BEL AIR
WELCOME TO BEL AIR
Experience privacy and spectacular estates on large lots in one of America's most prominent and coveted neighborhoods.
Bel Air is located North of Beverly Hills, with Holmby Hills to the East, and UCLA to the South on Sunset Boulevard. Bel Air is conveniently located minutes away from Interstate 405 to the West, and a twisty stretch of Mulholland Drive on the North. Bel Air was founded in the 1920s by one of Los Angeles’ primary real estate developers, Alphonzo Bell, whom also founded the Bel Air Bay Club (an exclusive beach front club in Pacific Palisades), and the Bel Air Country Club, which is a George Thomas designed golf course (premier private courses of his design include Los Angeles Country Club and Riviera Country Club). As legend has it, Bell’s wife named the streets in Bel Air after Italian themes (such as Bellagio, Copa de Oro, Cascada, St. Cloud, St. Pierre) when the neighborhood was annexed and sold in the 1930s.
Bel Air is nestled along the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and is considered Los Angeles proper. Beyond Bel Air to the North is the San Fernando Valley, which includes lofty neighborhoods, like Mulholland Estates. Bel Air local services are provided by The City of Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Fire Department 71 and the Los Angeles Police Departments. In addition, there are ample resources for private security, including ATD/Bel Air Patrol and ACS Security, which makes Bel Air real estate a premier location for optimal privacy.
Because Bel Air is a very private neighborhood, many famous television and movie productions have been set in Bel Air. The television sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” starring now A-list movie star Will Smith (18 on Forbes Highest-Paid Actors List in 2015) was set in Bel Air. The Beverly Hillbillies mansion is also located in Bel Air. Countless shots have been done along Sunset Boulevard, including those from movies like Get Shorty and Sunset Boulevard. Even so, it is not very common to have film crews in Bel Air, which is overall a very private and protected community; it is most likely to see shootings occur in neighborhoods such as Hollywood.
BEL AIR REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS
Few neighborhoods in the United States can compare to the grandeur and prestige of the Bel Air community. Bel Air real estate includes a vast array of large, gated properties providing ultimate privacy to immaculately designed residences and has been home to industry leaders such as Elon Musk and prominent American figures such as President Ronald Reagan. While there are some remaining ranch style homes, most properties have vastly upgraded. Many Bel Air estates include dramatic views into the Los Angeles basin, views of airplanes on approach to LAX (only 15 miles away), and views of Catalina Island off the Pacific Ocean coast. Bel Air real estate is ideal for couples or bachelors looking for a home that offers exceptional privacy and luxury real estate. Bel Air is home to the largest single-family home development project in Los Angeles County, which began construction in 2014.
Property is in high demand in Bel Air as there is a reduced inventory, meaning there are more potential buyers than sellers. The median sales price for homes in Bel Air is currently $1,800,000; which is a decrease of 18.2% compared to the market prices in the first quarter of 2015 when median sales price was at $2,200,00, making now an ideal time to purchase luxury real estate in Bel Air. The average price per square footage of homes in the neighborhood of Bel Air is $803, in comparison to properties in the greater Los Angeles area this price per square foot is 55.9% higher, with an average price per square foot for homes in Los Angeles at $515.
THE PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE
In the neighborhood of Bel Air, 87% of residents are married couples. In addition, many residents are professionals, as a majority are college graduates and most residents are homeowners rather than renters. A majority of the Bel Air property owners are between the ages of 50 and 59. This neighborhood is ideal for families or individuals looking for seclusion and privacy from the busy city in Los Angeles, but accessible to be within a few minutes drive to city amenities. Keep in mind, commuting along the I-405 may not be ideal as this is a heavily trafficked route; however, Mulholland Drive, Sunset Boulevard, and Beverly Glen Boulevard are all easily accessible to the neighborhood of Bel Air and provide a scenic and convenient commuting alternative.
Parks & Nature
Stone Canyon Reservoir Park
Westwood Village (premiere shopping, offices)
Beverly Glenn Park
The Getty
Hotels
The Hotel Bel Air (five-star ranking from Forbes and AAA)
The Bel Air Country Club (private)
Restaurants
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air, an upscale American dining from Celebrity Chef of which the restaurant is named after.
Vibranto Grill Jazz on Beverly Glen Boulevard is owned by jazz icon Herb Alpert. This chic New American venue brings big name live jazz bands close to home for Bel Air residents.
The Polo Lounge is just minutes away on Sunset Boulevard. This art deco eatery offers refined Californian cuisine set in a hip hotel and is a local hotspot on Sundays for brunch.
Nightlife
Nic’s in Beverly Hills is only minutes away and will bring you back to the era of prohibition in this upscale martini lounge. This classy, chic lounge provides exceptional entertainment with delectable dining and outstanding live bands.
The luxurious Hotel Bel-Air is a Spanish monastery-style hotel built in 1922 and is a charming get-away close to home in Bel-Air. Enjoy a revered experience at The Bar in the Hotel Bel-Air’s and explore their extensive mixology and culinary menus.
As Bel Air is a more quiet residential neighborhood, a plethora of nightlife attractions are located in the near by neighborhoods of Westwood, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.
Schools
University of California Los Angeles (public university)
The John Thomas Dye School (private, K - 6)
Community Magnet Charter School (public, K - 5)
Roscomare Road Elementary School (public, K - 5)
Marymount High School (private, 9 - 12 )
The American Jewish University (independent, private university)
Location
Easy access to both the Van Nuys (KVNY) and Santa Monica (KSMO) airports for private air travel.
A ten-minute drive to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and other attractions to the east.
Beach access in Santa Monica or Pacific Palisades is a mere 20 minutes away.