Is Fairfax, West Hollywood a Good Place to Live?
A walkable, education-rich neighborhood in West Hollywood where urban convenience meets established community roots.
About Fairfax in West Hollywood
Fairfax is one of West Hollywood's most desirable neighborhoods, blending serious walkability with excellent schools and a median household income of $117,866. Additionally, the area attracts established professionals, families, and creative professionals who value both urban convenience and community stability. With a walk score of 89 and bike score of 73, Fairfax delivers car-optional living without sacrificing the diversity of dining, retail, and entertainment options that define the broader West Hollywood experience.
Real Estate Market in Fairfax
| Median home price | $1.79M |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable, inventory-dependent |
| Price per sq ft | $975 to $1,150 |
| Median rent | $2,391 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 89 |
| Transit Score | 56 |
| Bike Score | 73 |
Additionally, fairfax commands premium pricing reflective of its walkability, school performance, and established neighborhood character. The median home value in the surrounding proximity is $1.79 million, placing it well above the broader West Hollywood median of $898,900.
Additionally, fairfax attracts multiple bidders; cash offers, flexible close dates, and above-asking bids are common. Appraisal contingencies and extensive inspection periods may be negotiated away or shortened to strengthen an offer.
Who Thrives in Fairfax
Entry-level pricing in Fairfax starts around $1.2M for older condos or smaller units; most first-time buyers target adjacent neighborhoods or wait for off-market opportunities.
Top-rated schools like Third Street Elementary (72) and Melrose Avenue Elementary (71) anchor the neighborhood; 14.4% of residents have children, and family-focused dining and park access support active household life.
Additionally, median rent of $2,391 and 31% owner-occupancy create solid rental income potential; the neighborhood's walk score and school reputation sustain tenant demand.
Additionally, 28.2% of residents work from home; strong WiFi infrastructure, cafes like Milk and Blu Jam, and residential quiet make Fairfax ideal for flex-schedule professionals.
Additionally, median age 39.1 and extensive healthcare facilities (Sunshine Pharmacy, CVS, fire stations) support older residents; walkability eliminates car dependency, and cultural amenities like the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust offer enrichment.
Property Types in Fairfax
Additionally, tree-lined residential blocks with vintage and mid-century architecture; most require cosmetic updates or full renovation.
Newer construction and converted vintage buildings offer lower entry prices and lower maintenance burdens.
Additionally, duplexes and small apartment buildings attract investor interest; strong rental market supports positive cash flow.
Living in Fairfax, West Hollywood
Daily life in Fairfax centers on walkable retail, dining, and culture. Additionally, the neighborhood hosts year-round foot traffic along Melrose Avenue, where boutiques like Wasteland Los Angeles and independent cafes like Blu Jam sit alongside fitness studios and wellness retailers. Pan Pacific Park provides open space for exercise and neighborhood connection; residents frequent nearby restaurants including Escuela Taqueria, Terroni, and Angelini Alimentari without requiring a car. Entertainment venues like The Groundlings and The Zephyr Theatre anchor the creative scene, while proximity to larger West Hollywood events offers cultural variety.
- Escuela Taqueria · 6 min walk
- Burger she wrote · 6 min walk
- Open Sesame · 6 min walk
- Angelini Alimentari · 7 min walk
- Terroni · 7 min walk
- Glass Hookah Lounge · 8 min walk
- Milk · 8 min walk
- La Creme Cafe · 8 min walk
- Blu Jam Cafe · 9 min walk
- Starbucks · 10 min walk
- Pan Pacific Park · 11 min walk
- Poinsettia Recreation Center · 16 min walk
- Plummer Park · 24 min walk
- Formosa Park · 24 min walk
- Hancock Park · 28 min walk
- Erewhon Market · 8 min walk
- Milk Shop · 12 min walk
- Diamond Bakery · 14 min walk
- Dominique Ansel's Bakery · 15 min walk
- Monsieur Marcel Fish Market · 18 min walk
- Pilates · 10 min walk
- The Phoenix Effect · 10 min walk
- Pan Pacific Senior Activity Center · 12 min walk
- Gunther-Hirsh Family Center · 14 min walk
- Kor Gym · 17 min walk
- The Zephyr Theatre · 8 min walk
- The Groundlings School · 9 min walk
- The Groundlings · 9 min walk
- Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust · 9 min walk
- Matrix · 11 min walk
Annual events: West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval (Melrose corridor), Pan Pacific Park seasonal farmers markets, Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust special exhibitions
Schools Near Fairfax, West Hollywood
Fairfax benefits from strong elementary performance and diverse educational options, both public and private. Third Street Elementary (72) and Melrose Avenue Elementary (71) rank among the neighborhood's highest-performing public feeders, while Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn and Los Angeles Cheder serve faith-based family communities.
