I thought writing about gated communities in Los Angeles would be useful because I live in one and truly appreciate its advantages. Aside from the extra security and privacy that gated communities offer, they are generally more secluded and have limited through-traffic, which can result in quieter and less congested streets compared to open neighborhoods.
About a decade ago, we were on a house hunt for a larger space and a garden in LA and Orange County. Our exploration covered a large area (from as far north as Camarillo to San Juan Capistrano) to find an ideal place in 2012 with at least 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms within our < $800K budget. We weren’t even looking for a gated community but ended up making an offer for one in the Virginia Country Club area of Long Beach. After seeing 103 homes (!) during this home search, we realized the location was the right fit for our criteria: within 6 miles of the ocean for healthier air, a welcoming community, mature trees, peaceful & walkable streets, a local park with tennis courts, homes that show pride of ownership by the way each maintained their gardens, close to Trader Joe’s and major highways to west LA or the other direction, and most importantly, “good vibes.”
Los Angeles is a dense, diverse, and busy city with all the pros and cons of big-city living. For some, the extra privacy and security that gated communities offer have high appeal. My international clients like the security features of gated areas or the high-security luxury condominiums that offer 24-hour concierge service and the least owner maintenance. For now, let’s look at residential homes in LA County gated communities which can range in price from $1.3M to above $5M for a 3 BR 3BA home with at least 2000 sq ft, depending on the location, amenities, features, and size. Here are a few notable gated communities in Los Angeles County.
A few of my favorite gated communities in the lower price range ($1M-$1.9M) are in Long Beach – frequently used as a filming location for television and movies because of its coastal attractions, diverse pockets of interest, and likable communities like Bixby Knolls and Cal Heights as examples. Crown Pointe in the Virginia Country Club area is a premier gated neighborhood near a private golf course with a serene environment. The entrance to Crown Pointe is on one of the best streets in LA County: Country Club Drive. Just pop in any day or time, and you’ll enjoy a walk along this wide street with mature trees that boasts of great walks because there’s not a lot of through traffic yet close to accessing major highways for trekking to West Los Angeles or even OC. It’s easy to think you could be in Beverly Hills with the gorgeous gardens of well-maintained and elegant homes but with a warm community vibe.
Just outside this gated community are $3M+ homes, families who walk their dogs, community park concerts, and amenities denoting the higher quality of living. Crown Pointe is located near shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options that are easily accessible. The community is within close proximity to parks and recreational areas. With only 92 single-family and patio homes, Crown Pointe offers spacious living quarters with 2-3 BRs for an average interior size of 2200 sqft. and an average price of $1.25M. (You cannot find high-quality living with these features in Los Angeles at this price). The properties typically feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, spacious living areas, and private outdoor spaces such as patios or balconies. Some units may offer desirable features like upgraded kitchens, fireplaces, and attached garages. Astonishingly, despite the well-maintained grounds and landscaping, Crown Pointe has a low HOA fee ($250/mo)since there is no clubhouse or community pool, with most residents having their own pools.
Considering the size of the city of Long Beach, there are relatively few gated neighborhoods that actually exist. Some of the more popular gated neighborhoods are Whalers Cove, Bay Harbor, Del Lago, Bixby Hill (near California State University), and Pacific Villas. Bay Harbour Homes is a guard-gated community in Long Beach with 198 upscale single-family homes located west of Pacific Coast Highway and south of Lyons Drive and borders the Long Beach Marina. Some homes have boat slips. HOA is $500+/mo. Del Lago is another gated community of 125 single-family homes near Alamitos Heights in Long Beach with a lower-than-average HOA fee. Bixby Hill is located near California State University, with 24-hour, guard-gated security access. This community also has condominiums inside the gate, and the average HOA fee is lower than average.
In West Los Angeles, properties in gated communities often boast expansive estates, high-end features, breathtaking views, and extensive amenities. Some of the notable gated ones are:
- Malibu Colony – Malibu Colony’s one of California’s most exclusive gated communities and has been since the Golden Age of Hollywood. The area is known for its stunning ocean views and luxury homes, many of which have been featured in movies and TV shows
- Bel Air Crest: Located in the prestigious Bel Air neighborhood, it has upscale homes with stunning views of the city. It provides residents with member amenities like a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center.
- The Summit: Situated in Beverly Hills, The Summit is a gated community that features luxurious homes and beautiful landscaping. It offers amenities like tennis courts, a clubhouse, and 24-hour security.
- Mulholland Estates: Situated in the Beverly Hills Post Office area, Mulholland Estates is an exclusive gated community known for its high-profile residents and extravagant homes. It provides amenities like a community center, tennis courts, and a playground.
- The Enclave: Located in the Sherman Oaks area, The Enclave is a gated community that offers townhomes and single-family residences. It features a pool, spa, and a recreation room.
In San Fernando Valley, notable gated communities include:
- The Oaks of Calabasas is a prestigious gated community in the Valley known for its luxurious homes and beautiful surroundings. It offers amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pools, tennis courts, and hiking trails.
- Hidden Hills is a highly exclusive gated San Fernando Valley community known for its privacy and seclusion. It features sprawling estates, horse-friendly properties, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Working with a real estate agent specializing in gated communities is recommended to get more accurate and up-to-date pricing information based on your specific requirements and preferences. In summary, choosing to live in a gated community can be influenced by various factors, and individual preferences may vary. Here are some common reasons why people choose to live in gated communities:
- Security and Safety: Gated communities typically have restricted access with controlled entry points and security personnel. This enhanced security can provide residents with a sense of safety, reducing concerns about unauthorized individuals entering the community, especially in a big city like Los Angeles.
- Reduced Traffic and Noise: Gated communities are generally more secluded and have limited through-traffic, which can result in quieter and less congested streets compared to open neighborhoods.
- Privacy: Gated communities often offer a greater degree of privacy compared to open neighborhoods. The restricted access helps limit unwanted solicitors, and the controlled environment can create a more secluded living experience.
- Amenities and Facilities: Gated communities often provide a range of amenities exclusively for residents, such as parks, pools, gyms, tennis courts, walking trails, and community centers. These facilities can contribute to a more convenient and enjoyable lifestyle without needing to leave the community.
- Sense of Community: Gated communities tend to foster a stronger sense of community and camaraderie among residents. The controlled environment and shared amenities often provide opportunities for neighbors to interact, participate in social events, and establish connections with like-minded individuals.
- Maintenance and Aesthetics: Gated communities often have homeowner associations (HOAs) responsible for maintaining the community’s infrastructure, common areas, and landscaping. This can lead to well-maintained surroundings and aesthetically pleasing landscapes, enhancing the overall appeal and value of the properties.
- Exclusivity and Prestige: Some individuals may choose to live in a gated community for the prestige and exclusivity associated with such neighborhoods. The perception of higher socioeconomic status can be appealing to some residents.
It’s important to consider your personal preferences, lifestyle, and priorities when deciding on the type of community to live in. Gated communities may offer certain advantages, but they also come with their own set of considerations, such as HOA fees and potential restrictions. Assessing your needs and weighing the pros and cons will help you determine if a gated community aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. In a big city like Los Angeles and if you prefer a detached home, gated communities are highly desirable.
Have fun exploring!
Your Real Estate Broker,
Carina