7 Reasons People Love Living in Bel Air

From its lavish homes to its air of exclusivity, discover the many reasons people love living in Bel Air

Living in Bel Air is a dream come true for anyone who enjoys a quiet home in a community that truly takes pride in its appearance. Mere minutes away from many trendy hotspots in downtown Los Angeles, Bel Air offers you the rare chance of living in tranquility without cutting you off from city life. The money you spend on a home in Bel Air will be well worth the price, with the majority of homes ranging from $2 to 10 million depending on the size and architectural style you’re seeking.

The Neighborhood

You won’t have to worry about being woken in the middle of the night by the city. Living within the high-hedged lawns and gated entrances of Bel Air grants you respite from the hustle and bustle of highly-populated areas.

Due to the high standards and steep costs of living in Bel Air, the neighborhood is home to fewer than 8,000 people, making it a low-density community. Many inhabitants appreciate the sense of exclusivity this gives.

Since the salary range veers to the higher end of the spectrum, those who live in Bel Air emphasize residential upkeep. Residents work hard to afford their houses—which range from modest ranch houses to grandiose manors—and enjoy the upkeep that comes with maintaining the community’s reputation.

Expect to live in an elegant estate surrounded by verdant hills and picture-perfect sunsets visible each day on the horizon. Living in Bel Air offers you a sense of serenity that differs from the average California neighborhood. The air of prestige is difficult to replicate anywhere else.

Excellent Location

Bel Air is just one of many neighborhoods that compose the bustling city of Los Angeles. The beauty of living in a place like Bel Air is you get the glamor of living in L.A. without having to deal with the downsides of city life, such as overcrowding and pollution.

Even though you may live in Bel Air, you will most likely work in Los Angeles. Thanks to the short distance, you will have a brief commute, allowing for more downtime at home. Visit the city streets for business and its excellent nightlife and then return to the secluded foothills of Bel Air.

Home to some of the wealthiest residents in the state, Bel Air forms one part of the famous Platinum Triangle alongside the city of Beverly Hills and the Holmby Hills neighborhood.

Another nice aspect of Bel Air is the availability of space. With fewer residents than other tightly-packed neighborhoods, residents are given far more privacy and breathing room. It’s not uncommon to see families taking leisurely walks through the area to visit the neighborhood’s many pristine recreational parks or trendy coffee shops.

Those who live in California already know how pleasant the weather is. You can anticipate more of that in Bel Air, which sees a high percentage of bright, sunshine-filled days all year-round.

Luxury Accommodations

Bel Air is home to the 5-star Hotel Bel-Air, which has hosted many notable moments in classic Hollywood history. Established in 1946, Hotel Bel-Air has served as a hallmark of exclusivity and refinement since its inception. Nestled in the hills, it is often considered a hidden gem and home away from home for many who stay there.

Bel Air is a treat for those who enjoy nature, brimming with greenery and the quaint simplicity of untouched wildlife. Experience incredible dining from the talents of celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck while sitting in a lush garden setting, enjoying dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Dig into scrumptious American cuisine at The Bel-Air Restaurant, an exceptional dining experience unlike any other. Owner Susan Lord and Executive Chef Leo Lopez have taken great care to foster a calm atmosphere. Their menu options are created with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that are both healthy and delicious.

Be sure to try their famous Bel-Air Chopped Salad, which includes smoked turkey bacon, grilled chicken, avocado, and more.

The restaurant also hosts private events. Customers can rest assured that their event planning is in good hands, as a private room can be easily customized to fit their needs.

Each year, Bel Air also hosts the Town of Bel Air Film Festival. The festival celebrates the craftsmanship of filmmaking by carefully curating a showcase of high-caliber films and bringing together auteurs and aspiring filmmakers from across the country.

Close To L.A. Hot Spots

Outside of Bel Air, The Grove is less than 30 minutes away, meaning you’re not far from one of the country’s most popular lifestyle destinations. The Grove is a thriving hotspot for shopping, dining, and various events—including fashion shows, concert series, and more. For those in need of assistance, the shopping center offers many complimentary guest services.

If immersing yourself in luxury retail therapy is more your style, Rodeo Drive is even closer to Bel Air, offering one of the world’s finest shopping experiences. Whether you love Versace, Jimmy Choo, or Caroline Herrara, you’ll find the most upscale designer goods in the Rodeo Shopping District.

You and your family can also visit Disneyland all year-round. It’s a can’t-miss theme park experience located only an hour away from Bel Air.

Other notable must-see destinations near Bel Air include Venice Beach, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory & Park.

Famous Neighbors

Who doesn’t like the idea of bragging that you live down the street from Jennifer Aniston? Many celebrities have flocked to Bel Air over the years thanks to its gated entrances, moderate mansions, and top-tier landscaping.

Notable actors, actresses, industry makers, and entertainers live behind the ornate-gated community and have done so for many years.

As such, there is an air of security and secrecy to life in Bel Air that you may not find elsewhere. Residents know how to be considerate of one another, so rest assured that your privacy needs will be anticipated and respected.

The Schools

Bel Air is an excellent neighborhood to raise a family. There is almost no better place to live in the entire state of California when it comes to providing your children with an enriching and culturally fulfilling education.

Notable public schools in the area include Roscomare Road Elementary School, Community Magnet Charter Elementary School, Berkeley Hall School, and more.

If you prefer that your daughter gets a top-notch private school education, you might consider Marymount High School. This independent all-girls Catholic school boasts a noble goal to empower young women.

Some other notable private educational institutions are Mirman School, Brentwood School, and Harvard-Westlake.

As for universities, you can’t get much better than the University of California, Los Angeles, which is located nearby. The community is also home to the American Jewish University.

Even if you don’t have any kids, the Los Angeles School District is a great place to live near. You can support the arts by attending school performances and helping with fundraisers, taking pride in living near such an enriched location.

The odds are in your favor that your neighbors will be well-educated too. Over two-thirds of Bel Air residents have a bachelor’s degree, which is quite high compared to the national average.

Rich History

Alphonzo Bell founded Bel Air in 1923 after becoming wealthy from striking oil. He then purchased the land and set about creating the ultimate luxury suburban development. This place would become renowned for its affluence and immaculate appearance. He intended to cultivate a reputable community to attract ambitious and like-minded individuals.

Over time, the empty hillsides began to fill with members of the most esteemed communities in the world. Bel Air became an integral asset to California as many were enamored with the sense of grandeur it instilled. Some started setting their sights on moving into one of its palatial estates in the future.

Then came the construction of the Bel Air Country Club, a private membership club first created in 1925 that is still in operation today. Many people flock to it for its top-notch 18-hole golf course.

In essence, Bel Air has a rich history and long legacy of being home to the cream of the crop. Saying you live in Bel Air carries with it a certain reverence that instantly demands respect. Bell’s legacy also lives on in the Italian street names, which his wife integrated into the community due to her ardor for Italy.

For those of you who are considering making a permanent change of address to Bel Air, contact Bel Air real estate agent Joyce Rey today. She is an expert in Bel Air luxury real estate with an extensive amount of experience. Joyce is always happy to answer questions and meet the needs of her clients while they search for the perfect home or investment property. Joyce can assist you in finding the best Bel Air real estate suited for you and your family.