Ladera Heights, Los Angeles: Complete Homebuyer & Realtor Guide
Affluent hillside community where Black excellence meets premium living
About Ladera Heights, Los Angeles
Ladera Heights, Los Angeles, California is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County with ZIP code 90056, bordered by Culver City to the west, Baldwin Hills to the north, View Park-Windsor Hills to the east, and Westchester to the south. The neighborhood is divided into three distinct sections: Upper Ladera (north of Slauson between La Cienega Boulevard and Shenandoah Avenue), Lower Ladera (south of Slauson), and Old Ladera featuring ranch-style homes from the late 1940s. With an average household income of $132,824, it ranks third among America's ten wealthiest majority-Black communities.
College graduates comprise 60% of residents, while the community is 74% African American, creating a unique enclave of affluent Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. Notable residents have included baseball player Frank Robinson, Vanessa Williams, Lisa Leslie, Ken Norton, and Tyler, The Creator. Homebuyers choose Ladera Heights for its proximity to Westside employment—Culver City, Playa Vista, and LAX are all under 5 miles away—combined with the peaceful, established feel of a true residential community.
Ladera Heights Real Estate Market 2026
Homes in Ladera Heights sell in 47 days versus the national average of 55 days, with median prices down 10% from the previous year at $1.7M. Recent data shows median sales at $1.1M, down 19.7% year-over-year, with price per square foot declining 25.2%.
Expect moderate competition on well-priced properties, particularly midcentury homes in Upper Ladera. Buyers have more negotiating power than in peak market conditions.
Ladera Heights has experienced significant price corrections from pandemic highs, with median prices dropping 10-20% year-over-year as the market normalizes.
Source: Homes.com / Redfin Q1 2026
Is Ladera Heights Right for You?
Ladera Heights, Los Angeles suits different buyers in different ways. Here’s who thrives here — and who should consider alternatives.
Served by Inglewood Unified School District with inter-district transfer options to highly-rated Wiseburn schools. Six parks for recreational activities and strong community with family-oriented events. Safe, established neighborhood with excellent Westside access.
Limited public school options within district boundaries, higher property costs
America's third wealthiest majority-Black community, known as a residence for affluent African Americans. Quick access to Westside employment hubs—Culver City, Playa Vista, and LAX all under 5 miles away. Strong professional network and community pride.
High cost of entry, limited inventory in prime areas
Many single-level ranch homes perfect for aging in place. Peaceful, established community feel away from city hustle but close to amenities and medical facilities. Strong sense of community with longtime residents.
Limited walkability for daily errands, car-dependent lifestyle
Types of Homes in Ladera Heights
Ladera Heights features a mix of ranch-style homes from the late 1940s in Old Ladera and custom-built homes from the 1960s in New Ladera, many designed by prominent architects Valentine and Gallant.
Midcentury Ranch Home
Original architectural details, large lots, single-level living, established neighborhoods
May need updates, lower ceilings than modern homes
Custom Contemporary Home
Modern amenities, open floor plans, designer finishes, move-in ready
Higher price point, less lot privacy in some areas
How to Sell Ladera Heights to Your Clients
Ideal client match: Successful professionals, particularly African American families and executives, seeking an established community with prestige, excellent Westside access, and strong resale value in LA's most coveted Black neighborhood.
5 Talking Points
- 1 Third wealthiest majority-Black community in the United States with $132,824 average household income
- 2 Under 5 miles to Culver City, Playa Vista, and LAX—perfect for Westside commuters
- 3 60% college graduates create a highly educated professional community
- 4 Notable residents include Frank Robinson, Vanessa Williams, Lisa Leslie, and Tyler, The Creator
- 5 70% homeownership rate indicates neighborhood stability and long-term residents
Handling Common Objections
Living in Ladera Heights, Los Angeles
- McDonald's
- Mr. Fish & Mex
- Fatburger
- Pann's Restaurant
15+ restaurants · $–$$
- Starbucks
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Yvonne Burke Sports Complex
· sports complex
athletics and recreation just 9 minutes away -
Ladera Park
· neighborhood park
community gathering space and playground
- Ralphs
- Smart & Final
- Amazon Fresh
- La Tijera Community Center
- Logic Fitness Studio
- Gold's Gym
Annual events: Ladera Heights Garden Tour · Community Homeowner Meetings
Schools Near Ladera Heights, Los Angeles
Ladera Heights is served by Inglewood Unified School District. Parents can apply for inter-district transfers to the highly-rated Wiseburn School District. Many families also choose private schools given the community's affluence and educational priorities.
High Schools
Highly rated with A Niche grade and 22:1 student-teacher ratio
Niche 2025Other Schools
Math: 18% proficiency, Reading: 34% proficiency—most families seek alternatives
Proximitii 2025Private Schools Nearby
- St. Jerome School (Catholic Elementary) — Popular choice for local families seeking faith-based education
Source: GreatSchools, Proximitii 2025
Commute from Ladera Heights
Ladera Heights offers excellent freeway access via the 90 and 405, with Westside employment hubs like Culver City, Playa Vista, and LAX all under 5 miles away, though most residents drive due to suburban layout.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ladera Heights, Los Angeles
Answers to the most common questions homebuyers and realtors ask about Ladera Heights, Los Angeles, California.
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The median sale price in Ladera Heights, Los Angeles is $1,695,000 as of 2026 (Homes.com). More recent data shows median sales at $1.1M, reflecting market corrections from pandemic highs. Buyers typically get midcentury ranch homes or custom contemporary properties on substantial lots.
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Yes, Ladera Heights ranks as the third wealthiest majority-Black community in the United States with strong property values and an established, affluent community. The location offers suburban tranquility with exceptional access to Westside employment and LAX airport.
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Good for families, with six parks for recreation and access to highly-rated Wiseburn schools through inter-district transfers. The area is safer than average with a crime score of 3 out of 10. However, local public schools have mixed ratings, so many families pursue private or transfer options.
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Culver City High School (A grade, 22:1 ratio) and Culver City Middle School (A- grade, 21:1 ratio) are top-rated options available through inter-district transfer. Wiseburn School District also accepts Ladera Heights students via transfer. Local charter and private schools provide additional options.
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Ladera Heights is considered car-dependent with some transit options and bikeable infrastructure. The suburban design prioritizes privacy and larger lots over walkability, though basic amenities like grocery stores and restaurants are accessible by car within minutes.
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Living in Ladera Heights offers a peaceful, established suburban feel with friendly, welcoming neighbors who organize garden tours and community events. It's a prestigious community known as a center for affluent African Americans with easy access to beaches, employment, and cultural attractions throughout Los Angeles.
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Ladera Heights features ranch-style homes from the late 1940s in Old Ladera and custom homes from the 1960s designed by prominent architects in New Ladera. Most properties are medium to large single-family homes built between 1940-1969 on substantial lots, with prices typically ranging from $1.4M to over $4M.
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Yes, Ladera Heights is safer than the average US neighborhood with a crime score of 3 out of 10. The established, affluent community with high homeownership rates contributes to neighborhood stability and security.
Neighborhoods Near Ladera Heights
Not sure Ladera Heights is the right fit? Compare these nearby Los Angeles neighborhoods.
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Data sources: Redfin, Zillow, California Association of Realtors, US Census ACS 2023, GreatSchools, Walk Score, OpenStreetMap. Content generated 2026. Always verify current market data with a licensed real estate professional.