-
Average Home Prices
-
$1,299,000
Lowest
-
$31,000,000
Average
-
$150,000,000
Highest
-
$1,299,000
-
Average Home Statistics
-
6
No. of Beds
-
8
No. of Baths
-
4,357
SQ FT
-
6
-
Average Home Price
Per Square Foot
-
$760
Lowest
-
$2,218
Average
-
$7,197
Highest
-
$760
Table of Contents
Introduction to
Bel Air Real Estate
Bel Air continues to attract the crème de la crème of popular culture and the business world, from Elizabeth Taylor and Clint Eastwood to Elon Musk.
At the heart of Los Angeles County, California lies the lush foothills and vast estates of Bel Air. This affluent neighborhood is, without any doubt, the epitome of Los Angeles luxury real estate.
Bel Air’s history dates back to 1923, when founder Alphonzo Bell laid the foundations of this exclusive enclave. After striking oil, Bell put his massive fortune to good use by developing the area. On the insistence of his wife, streets were given Italian names. One sure way to distinguish Bel Air from other neighborhoods in the area is to look out for these Italian-inspired streets.
Boasting an expansive land area of six square miles, highly secure entrance gates, accessibility to top entertainment spots, and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape, Bel Air has everything one could ask for in a premier real estate location.
This comprehensive neighborhood guide will walk you through everything there is to know about Bel Air luxury real estate.
Getting Around
The world-renowned performing arts centers and cutting-edge restaurants of downtown L.A. are 17 miles away, but Bel Air residents don’t need to venture that far to experience the best amenities that the city has to offer.
Less than 15 minutes away is Beverly Hills, home to the iconic designer boutiques that line Rodeo Drive, along with sophisticated art galleries, hotels, dining options, and nearby country clubs.
Also next to Bel-Air is one of the top universities in California, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the well-respected Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center.
Those who want to explore the rest of L.A. or California can do so via Interstate 405. This is also the fastest route to and from Los Angeles International Airport.
Bel Air's location in the vast metropolis of Los Angeles
Nestled in the easternmost flank of the majestic Santa Monica Mountains, Bel Air towers above several neighborhoods throughout L.A. Bel Air’s borders are composed of Sepulveda Boulevard to the west, Mulholland Drive to the north, Beverly Glen Boulevard to the east, and the iconic Sunset Boulevard to the south.
Together with Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills, this trio forms the Los Angeles Platinum Triangle — one of the most sought-after real estate locations in the world.
Climate
Blessed with such near-perfect climate conditions, Bel Air is suitable for a range of outdoor activities and social gatherings.
With a subtropical Mediterranean climate characterized by moderate temperatures in the summer months with occasional fog blowing in, Bel Air is a treat for those coming from areas with extreme temperatures. Expect about 284 days of sunshine every year with zero chances of snow. Just like the rest of L.A., this enclave receives approximately 16 inches of rain on average annually.
The luxury real estate market in Bel Air
Bel Air is L.A.’s benchmark of high-class living with many homes valued in the mega-millions. It’s not uncommon for vast estates and mansions to sell for prices of $50 million or more. Relatively lower prices range anywhere between $2 million and $10 million.
With gorgeous views of the L.A. landscape, 24/7 security, and a host of luxury amenities, the price tag is well worth it for those who can afford to settle down in this exclusive neighborhood.
And whether single or with family, Bel Air is the perfect locale for enjoying the highest levels of comfort and privacy in L.A.
Luxury homes that go up for sale in Bel Air are often listed discreetly and get snapped up quickly by competing buyers who are in the know. So, it does pay to have inside information on real estate developments here as Bel Air listings are typically not heavily advertised.
A seasoned Realtor’s inside knowledge, well-placed connections, and sharp negotiation skills can make all the difference in this market. Consider scheduling a consultation with experienced Bel Air Realtor, Joyce Rey, when searching for your dream luxury home.
