"Walkable WeHo" is an LGBTQ+ hotspot with over 40 years of history
Known as "Walkable WeHo" for good reason, West Hollywood is one of the most walkable areas in Los Angeles. The city, incorporated in 1984, is the result of the LGBTQ+ community organizing and advocating for cityhood. When it was established, the town was the first in the nation to have a majority openly gay governing body. "They really carved out a home for the community here — it's a gay mecca," says Dario Svidler, Partners CRE's executive vice president, who has almost $1 billion in career sales. "There is so much to do here. You've got art, nightlife, comedy, great restaurants, but the cost of living is expensive." With a population of about 35,000 residents holding steady, West Hollywood hasn't seen the same level of exodus in recent years as many other LA communities, which are declining mainly due to the cost of living. The city has connections to the entertainment industry and a vibrant nightlife, which attract visitors and residents alike. Among the attractions are iconic locations like the Chateau Marmont and the Sunset Strip. From high-end restaurants where celebrities dine and unceasing events at theaters and comedy clubs, WeHo brings the glitz and glamor expected of the LA lifestyle.
West Hollywood is one of the most walkable areas in Los Angeles.
Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood is known for its old Hollywood glamour and mystery.
1/2
Standup comedy and LGBTQ+ epicenter on Santa Monica Boulevard
There's so much to do in West Hollywood in terms of nightlife. Locals can catch a standup act at the famous Comedy Store, headlined by names like Dave Chappelle, Ali Wong and Marc Maron. Historic rock and roll venues like The Roxy Theater and the Whisky a Go Go host live music; restaurants spill out onto patios and rooftops; and, of course, streets come to life with bars and clubs. "It's one of the biggest party spots in LA," says Realtor Matt Tilley, better known as the British Bloke from his LA real estate guide on YouTube. "The people living in the condos can step out right into it all — the juice bar, the yoga and all the nightlife." Single-family homes sit farther back from the city noise, but even in busy areas, streets are usually empty by 2 a.m.
Two pride flags announce the entrance to the section of Santa Monica Boulevard known as the LGBTQ+ epicenter for all of Los Angeles. Nightclubs here stay open late, and dinners come accompanied by drag shows. It's a rainbow-filled walk any day, but in June, the area explodes with life during the annual WeHo Pride parade. Santa Monica Boulevard is also the site of the Halloween Carnaval, an all-night, all-out celebration of costumes, entertainment and unabashed partying. Locals can use a free trolley all year round that runs until 3 a.m. along Santa Monica Boulevard to get home safely after a night out.
The Comedy Store in West Hollywood is known for launching top stand-up careers.
Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood is known for its legendary live music performances.
The pride flags on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood symbolize LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
WeHo Pride Parade highlights the vibrancy of West Hollywood.
1/4
Shopping on Melrose and eating out on Santa Monica Boulevard
The Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Boulevard are known for their wide array of restaurants, like Connie and Ted's, among LA's top seafood restaurants, and Hugo's, known for its health-focused breakfast foods. Gracias Madre is a vegan-only Mexican restaurant with an elegant ambiance, and fans of the TV show "Vanderpump Rules" will be familiar with the iconic SUR Restaurant & Lounge. For a day of shopping, the go-to spots are Melrose Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. It’s become a retail destination in line with Rodeo Drive and the Beverly Center. Everything from vintage trendy stores and eclectic artisan shops to designer brands and home goods is in one place.
West Hollywood’s Gracias Madre offers a menu inspired by traditional Mexican recipes.
West Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue is popular for finding bold, cutting-edge fashion pieces.
Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood combines shopping with a vibrant nightlife scene.
SUR Restaurant & Lounge in West Hollywood is a hotspot for both dining and nightlife.
1/4
Wide range of prices and a diversity of housing inventory
In August 2024, the median home price in West Hollywood was just over $1 million, well over the national number of $400,000 and the broader California median of $900,000. It's nearly in line with the median price of greater LA, which is about $1.2 million. The single-family home price in WeHo is much higher, but the high inventory of condos and townhomes brings down the median price quite a bit. Though a home is always a good investment, property values in the city have declined slightly over the last year. Most single-family homes are west of La Cienega Boulevard, north and south of Santa Monica Boulevard; single-family homes usually cost in the multimillions. There are high concentrations of condos and townhomes interspersed throughout the city. They are priced between $500,000 and $2 million. HOA fees can be high — $600 monthly to start, but higher-end properties can charge thousands. “West Hollywood has a lot of bungalows and Craftsman and then a lot of low-rise, low-density mom-and-pop type apartment buildings,” Svidler says. “This area is going to be a very high percentage of renters, probably 70-80%, which is something homebuyers usually keep in mind.”
