Is Ladera Heights, Culver City a Good Place to Live?

An affluent Culver City neighborhood with strong schools, family-oriented demographics, and stable appreciation.

About Ladera Heights in Culver City

Ladera Heights stands as one of Culver City's most desirable residential neighborhoods, built on affluence and stability. Additionally, median household income here reaches $123,718, well above the city average, and the median home value sits around $1.1 million. Moreover, the neighborhood appeals to established families and professionals seeking quality schools, owner-occupied properties, and a quieter pace than Culver City's more walkable core. With 60% owner-occupied homes and a median age of 42, Ladera Heights reflects a mature, investment-minded community.

Boundary note: Ladera Heights occupies the southwestern portion of Culver City, bordered by major corridors including Slauson Avenue and defined by lower-density single-family residential blocks.

Real Estate Market in Ladera Heights

Ladera Heights at a glance
Median home price$1.1M
Year over year change+2% to +4%
Price per sq ft$650 to $750
Median rent$2,413
Typical days on market18 to 22 days
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score62
Bike Score32

Additionally, ladera Heights maintains strong market fundamentals with high owner occupancy and limited inventory turnover. Appreciation has been steady, reflecting the neighborhood's appeal to established homebuyers.

$1.1M
+2% to +4% YoY
Median Price
$650 to $750
Price / Sq Ft
$2,413
Median Rent
18 to 22 days
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Homes in Ladera Heights move deliberately but with consistent buyer interest. Additionally, offer price at or near list, emphasize financing pre-approval, and expect 5- to 7-day inspection windows. Newer or recently updated properties command premiums.

Who Thrives in Ladera Heights

F
First-time Buyers
Fair fit

Entry-level homes near $900k exist, but most Ladera Heights inventory sits in the $1.1M+ range, limiting first-time buyer options.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, ladera Heights is purpose-built for families: rated schools, 22% households with children, spacious lots, and a mature community culture.

S
Investors
Strong fit

Additionally, owner-occupancy at 60% and median rent of $2,413 make Ladera Heights a solid long-term hold; appreciation has been reliable if modest.

G
Remote Workers
Good fit

Additionally, 18.9% work from home here; reliable broadband and quiet cul-de-sacs suit remote professionals, though a car remains essential.

S
Retirees
Strong fit

Additionally, median age 42 and strong walkability to nearby medical facilities make Ladera Heights comfortable for active retirees seeking stability.

Property Types in Ladera Heights

Single-Family Homes
75%
$950k to $1.4M

Dominant property type; most feature 2,000+ sqft on 0.5+ acre lots, built 1960s-1980s.

Condos & Townhomes
20%
$750k to $1.1M

Clusters near Slauson corridor; newer construction rare; appeal to downsizers.

Newer Renovations
5%
$1.15M to $1.6M

Kitchen and bath updates command 5-10% premiums; detached ADUs attract investor interest.

Living in Ladera Heights, Culver City

Life in Ladera Heights revolves around family routines, scheduled activities, and car-based errands. Additionally, the neighborhood's walk score of 62 supports local shopping at Trader Joe's and Ralphs, coffee runs to nearby Starbucks locations, and dining at established spots like Pann's Coffee Shop. Moreover, recreation centers around Yvonne Burke Sports Complex and Ladera Park, both anchoring weekend family time. Commutes are car-dependent, with 70.8% of residents driving to work, though proximity to major corridors makes access to the broader Culver City sphere manageable.

62/100
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
32/100
Bike Score
Somewhat Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • McDonald's · 7 min walk
  • Mr. Fish & Mex · 8 min walk
  • Fatburger · 16 min walk
  • Chipotle · 16 min walk
  • Pann's Coffee Shop · 18 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 18 min walk
  • Starbucks · 28 min walk
  • Starbucks · 37 min walk
  • Starbucks · 37 min walk
  • The Cafe @ WLAC · 39 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Yvonne Burke Sports Complex · 9 min walk
  • Ladera Park · 16 min walk
  • Fox Hills Parkette · 17 min walk
  • Fox Hills Park · 25 min walk
  • Norman O. Houston Park · 27 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Ralphs · 16 min walk
  • Smart & Final · 21 min walk
  • Amazon Fresh · 22 min walk
  • Ralphs · 29 min walk
  • Trader Joe's · 34 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • La Tijera Community Center · 15 min walk
  • Logic Fitness Studio · 38 min walk
  • Gold's Gym · 38 min walk
  • Paradiso Crossfit · 39 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Centinela Adobe · 36 min walk
  • CINEMARK 18 & XD · 37 min walk

Annual events: Culver City Film Festival, seasonal farmers markets, back-to-school community fairs

Schools Near Ladera Heights, Culver City

Education is a primary draw for Ladera Heights families. Additionally, the neighborhood's schools include rated options like La Tijera K-8 Charter School Academy of Excellence (score 26), Frank D. Parent (23.5), and higher-performing elementary alternatives such as Windsor Hills Math Science (score 20).