Typical Architectural
Styles and Home features
Bel Air's typical architectural styles and home features:
- Spanish
- Contemporary
- Traditional
- Colonial-revival
Common home features throughout the neighborhood:
- Gated entrances and high hedges for maximum privacy
- Spacious grounds and professionally landscaped gardens
- Grand entryways
- Gracious living areas
- Commercial-sized kitchens
- Ballroom-sized entertainment spaces
- Sophisticated home theaters with smart tech
- Expansive master suites with his and her bath and dressing areas
- Room-sized walk-in closets
- Large-scale swimming pool
- Tennis court
Nearby community amenities are also readily accessible. Public parks like Getty View, Briarwood, and Beverly Glen boast marvelous views of the city’s urban and natural landscape. Premier private clubs like Bel-Air Country Club, Los Angeles Country Club, Hillcrest Country Club or MountainGate Country Club offer superb golf courses, tennis, dining, and more. The renowned J. Paul Getty Museum is a quick drive away and houses thousands of rare artworks and artifacts.
Living in Bel Air
Those who value comfort, security, and an air of exclusivity will feel right at home in Bel Air. Populated by high-earning professionals, movie and TV stars, and titans of business, this neighborhood brings the wealthy and powerful together in many ways.
And the overall consensus couldn’t be clearer: Bel Air frequently ranks in the top 10 or top 20 best neighborhoods within Los Angeles. It’s no wonder that luxury homes that go up for sale in Bel Air go through stiff competition among wealthy buyers.
Below are some of the main attractions in and around Bel Air.
Outdoor spots
The 605-acre Franklin Canyon Park offers the quintessential outdoor escape that’s just minutes away from Bel Air. Here you’ll find verdant meadows and woodlands, plenty of picnic grounds, miles of hiking and biking trails, and historic attractions. The park’s lake and pond is a favorite area for experienced and casual bird watchers.
Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park is about a half-hour drive away and offers 1,500 acres of unfettered open space. The park is ideal for different types of adrenaline seekers — from hikers and trail runners to mountain bikers and horseback riders.
The Stone Canyon Overlook is a nice spot to admire the engineering marvel that is Stone Canyon Reservoir. There are also picturesque views of the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. On cloudless days, Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula are visible from this vantage point.
Culture and science
Take a deep dive into L.A.’s culture and visual arts scene by visiting the Getty Museum. Whatever relics of history you find interesting, be it Greek and Roman art, sculptures from the Middle Ages, or award-winning photographs from the 20th century to the present day, the museum is sure to have them in its comprehensive collection.
The UCLA Meteorite Gallery is where one can find the largest collection of meteorites on the West Coast. With over 2,500 precious samples from outer space, science enthusiasts will surely make the most out of this visit.
Since it opened its doors in 1990, The Hammer Museum at UCLA has become one of the art world’s most dynamic, forward-thinking institutions. The museum has five permanent collections – including the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden – and runs numerous public and academic programs.
Dining
Aside from providing cozy and elegant accommodations, Hotel Bel Air also offers the perfect setting for a romantic date night or a filling brunch with the family. The hotel’s exceedingly popular Bar & Lounge offers an intimate and private space for guests to talk business or catch up on the latest talk of the town.
Expect nothing but the best fine dining experience at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago. World-renowned and beloved among LA residents, this elegant spot offers a multi-course California Tasting Menu and a seasonal a la carte menu — both feature only the freshest in-season produce and ingredients.
Steeped in old Hollywood glamor, The Tower Bar and Restaurant at the storied Sunset Tower Hotel is a haven for A-listers who value privacy, white glove service, and understated elegance. Guests can choose to be seated at the Terrace Bar, Terrace Room, or the outdoor Terrace right by the swimming pool.
Chef Edoardo “Edo” Baldi’s E. Baldi has been one of Los Angeles’ favorite Italian restaurants since it opened in 2006. Specializing in “Tuscan food with an accent of Emilia-Romagna,” it offers an intimate, elevated dining experience.
An L.A. icon, The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel has played host to Hollywood’s who’s who for over 80 years. Its famed McCarthy salad, named after the millionaire polo player who requested it in the 1940s, remains one of its most popular dishes.
Schools
Households who have young family members in need of top-notch primary and secondary schools will find excellent options within close proximity to Bel Air, including:
Harvard-Westlake School – Grade 7-12
Brentwood School – Grade K-12
The Buckley School – Grade K-12
The Archer School for Girls – Grade 6-12
Milken Community School – Grade 6-12
Bel Air FAQs
Here are common questions people ask about Bel Air and its neighboring communities, as well as their corresponding answers:
Which famous celebrities live in Bel Air?
