Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Brentwood
How Brentwood scores for you
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How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 58% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Brentwood is a leafy, car-oriented neighborhood in West LA where tree cover and relative quiet come with a premium price tag. Median rent runs about $2,934 per month, ranking 106th of 114 LA neighborhoods—significantly higher than the LA average of $2,016. The area ranks third in the city for tree canopy, so streets feel shaded and established.
Day-to-day life here requires a car. Walkability ranks 108th of 114, and transit access is minimal, though it does rank 17th for bus and metro connectivity. Air quality is notably good, ranking 11th of 114 neighborhoods, with below-median diesel PM exposure. Traffic corridors see above-average congestion, but the spacious, tree-lined character appeals to those willing to trade walkability for greenery and stability.
Living here
Getting around means relying on your car for most trips. Within a short walk you'll find about 8 restaurants, 3-4 coffee shops, 2 grocery stores (including Whole Foods Market and Vicente Foods), and a couple of gyms like Barry's and Orangetheory Fitness. Parks are sparse by comparison (about 1-2 within walking distance), so outdoor recreation often involves driving to larger facilities.
The neighborhood has a suburban feel despite being in LA, with established residential blocks and commercial pockets. Errands and activities typically require planning and driving time rather than spontaneous walks. Air quality is clean relative to most of LA, and the tree canopy makes the area visually pleasant, but the car dependency shapes daily logistics.
Who it's for
Brentwood fits renters who prioritize a quieter, greener environment and can afford premium rent on a car-dependent lifestyle. It works for people commuting to the Westside or those who simply prefer lower density, established neighborhoods with good air quality over walkable urban convenience. If you need frequent transit access or want to live car-free, this is not the right fit.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: good tree cover, with streets likely shaded.
Tree canopy reduces surface temperatures, absorbs noise, and is consistently linked to lower stress and higher neighborhood satisfaction in urban psychology research.
Walkability: most errands require a car or transit.
Lower intersection density and fewer destinations within walking distance, typical of suburban LA/OC areas.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Around Brentwood
Whole Foods Market · Vicente Foods
Blue Bottle Coffee · Starbucks · Le Pain Quotidien · Organic Coffee and Fine Tea
Mr. Charlie's · Farmshop · Frida Tacos · Amici
Barry's · Orangetheory Fitness
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Frequently asked questions
How walkable is Brentwood?+
Not very. Walkability ranks 108th of 114 LA neighborhoods, meaning most errands require a car or transit. You'll find restaurants, coffee shops, and groceries within a short walk, but the area is designed around driving rather than pedestrian trips.
Do I need a car in Brentwood?+
Yes, strongly. Transit ranks 17th of 114 but is still minimal compared to other LA areas. A car is essentially required for daily living, work commutes, and accessing the wider city.
What's the air quality like?+
Brentwood ranks 11th of 114 neighborhoods for air quality, with below-California-median diesel PM exposure. This is one of the cleanest neighborhoods in LA, making it a good choice if air quality is a priority.
Why is rent so high here compared to other LA neighborhoods?+
Median rent of $2,934 ranks 106th of 114, about $900 more than the LA average. The premium reflects the neighborhood's tree canopy (3rd best in LA), lower density, quieter character, and established residential appeal, though walkability and transit access are limited.
Is Brentwood walkable?+
Brentwood ranks #108 of 114 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, most errands require a car or transit.
What is the average rent in Brentwood?+
Typical rent in Brentwood is around $2,934 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Brentwood?+
Brentwood has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 34 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Brentwood?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Brentwood are Sherman Oaks, Hollywood Hills West, Pacific Palisades and Beverly Crest.