Brentwood Heights, Santa Monica: A Family-Oriented Community with Premium Schools
Additionally, nestled in west Los Angeles, Brentwood Heights combines excellent schools, strong walkability for a car-dependent area, and vibrant local amenities.
About Brentwood Heights in Santa Monica
Brentwood Heights stands out as one of Santa Monica's most desirable residential neighborhoods, known for exceptional public and private schools, established tree-lined streets, and proximity to premium shopping and dining. Additionally, home to families prioritizing education and quality of life, the neighborhood balances a slightly car-dependent layout (walk score 53) with strong lifestyle amenities and active community recreation. The median home value of $1.65 million reflects the area's stability and appeal among homebuyers seeking proven school performance and family-oriented infrastructure.
Real Estate Market in Brentwood Heights
Additionally, brentwood Heights remains a seller's market with strong demand driven by school reputation and lifestyle factors. Prices reflect premium positioning within Santa Monica's broader market.
Multiple offers are standard in this neighborhood. Competitive bids, pre-approval documentation, and minimal contingencies improve closing chances. Properties in good condition often attract 3 to 5 offers within the first week.
Who Thrives in Brentwood Heights
Entry-level properties here start above $800k; first-time buyers may find better value in adjacent neighborhoods, though well-capitalized first-time buyers with strong finances will appreciate the school ecosystem.
Additionally, this is the neighborhood's core demographic; top-rated schools like Kenter Canyon Elementary (83.5 rating) and Brentwood School anchor family decisions, plus parks like Barrington Recreation Center and strong youth programs.
Additionally, rental yield is moderate given the high purchase price, but long-term appreciation and stable tenant demand from families make buy-and-hold strategies viable.
Additionally, limited transit access (transit score 36) means driving to co-working or suburban hubs; broadband is reliable, but the neighborhood suits those comfortable with car dependency.
Additionally, walkable to some services and restaurants; proximity to The J. Paul Getty Museum and cultural amenities appeals to downsizing empty-nesters, though high prices and car-dependent layout may deter some.
Property Types in Brentwood Heights
Majority of inventory; typically 3 to 5 bedrooms on quarter-acre lots, many with updated kitchens and yards.
Smaller footprint alternatives; often near Sunset Boulevard with amenities like gyms and pools.
Modern estates command premium pricing; modest supply keeps these competitive.
Living in Brentwood Heights, Santa Monica
Daily life in Brentwood Heights revolves around school schedules, neighborhood parks, and a thriving retail corridor anchored by Brentwood Country Mart and nearby shopping on San Vicente. Additionally, residents enjoy proximity to coffee spots like Alfred and Pop's Bagels for morning routines, fitness options including Barry's and SoulCycle, and casual dining at Divino and Soom Soom. The neighborhood sustains a strong sense of community through school events, local parks like Veterans Barrington Park and Crestwood Hills Park, and involvement in civic activities.
- Subway · 7 min walk
- The Yogurt Shoppe · 7 min walk
- Divino · 8 min walk
- Soom Soom · 8 min walk
- All Roads · 9 min walk
- Starbucks · 8 min walk
- Pop's Bagels · 21 min walk
- Alfred · 21 min walk
- Joe & The Juice · 21 min walk
- Starbucks · 22 min walk
- Barrington Recreation Center · 9 min walk
- Veterans Barrington Park · 11 min walk
- Crestwood Hills Park · 32 min walk
- The Landmark Park · 34 min walk
- Clark Street · 8 min walk
- Vicente Foods · 20 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 21 min walk
- SusieCakes · 22 min walk
- Winston Piesmiths · 23 min walk
- Natural Pilates · 9 min walk
- Barry's · 22 min walk
- Orangetheory Fitness · 23 min walk
- Monarch Athletic Club · 24 min walk
- SoulCycle · 25 min walk
- Brentwood Theatre · 16 min walk
- fresh prince of bel air · 22 min walk
- The J. Paul Getty Museum · 24 min walk
- Jackie Robinson Stadium · 24 min walk
- Auditorium · 27 min walk
Annual events: Brentwood School fundraisers, back-to-school community mixers, seasonal farmers market events, holiday tree lighting at local parks
Schools Near Brentwood Heights, Santa Monica
Additionally, education is the primary draw for families choosing Brentwood Heights. The neighborhood is served by highly-rated schools at every level, with Kenter Canyon Elementary Charter (83.5 rating) and Brentwood School (private, KG-12) anchoring the community.
