Ladera Heights

What makes a place earn the nickname “Black Beverly Hills”? Let’s explore Ladera Heights and uncover the answer. Ladera Heights is a community nestled in Los Angeles County. It’s bordered by Culver City to the west, Baldwin Hills to the north, View Park-Windsor Hills to the east, and Westchester to the south. Inglewood sits to its southeast. Ladera Heights has a fascinating history. It began in the late 1940s with the development of “Old Ladera”. Later, in the 1960s, “New Ladera” saw the rise of custom homes. These homes were designed by prominent architects like Valentine and Gallant, and Robert Earl, who also created multimillion-dollar estates worldwide. One unique feature of the original Ladera Heights development was its proximity to the Fox Hills golf course. Homes along Wooster Avenue offered stunning views overlooking the rolling hills of the course. In the 1970s, Ladera Heights became a sought-after location for prominent figures. Baseball legend Frank Robinson was among the first to move in. Over the years, Ladera Heights has attracted numerous celebrities, athletes, and public figures. Among them are Peter Vidmar, Vanessa Williams, Chris Darden, Chris Strait, Lisa Leslie, Olympia Scott, Ken Norton, Arron Afflalo, Tyler, the Creator, Michael Cooper, and Byron Scott. Ladera Heights isn’t just about famous residents. It’s a community with unique geographic distinctions. Divided into “Upper Ladera”, “Lower Ladera”, and “Old Ladera”, it offers diverse housing options. The Ladera Center, located in Lower Ladera, provides residents with convenient access to local businesses and restaurants. Now, back to our initial question. Ladera Heights earned its nickname, “Black Beverly Hills,” due to its affluence and prominent African American residents. In fact, it ranks third among the wealthiest majority-Black communities in the United States. The average household income is an impressive $132,824. Ladera Heights is a compelling example of a community that has grown and thrived. From its beginnings as “Old Ladera” to its current status as a sought-after address, it has remained a vibrant and significant part of Los Angeles County.