West Hollywood boasts sleek, contemporary townhomes in trendy neighborhoods.
West Hollywood offers Craftsman homes with lush gardens and detailed landscaping.
West Hollywood condos are popular for their walkability to local attractions and entertainment.
1/3
West Hollywood Elementary is a walkable community school
West Hollywood does not have its own school district; it is served by Los Angeles Unified, a public school district graded B by Niche. West Hollywood Elementary is a walkable community school graded A-minus by Niche. The STEAM school has a digital citizenship program that teaches kids and families to think critically and use technology in positive ways.
Overview of a residential neighborhood in West Hollywood CA.
Rosewood Avenue Elementary School aims to provide a safe and enriching learning environment.
Fairfax High School is a Part of The Los Angeles Unified School District.
Hubert Howe Bancroft Middle School view of the school.
1/4
There is a top-notch farmers market at Plummer Park
West Hollywood has limited cultivated green spaces, but Plummer Park on Santa Monica Boulevard is a compact outdoor recreation space with seven lighted tennis courts and five pickleball courts. Tennacity at West Hollywood, at Plummer Park, offers private lessons, group lessons and workouts, but locals must show proof of residency. The park is the site of a community center, outdoor basketball courts, picnic tables and a playground. There is also a farmers market that is considered top-notch. The Helen Albert Certified Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest in LA and takes place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Mondays. West Hollywood Park is your typical community park with grassy areas, a playground and a swimming pool. It’s on the same lot as the West Hollywood Public Library and is surrounded by walkable restaurants.
Fresh fruits and veggies are in abundance at the Helen Albert Farmers Market in West Hollywood.
Many residents enjoy sunbathing on the lawn in Plummer Park
Take your doge for a play at West Hollywood park.
Tennacity at West Hollywood offers tennis programs for all skill levels.
1/4
Getting to WeHo can be a headache with the lack of freeways
"One of the biggest draws of West Hollywood is how centrally located it is for commuting anywhere in LA," Tilley says. But getting in and out of WeHo can be a headache, with city traffic and the lack of nearby freeways. The 8-mile trip into Los Angeles can take over an hour during rush hour traffic, but there are express buses available to Hollywood and Highland in the morning and evening operated by the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. "LA is going through a mass transit development period, and while the Metro doesn't currently extend this far, they've just passed some more money to look at the potential of extending the subway through West Hollywood," Svidler says. Parking can also be a struggle, even if most properties come with reserved spots. "Roads are very narrow, and the parking is a drawback," Tilley says. "I’ve had it happen before, you go to visit a friend for dinner in West Hollywood, and it takes so long to park that the whole evening’s over.” For catching a flight, Hollywood Burbank Airport is only 10 miles away, while Los Angeles International is 15 miles away. Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center is the closest medical facility.
Crime is markedly higher than state and national numbers
The crime rate in West Hollywood is higher than national and state averages but in line with the crime rate in neighboring areas. “There is a fair amount of crime in West Hollywood because they have a lot of social services based there, and people tend to gather and stay,” Svidler says. “It’s obviously different in the residential areas compared to the stretches of nightlife.” In 2023, there were about 200 violent crimes reported per 100,000 people each month, compared to 110 nationally and 100 in broader California. In terms of property crime, there were about 500 incidents reported per 100,000 people each month, compared to about 150 nationally and 200 in broader California.
The city has a semi-arid subtropical climate with long, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures are in the 80s, though hot stretches are common. In the winter, temperatures usually stay in the 60s or low 70s and can dip into the 40s at night.
As the firm's President, Rommy has been involved with the Downtown real estate market for the past 11 years and is highly knowledgeable about local housing trends and area demographics. Rommy served as Chief Management Officer of SB Properties from 2007-2009, where he built an extensive network of brokers, loan officers and landlords enabling him to provide our clients with the best brokerage services available in the city.
Since founding Royalty in October 2009, Rommy has sold over $200 million in real estate and is a top producing agent in the Downtown Los Angeles market.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