The superstar couple of Jay-Z and Beyoncé live in a contemporary-style Bel Air mansion. They purchased the property for about $88 million in 2017. Some of the eye-catching features of this sprawling estate include four swimming pools, a casual family room with mahogany floors, a personalized basketball court, and an expansive garden with dramatic views of the L.A. coastline.
Jennifer Aniston, who shot to fame for her starring role in the 90s hit sitcom, Friends, is another celebrity with a Bel Air address. Aniston’s mid-century home was designed by Frederick Fisher but the award-winning actor has since made a few changes to fit her preferences. The formal living room features an attractive interplay between dark and light colors. The casual living room is a bit more laid-back, with a pool table and several artworks on display.
Joni Mitchell, a rock and roll icon of Canadian descent, also owns a Bel Air estate. The home dates back to the 1930s and the last transaction involving the property was in 1974 when Mitchell purchased it for about $350,000.
As for a few of Bel Air’s former former residents:
- Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk once owned as many as four homes in Bel Air. Towards the end of 2020, he sold all four properties for a total of $62 million. Three of them are conveniently located in a cul-de-sac while the nearby fourth home is located down the hill.
- NBA veteran Chris Paul used to live in this part of the city during his playing days for the Los Angeles Clippers. Interestingly, the previous owner of the house was the famous singer and pop star, Avril Lavigne. This Mediterranean-style home was sold in 2017 for $8.7 million.
- Wilt Chamberlain, the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game, once made the verdant hills of Bel Air his home. Chamberlain’s unique home — taking inspiration from various architectural movements — was built in 1971. The property listed in 2020 for $14,900,000.
- Late president Ronald Reagan lived for 15 years at 668 Saint Cloud Road, Bel Air. There’s a total of 17 rooms throughout the 7,200-square-foot estate, which is adorned with well-maintained lawns and gardens. Since Reagan’s passing in 2004, the home has changed hands multiple times. It relisted at the onset of 2020 for $6.75 million. The property is currently off the market and may have already been sold to a yet-unknown buyer.
Who owns the biggest and most expensive home in Bel Air?
Earlier in 2022, Richard Saghian (CEO of Fashion Nova), bought a 21-bed and 49-bath mega estate for $141 million. Nicknamed “The One,” this sprawling 105,000-square-foot estate was originally priced at nearly $300,000 when it went up for sale.
The vast property is considered the largest modern home in the U.S. Some of its standout features include a private bowling alley, a dedicated space for a nightclub, a full-service salon, as well as a bar and cigar lounge.
Saghian owns a handful of properties throughout L.A., including a beach house in Malibu (previously owned by Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos) and a $17.5 million home in the Hollywood Hills.
What is Bel Air’s edge over other affluent LA neighborhoods?
Covering over 6 square miles, Bel Air is the biggest neighborhood in the Los Angeles Platinum Triangle. Yet, there are fewer than 8,000 people residing in Bel Air. This low-density statistic says a lot about the vastness of the luxury properties and residents’ high-end preferences.
Of the three highly-coveted neighborhoods (the other two being Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills), Bel Air is the closest to the Santa Monica Mountains. This characteristic gives the neighborhood quick access to several outdoor spots and gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.
Is The Fresh Prince of Bel Air set in an actual neighborhood of Bel Air?
This famous 90s TV sitcom was where controversial Hollywood A-lister, Will Smith, got his big break. However, the house featured in the show isn’t exactly located in Bel Air. The real house is located in Brentwood, Los Angeles — to the southeast of Bel Air.
For a limited time in 2020, the Brentwood home became available on Airbnb for $30/night to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. Airbnb even collaborated with Will Smith to market the listing. A number of perks were made available to guests: a pair of Jordan sneakers, DJ turntables, and the novel opportunity to stay in the wing where much of the show was shot.
Does Bel Air have homes for rent?
Despite being predominantly composed of residences owned by its inhabitants, one can still find some houses for rent in Bel Air. Monthly prices here range from $8,700 to $50,000 and higher.
Moreover, there are gated communities within Bel Air (e.g., Bel Air Crest) that are mostly off-limits to short-term renters and vacationers. Those who wish to savor the best luxury experience in Bel Air will get their money’s worth by purchasing homes for sale located in these ultra-exclusive communities.
Bel Air Listings
Are you ready to make the move? Contact Joyce Rey to see all of the homes available in this area.