Elementary Schools
School Score 83.5 with 82% math and 85% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 79.5 with 79% math and 80% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 40.5 with 34% math and 47% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 29.5 with 32% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 69 with 63% math and 75% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 45 with 32% math and 58% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Martin Of Tours Elementary School (PK-8) — 2-minute walk
- Archer School For Girls (6-12) — 6-minute walk
- Brentwood School (KG-12) — 9-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Paul Revere Charter Middle (69 rating) feeds into University Senior High (45 rating), though many families opt for private schools like Archer School for Girls and Brentwood School, which maintain waitlists.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Brentwood Heights
Brentwood Heights is moderately car-dependent despite its position in Santa Monica; the neighborhood's transit score of 36 reflects limited bus service compared to closer-in areas. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting and errands.
Metro bus stops at Sunset & Westgate and Sunset & Saltair provide limited connectivity; most residents plan for car-based commutes despite Santa Monica's city-wide transit score of 72.
Neighborhoods Near Brentwood Heights
Not sure Brentwood Heights is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brentwood Heights
What is the average home price in Brentwood Heights, Santa Monica?
The median home value in Brentwood Heights is approximately $1.65 million, with single-family homes ranging from $900,000 to $3.5 million depending on size, condition, and proximity to top schools. Condos and townhomes are generally more affordable, typically between $600,000 and $1.8 million. Prices have appreciated 3 to 5 percent year-over-year, reflecting steady demand among families seeking excellent schools and established neighborhoods.
Is Brentwood Heights a good place to live?
Yes, Brentwood Heights delivers strong value for family-oriented homebuyers prioritizing schools and community stability. Top-rated institutions like Kenter Canyon Elementary Charter and Brentwood School, combined with excellent parks like Barrington Recreation Center, vibrant shopping on San Vicente, and a cohesive residential character, make it an attractive choice. The main tradeoff is the car dependency and high entry price; it's ideal for families, less suitable for those seeking walkability or first-time buyers on tight budgets.
What schools serve Brentwood Heights?
The neighborhood is home to Kenter Canyon Elementary Charter (83.5 rating), Paul Revere Charter Middle (69 rating), and University Senior High (45 rating). Private schools like Archer School for Girls (6-12), Brentwood School (KG-12), and St Martin of Tours Elementary (PK-8) are also nearby. Many families choose private options for continuity and specialized programs, though public charter schools offer strong academics at lower cost.
Is Brentwood Heights safe?
Brentwood Heights maintains a reputation as a secure, well-maintained neighborhood with active community involvement and strong police presence. Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Station 19 serves the area. Typical Santa Monica crime statistics apply; while generally safe compared to broader Los Angeles, residents should review specific crime maps and police reports as part of due diligence.
Who is Brentwood Heights best suited for?
Brentwood Heights is ideal for families with school-age children, established professionals seeking premium residential stability, and downsizing retirees attracted to cultural amenities like The J. Paul Getty Museum. It's less suitable for first-time buyers on limited budgets, renters seeking affordability, or those prioritizing walkable urban living; however, investors seeking long-term appreciation and stable tenant pools will find merit here.
What dining and shopping options are nearby?
The neighborhood is anchored by Brentwood Country Mart and San Vicente shopping district, offering casual and upscale dining including Divino, Soom Soom, and local cafes like Alfred. Additionally, grocery options include Whole Foods Market and Vicente Foods. Moreover, for fitness enthusiasts, Barry's, SoulCycle, Orangetheory Fitness, and Natural Pilates serve active residents. The Brentwood Theatre provides local entertainment.
Where this Brentwood 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.
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