Playa Vista, California

Playa Vista Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide

Silicon Beach's master-planned community, where modern condos and townhomes meet 29 parks, walkable retail, and the tech companies redefining the Westside.

Built on the site of Howard Hughes' former airfield, Playa Vista is one of the newest and most thoughtfully planned neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It was designed from the ground up around walkability, green space, and community, and it has become the heart of "Silicon Beach," home and neighbor to companies like Google, YouTube, and Meta. For buyers, that translates into newer construction, resort-style amenities, and a genuine live-work-play lifestyle that is hard to find anywhere else on the Westside. It is especially popular with tech professionals, young families, and anyone who wants a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave home close to the coast.

Playa Vista market snapshot

~$1.37M
Median sale price
~13 days
Median time on market
~99.6%
Sale-to-list price
~75%
Sell within 30 days

Playa Vista is one of the most active and competitive micro-markets on the Westside. Well-priced homes move quickly and often at or near asking, so it rewards buyers who are prepared and decisive. Prices vary meaningfully by property type:

  • Condos: generally around $850K to $1.2M, the entry point into the neighborhood.
  • Townhomes: generally around $1.3M to $1.9M, popular with families wanting more space.
  • Single-family homes: the smallest and most sought-after segment, generally around $1.8M to $2.6M.

Market figures reflect mid-2026 neighborhood data and are refreshed each quarter. Curious what your Playa Vista home is worth? Request a free, no-obligation valuation from Megan.

The two phases of Playa Vista

One of the first things to understand as a buyer is that Playa Vista was built in two phases, and the difference matters for both lifestyle and cost.

Phase 1

The original, more established side of the neighborhood, with mature landscaping, a mix of condos and townhomes, and its own set of parks and amenities. Phase 1 tends to carry higher Mello-Roos special tax exposure, which is worth factoring into your monthly budget.

Phase 2

The newer construction, including sleeker modern buildings and the amenities around Runway. Phase 2 homes are typically the most contemporary in finish and design.

HOA fees and Mello-Roos

Playa Vista is an amenity-rich, association-run community, so your monthly carrying cost is more than just the mortgage. Two things to plan for:

  • HOA dues cover the resort-style amenities (fitness centers, pools, clubhouses), landscaping, and community security.
  • Mello-Roos is a special tax that funds the community's infrastructure, added on top of standard property taxes, and it varies by phase and building.

These are normal for Playa Vista and part of what makes the lifestyle possible, but they meaningfully affect affordability. I always walk buyers through the full monthly picture, HOA plus Mello-Roos plus taxes, so there are no surprises.

Lifestyle: amenities, dining & parks

Playa Vista is built for an active, convenient lifestyle:

  • Runway: the neighborhood's walkable retail and dining hub, anchored by Whole Foods and a Cinemark theater, with restaurants like SOL Mexican Cocina, Hopdoddy, and Urban Plates.
  • The Resort: a private, residents-only club with fitness, pools, and event space.
  • Parks and green space: more than two dozen parks and open spaces, including Concert Park, which hosts movie nights, farmers markets, and live music.
  • The outdoors: the Ballona Wetlands and coastal bike paths are right at the edge of the community.

Schools

Playa Vista is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District and is anchored by Playa Vista Elementary, a well-regarded neighborhood school that is a major draw for families. Loyola Marymount University sits just up the bluff, and the wider area offers additional magnet and private options. (Always confirm current attendance boundaries and enrollment directly with LAUSD.)

Location & commute

Playa Vista is the center of Silicon Beach, so for many residents the "commute" is a walk or short bike ride to work. You are minutes from LAX, close to Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, and Culver City, and have quick access to the 90 and 405 freeways. It is one of the most connected spots on the Westside.

Is Playa Vista a good place to buy?

If you want newer construction, resort amenities, walkability, and to be at the heart of the Westside tech scene, Playa Vista is hard to beat. The keys to buying well here are moving decisively in a fast market and understanding the full carrying cost, including HOA and Mello-Roos. Whether you are eyeing a first condo, a family townhome, or one of the rare single-family homes, I can help you compare Phase 1 and Phase 2 and find the right fit.

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Playa Vista FAQs

How much do homes cost in Playa Vista?

As of mid-2026, the median sale price for condos and townhomes is around $1.37 million. Condos generally run from about $850K to $1.2M, townhomes from about $1.3M to $1.9M, and the rarer single-family homes from about $1.8M to $2.6M. The market is fast, with many homes selling within two weeks at close to asking price.

What are HOA and Mello-Roos fees like in Playa Vista?

Playa Vista homes carry monthly HOA dues that fund the resort-style amenities, landscaping, and security, plus a Mello-Roos special tax on top of standard property taxes that funds community infrastructure. Both vary by phase and building, and they meaningfully affect your monthly budget, so I always break down the full carrying cost (mortgage plus HOA plus Mello-Roos plus taxes) before you make an offer.

What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2?

Phase 1 is the original, more established side of Playa Vista with mature landscaping and generally higher Mello-Roos exposure. Phase 2 is the newer construction with the most modern finishes and the amenities around Runway. Which one fits depends on your priorities and budget.

Is Playa Vista a good place to live?

For many people, yes. It offers newer, low-maintenance homes, walkable shops and restaurants, abundant parks, strong amenities, a well-regarded elementary school, and an unbeatable Silicon Beach location close to the coast and LAX.

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