 472-1211

The Hotel Bel Air is one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the world. Wolfgang Pucks restaurant and bar, which is set within the lovely 12 acres of the hotel grounds, offers incredible culinary delights. The restaurant offers dining options on its picturesque terrace (overlooking a swan lake), a lovely dining room or a more cause bar or lounge area.

Bel Air Bar & Grill
662 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-5544

Owned by Susan Disney Ward, niece of Walt Disney, this family friendly restaurant and wine bar offers great food options at a reasonable price (for the neighborhood). If you don’t have time to dine in the restaurant, go to the “shack in the back” for some quick eats to go.

Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa
11640 W San Vicente Blvd Los Angeles, California 90049
310-820-4477

Celebrated japanese chef Kazunori Nozawa offers some of the finest sushi in California from this location near Bel Air, CA. This isn’t your average sushi spot, no tempura or elaborate rolls to speak of, just fresh, raw ingredients served with a painstaking attention to detail. Order the “trust me” or “omakase” style for a real treat.

If you're looking to buy or sell a house in Bel Air, or are just curious about the neighborhood, contact Johnny Johnston at (323)207.9521. For us, this is one of the neighborhoods in Los Angeles, where if you're going to be looking at real estate, it's imperative that you have a connected realtor - because so much of the market is 'black-market' or off-market, you need someone who knows the players.