Elementary Schools

3.1/10
Highland Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
30-minute walk

School Score 31 with 25% math and 37% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.0/10
Windsor Hills Math Science
Elementary · KG–5
25-minute walk

School Score 20 with 19% math and 21% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
Wilder'S Preparatory Academy Charter
Elementary · KG–5
30-minute walk Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

6.7/10
Wilder'S Preparatory Academy Charter Middle
Middle School · 6–8
30-minute walk

School Score 67 with 52% math and 82% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.6/10
La Tijera K-8 Charter School Academy Of Excellence
Middle School · KG–8
12-minute walk

School Score 26 with 18% math and 34% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.4/10
Frank D. Parent
Middle School · KG–8
13-minute walk

School Score 23.5 with 20% math and 27% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • The University Of Children (PK-4) — 21-minute walk
  • Ladera Heights Prep Development Center (PK-KG) — 23-minute walk
  • Rainbow Childrens Academy (PK-KG) — 25-minute walk
  • Pacifica Montessori School (PK-5) — 27-minute walk
  • St Jerome School (PK-8) — 28-minute walk

Feeder pattern: K-8 charter options allow families to avoid middle-school transitions; private preschools like Ladera Heights Prep Development Center and Pacifica Montessori School serve younger children.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Ladera Heights

Additionally, most Ladera Heights commuters rely on personal vehicles; public transit exists but remains secondary. The neighborhood's car-dependent nature (70.8% drive to work) reflects its low-density layout and limited walkability beyond shopping districts.

Downtown Culver City / Sony Studios
Drive: 10 to 15 minutesTransit: 25 to 35 minutes
Santa Monica / Westside employment
Drive: 20 to 30 minutesTransit: 45 to 55 minutes
LAX Airport
Drive: 25 to 35 minutesTransit: 50 to 70 minutes

Additionally, bus stops on Slauson Avenue provide access to regional routes; Metro and local Culver City Transit serve the area, though frequency and coverage remain sparse compared to walkable neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ladera Heights

What is the average home price in Ladera Heights, Culver City?

The median home value in Ladera Heights is approximately $1.1 million, with most single-family homes ranging from $950,000 to $1.4 million. Additionally, condos and townhomes tend to be priced $100,000 to $200,000 lower. Prices have appreciated steadily at 2-4% annually, reflecting the neighborhood's desirability among established families and professionals.

Is Ladera Heights a good place to live?

Yes, especially for families seeking a stable, affluent suburban neighborhood. Additionally, the community boasts a 4.6% poverty rate, 54.5% with bachelor's degrees or higher, and strong schools nearby. The main trade-off is car dependence and a walk score of 62, which limits walkability compared to Culver City's core.

What are the best schools near Ladera Heights?

La Tijera K-8 Charter School Academy of Excellence (score 26) and Frank D. Additionally, parent (23.5) serve the area as combined K-8 options. For younger children, private options like Ladera Heights Prep Development Center and Pacifica Montessori School provide alternative pathways. School choice programs also allow access to higher-rated campuses in adjacent neighborhoods.

Is Ladera Heights a safe neighborhood?

Additionally, ladera Heights maintains one of Culver City's lowest crime rates, with a poverty rate of just 4.6% and stable, owner-occupied housing at 60%. Police presence and community engagement support a reputation for safety, though like all urban areas, standard precautions are prudent.

Who is Ladera Heights best suited for?

Ladera Heights appeals most to established families, dual-income professionals, and affluent retirees. Median household income of $123,718 and a median age of 42 reflect a mature demographic. First-time buyers may find entry-level homes elsewhere in Culver City more accessible.

What amenities and shopping are nearby?

Ladera Heights residents enjoy convenient access to Trader Joe's and Ralphs for groceries, Starbucks for coffee, and dining at Pann's Coffee Shop and Mr. Fish & Mex. Additionally, recreation centers at La Tijera Community Center and fitness options like Gold's Gym support active lifestyles. The Home Depot and Ross provide retail options along Slauson Avenue.

Where this Ladera Heights data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Find Your Home in Ladera Heights

Additionally, explore available listings, connect with local agents, and discover why families choose Ladera Heights for its schools, stability, and suburban comfort.

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