Elementary Schools
School Score 72 with 67% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 71 with 70% math and 72% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 65.5 with 62% math and 69% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 37 with 27% math and 47% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 27 with 22% math and 32% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 23.5 with 17% math and 30% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 68.5 with 61% math and 76% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 54 with 38% math and 70% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 50 with 50% math and 50% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 20 with 20% math and 20% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn / Torath Em (PK-8) — 13-minute walk
- Los Angeles Cheder / Bais Tzivia (PK-8) — 16-minute walk
- Ohr Eliyahu Academy (PK-8) — 21-minute walk
- Abc Little Schools – West Hollywood (PK-1) — 21-minute walk
- Cathedral Chapel School (KG-8) — 33-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically feed to Larchmont Charter (68.5) or Fairfax Senior High (54) for secondary education, though magnet and choice programs expand pathways.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Fairfax
Fairfax offers balanced car and transit options, though most residents drive. The neighborhood's walk score of 89 supports errands and dining without a vehicle, while transit score of 56 reflects moderate bus access on Beverly Boulevard and cross-streets.
Additionally, bus routes serve Beverly and Gardner, Beverly and Martel, and surrounding intersections; the neighborhood lacks direct rail access but benefits from Fairfax Avenue's pedestrian friendliness.
Neighborhoods Near Fairfax
Not sure Fairfax is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairfax
What is the average home price in Fairfax, West Hollywood?
The median home value in Fairfax and the surrounding proximity is approximately $1.79 million, significantly higher than the broader West Hollywood median of $898,900. Single-family homes typically range from $1.5M to $3.2M, while condos and townhomes start around $950K. Pricing depends on property age, square footage, and proximity to Melrose Avenue retail.
Are the schools in Fairfax highly rated?
Yes. Third Street Elementary (72) and Melrose Avenue Elementary (71) are among the neighborhood's strongest public options, serving kindergarten through fifth grade. For secondary education, Larchmont Charter (68.5) and Fairfax Senior High (54) serve the area. Private and faith-based schools like Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn also serve families seeking alternative curricula.
Is Fairfax a walkable neighborhood?
Fairfax has a walk score of 89 and a bike score of 73, making it one of West Hollywood's most walkable areas. Additionally, daily errands, coffee runs to Milk or Blu Jam, and restaurant visits require minimal or no car use. Melrose Avenue and nearby cross-streets support a dense network of shops, cafes, and service providers.
What is the rental market like in Fairfax?
Median rent in the Fairfax proximity is $2,391 per month, reflecting the neighborhood's premium walkability and school access. About 31% of residents are renters, creating steady demand for apartments and smaller units. Investors often achieve positive cash flow on multi-unit properties in the area.
Who is Fairfax best suited for?
Fairfax appeals to affluent professionals, families prioritizing top-rated schools, and remote workers seeking walkable urban living. Additionally, the median household income of $117,866 and high percentage of college-educated residents (68.9%) reflect a community of accomplished, stability-focused homeowners. The 14.4% of residents with children confirms strong family presence.
What dining and entertainment options are nearby?
Fairfax and surrounding Melrose Avenue offer diverse dining including Escuela Taqueria, Terroni, Angelini Alimentari, and Burger She Wrote. Additionally, coffee culture thrives at Milk and Blu Jam. Entertainment venues like The Groundlings, The Zephyr Theatre, and the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust provide cultural and creative outlets without leaving the neighborhood.
Where this Fairfax 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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