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As one of the most affluent areas of Los Angeles, Brentwood boasts immaculate homes, tree-lined streets and upscale shops. Originally part of a Mexican land grant, the area began . As a community, Brentwood has triumphed over its share of challenges—notably the great fire of 1961, which devastated the area.
Brentwood is a haven for high-income urban professionals and, along with Beverly Hills and Bel Air, is one of the wealthy L.A. neighborhoods together known as the “Three Bs.” A number of celebrities have homes in Brentwood, including John Travolta, Cindy Crawford and Jim Carrey. The neighborhood has many single-family homes, as well as apartments and condominiums, and most are gated and priced higher than other areas of Los Angeles. Crime in the area is about 44 percent lower than in the rest of Los Angeles.
Brentwood is sandwiched between the San Diego Freeway and the sprawling Topanga State Park. The city is part of the “Westside” of greater Los Angeles, an area that includes smaller cities such as Santa Monica and Culver City. The Westside is home to the University of California, Los Angeles campus. Residents of Brentwood, as with other areas of Los Angeles, typically navigate the sprawling metro by car or the public transit system, though the traffic can be challenging.
Brentwood enjoys a temperate climate for the majority of the year, making outdoor activities possible year-round. Patio dining in Brentwood Village, a two-block area of cafes and restaurants, is a favorite pastime for hungry residents. The Brentwood Farmers’ Market, just south of the picturesque San Vicente Boulevard, draws crowds of locavores every Sunday. Those who enjoy local architecture will want to head to Crestwood Hills, known for its mid-century modern buildings.
