“Those unpaved streets. They tell a story don’t they?”
Welcome to Westside Village a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Los Angeles. This isn’t your typical Los Angeles neighborhood. It’s a time capsule a testament to a simpler era. Westside Village boasts a unique history. It began as part of Rancho La Ballona and later the Charnock Ranch. Farmers grew lima beans grain hay and walnuts there.
Then came Fritz B Burns a visionary developer. In 1939 he transformed the area. He built 1200 single-family homes. Westside Village became one of the first tract housing developments in Los Angeles. Burns kept housing affordable. Houses averaged only 900 square feet. They had single-car garages. Lots measured about 50 by 135 feet. The original homes sold for around $4000.
Burns kept costs low. He sold houses unpainted and yards unplanted. Buyers could purchase plants for 25 and 50 cents each. Streets lacked sidewalks many still do. Westside Village’s location was key. It sat between MGM Studios in Culver City and Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica. Both industries were booming. Homes were instantly desirable to their workers.
Westside Village’s charm lies in its details. Look at the mature trees lining the streets. Jacaranda pines camphor Chinese elm and eucalyptus trees offer shade and privacy. These are mature trees. They’ve been there for decades. They whisper stories of families who’ve lived here raised children and built lives within this quiet community.
Today Westside Village retains its modest charm. It’s a place where neighbors know each other. The population hovers around 9984. It’s a community that has preserved its unique past. It continues to thrive. It’s a testament to the vision of a developer who prioritised affordability and community. So as you walk through Westside Village take a moment to appreciate its history. Feel the tranquility. Remember the vision. Appreciate the details. You are walking through a piece of Los Angeles history. You are experiencing Westside Village.