Westside Village is a charming and historic neighborhood in West Los Angeles, bounded by National Boulevard to the north, Charnock Road to the south, Overland Avenue to the east, and Sepulveda Boulevard to the west. While it shares the 90034 zip code with Palms, Westside Village is officially designated as "Zone 1" of the Mar Vista Community Council.
Originally part of Rancho La Ballona and later the Charnock Ranch, the land was once used for agricultural purposes, including lima bean farming, grain hay production, and walnut groves. In 1939, visionary developer Fritz B. Burns subdivided the area, introducing 1,200 single-family homes - a pioneering example of tract housing in Los Angeles. Burns, who was also instrumental in developing Playa del Rey and Westchester, designed Westside Village to meet the growing housing demand during a period of rapid economic expansion. His personal archives are now preserved at Loyola Marymount University's Westchester campus.
Westside Village homes were originally designed as modest yet well-crafted postwar residences, appealing to middle-class families and professionals. These homes reflect California Ranch and Mid-Century Traditional architectural influences, featuring single-story layouts, low-pitched roofs, and stucco or wood siding exteriors. Many homes include hardwood floors, large picture windows, and open-concept living and dining areas, which were innovative for their time.
Over the years, many properties have been expanded or remodeled, incorporating second-story additions, modernized kitchens and baths, and updated landscaping while maintaining the neighborhood’s original charm. Some homes now feature open floor plans, gourmet kitchens with high-end appliances, primary suites with walk-in closets, and outdoor living spaces with patios, fire pits, and drought-tolerant gardens.
The strategic placement of Westside Village between MGM Studios (now Sony Pictures) in Culver City and Douglas Aircraft Company (now part of Boeing) in Santa Monica made it an ideal residential community for aerospace and entertainment industry workers in the mid-20th century. Today, its central location continues to be a major draw, offering easy access to major employment hubs, freeways, shopping centers, and top-rated schools.
With its rich history, charming homes, and prime Westside location, Westside Village remains a highly desirable neighborhood that blends classic Southern California architecture with modern convenience and community charm.
