Mar Vista is a rare gem in the city of Los Angeles. Located centrally in the Westside, adjacent to Santa Monica, Del Rey, Venice and Culver City, Mar Vista has maintained its small-town, family-friendly vibe while being close to LA’s urban amenities and world-famous beaches.
In the 1920s, Mar Vista was mostly farmland and was known as the country’s Lima Bean Belt. The neighborhood’s development was helped along by the Venice Short Line trolley, which transported passengers from downtown Los Angeles to what were then the booming communities of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The route included Mar Vista, then known as Ocean Park Heights.
When the neighborhood was annexed by Los Angeles in 1927, Mar Vista’s population grew, attracting new residents with its central location and great views of the beach from certain areas.
Mar Vista today has become one of LA’s most desirable neighborhoods. People looking to move here are drawn by its combination of quiet, neighborly streets, bustling commercial districts, excellent location, historic landmarks, and close-knit hometown feel.
Fast Facts
- Mar Vista is bordered by Palms on the northeast, Culver City on the east, southeast and south, Venice on the west and Santa Monica on the northwest.
- Based on the latest Census figures, Mar Vista has a population of 50,421.
- The median household income in Mar Vista (according to the latest Census figures) is $71,275, which is about 1.5x the Los Angeles median.
- The average age of residents is about 49 years.
- While Mar Vista lies mostly within Los Angeles borders, some sections along Washington Boulevard are part of Culver City.
- Mar Vista is known for its top-rated public and private schools, including Clover Elementary, Goethe International Charter, Mar Vista Elementary School, Le Lycee Francais, and Notre Dame Academy.
Los Angeles CA Real Estate
Real estate in Mar Vista is a good combination of single-family and multifamily properties, with both housing types found all over the neighborhood.
Residences in Mar Vista are a combination of the old and the new. Some of the neighborhood’s oldest homes are found in the historical districts of Mar Vista Tract and Mar Vista Hill.
Newer residences, including condos and apartments, have been gaining ground in the Mar Vista real estate scene, and come in a wide variety of styles and prices.
Around 61% of residents are renters. As with single-family homes and condos, apartments in Mar Vista are available in a broad range of sizes and prices, depending on the location. Typical building amenities and features include patios, roof decks, hardwood flooring, and high-speed internet access.
Dining, Shopping, Nightlife and Major Attractions
Mar Vista blends historic charm with modern amenities, as well as plenty of opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the top destinations and attractions in the neighborhood:
- Venice/Grand View Historic Commercial District – Mar Vista’s downtown area features classic neighborhood-style coffee shops, tattoo parlors, barber shops, retro buildings built from the 1920s to the 1960s, and a weekly farmer’s market.
- Retail strip along Venice Boulevard
- Abbot Kinney Road – a nearby retail strip
- Mar Vista Recreation Center – a neighborhood park featuring sports fields and courts, a roller hockey rink, and more
- Bowlero Mar Vista – a bowling facility with a bar and restaurant
- Hiko Sushi– a popular restaurant serving Japanese cuisine
- Hatchet Hall – a restaurant and bar offering American food
- Venice Grind – a local coffee shop serving organic coffee
- Zinque restaurant and lounge