Embedded Files
Serving California your Local Loan Officer Marcel Garcia │818 Mortgage: Home Loan Expert serving all of California, Get Pre-Approved Today!
Mortgage Broker in Los Angeles - Get PreApproved Today!
818 Mortgage is all about math, so let's do some together: we can divide the total US population by the population of Los Angeles: 335,000,000/3,900,000≈88
What we've learned:
Roughly 1 of every 88 people in the United States lives in the City of Los Angeles.
Approximately 1 out of every 18 people in the United States lives in Southern California.
And, approximately one 1 of every 8.5 people in the United States lives in the State of California.
Los Angeles, often referred to as "L.A." or "The City of Angels," is the most populous city in California and the second-most populous in the United States, after New York City. Sprawling across a diverse topography that ranges from sea level at its famous beaches to over 5,100 feet in the mountains, L.A. is a vast and dynamic metropolis.
Founded by Spanish settlers in 1781, Los Angeles has grown into a global hub for business, international trade, and especially entertainment, being home to Hollywood and a leading center for film, television, music, and video game production. Its culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from countless ethnic groups, including large Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Italian, Salvadoran, Greek, Armenian, and Filipino communities, making it one of the most diverse cities in the nation.
The city's climate is predominantly Mediterranean, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The landscape is also marked by the Santa Monica Mountains, which bisect the city, separating the Los Angeles Basin from the San Fernando Valley. Thankfully, its car-centric culture has an extensive freeway system. L.A. also boasts numerous parks, beaches, and hiking trails, offering ample outdoor recreation opportunities.
Los Angeles is composed of a vast and often complex network of neighborhoods and suburbs, each with its distinct character. It's important to note that "Los Angeles" can refer to the City of Los Angeles proper, or the much larger Los Angeles County, which encompasses many independent cities and unincorporated areas.
Neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles (organized by general region):
Downtown Los Angeles: Arts District, Civic Center, Fashion District, Financial District, Gallery Row, Historic Core, Jewelry District, Little Tokyo, Old Bank District, Skid Row, South Park, Toy District, Warehouse District.
Central Los Angeles & Wilshire Area: Angelino Heights, Arlington Heights, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, Baldwin Vista, Beverly Grove, Brookside, Bunker Hill, Century City, Cheviot Hills, Crenshaw, Crestview, Fairfax, Filipinotown (Historic), Hancock Park, Jefferson Park, Koreatown, La Brea-Hancock, La Cienega Heights, Melrose, Mid-City, Miracle Mile, Olympic Park, Pico-Robertson, Pico-Union, University Park, Westlake, Wilshire.
Eastside: Boyle Heights, Cypress Park, El Sereno, Elysian Heights, Elysian Park, Elysian Valley, Lincoln Heights, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, Mount Washington, Solano Canyon, University Hills, Victor Heights.
Harbor Area: Torrance, Lomita, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Terminal Island, Wilmington.
Northeast Los Angeles: Atwater Village, Eagle Rock, Hermon, Highland Park, Mount Washington.
San Fernando Valley: Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Encino, Granada Hills, Lake Balboa, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Porter Ranch, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, Van Nuys, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.
South Los Angeles: Broadway-Manchester, Exposition Park, Florence, Gramercy Park, Hyde Park, Jefferson Park, Leimert Park, South Central (Historic), University Park, Watts.
Major Suburbs and Cities within the Greater Los Angeles Area (outside the immediate City of Los Angeles borders, but part of the larger metropolitan region):
San Fernando Valley (other cities/unincorporated areas): Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, Westlake Village.
Other significant cities: Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood.
Los Angeles, with its vast geographical spread and cultural diversity, truly lives up to its nickname, offering a mosaic of experiences across its many distinct communities.
Greater Southern California Service Areas: The Coachella Valley
Get Pre-Approved for Your NEW Home in the Coachella Valley:
Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella
Counties Serviced by Marcel Garcia │818 Mortgage: Home Loan Expert serving all of California, Get Pre-Approved Today!
Alameda County
Piedmont is a small, exclusive city almost entirely surrounded by the city of Oakland. It consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in the Bay Area due to its stately homes and excellent schools. Another highly affluent area is the Gold Coast neighborhood in Alameda, known for its elegant, historic homes and waterfront location.
Alpine County
Given the sparse population and rural nature of the county, the most expensive communities are the resort-focused towns with vacation homes. Hope Valley is often cited as the most expensive, but individual high-value properties can be found in Kirkwood and Markleeville.
Amador County
Drytown consistently has the highest median listing price in the county, due to its luxury, single-family homes on large lots. Other expensive areas include Fiddletown and communities with larger, custom-built homes near Jackson and Sutter Creek.
Butte County
The most expensive community is typically considered Butte Creek Canyon, which has the highest median listing home price in the county. Other affluent areas include the community of Durham and some of the luxury enclaves in Chico, such as Canyon Oaks Terrace.
Calaveras County
The most expensive community is Murphys, a historic gold rush town that has become a popular tourist and wine-tasting destination with luxury homes in and around the town. Another affluent area is the community around Lake Tulloch in Copperopolis, known for its waterfront properties and golf course homes.
Colusa County
The most expensive homes in this agriculture-centric county are often large ranch properties. The highest-priced homes are typically in or around the city of Colusa and the rural communities of Arbuckle and Princeton, where large ranch homes and agricultural land command a high price.
Contra Costa County
The most expensive cities are typically in the "Lamorinda" area, a portmanteau of the three cities Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. The most expensive homes are often found in exclusive, gated communities like Blackhawk in Danville. Other highly desirable communities include Alamo and Diablo.
Del Norte County
Smith River is the most expensive city based on median listing prices, largely due to its oceanfront and riverfront properties. Many of the most expensive homes in the county are found here. Other high-value properties can be found in the coastal areas around Crescent City.
El Dorado County
El Dorado Hills is the most expensive city in the county. Within El Dorado Hills, communities like Serrano are known for their luxury, custom homes and guard-gated security. Other high-end communities include The Summit and Watermark.
Fresno County
The most expensive community is Shaver Lake, a popular area for vacation homes, which tends to have a higher median home value than the rest of the county.
Glenn County
Orland has the highest median listing home price in the county. The most expensive homes are typically found in the rural areas and large lots surrounding the city, which offer privacy and space.
Humboldt County
The most expensive real estate is found in the coastal communities. The highest-priced homes are often located in Trinidad and the surrounding areas, which are known for their ocean views and scenic beauty. Other high-end communities include parts of Eureka and Bayside.
Imperial County
The most expensive city based on median home value is Imperial, which is often listed as the top city for home prices in the El Centro metro area.
Inyo County
The small community of West Bishop has the highest median listing home price in Inyo County. The city of Bishop itself, being the largest city in the county, has many of the most expensive homes, with some properties selling for over a million dollars.
Kern County
Lakeside has a significantly higher median listing home price than other cities in the county, making it the most expensive city for homebuyers.
Kings County
Given the county's agricultural landscape, the most expensive properties are often large farms and ranch estates. The most expensive homes can be found in the rural areas surrounding Hanford and Lemoore, where large custom homes with acreage are most common. Some of the most valuable individual properties are large agricultural land parcels.
Lake County
The most expensive cities are generally those with access to Clear Lake. The community of Spring Valley has a high median listing price, and the gated community of Hidden Valley Lake is known for its amenities and luxury properties.
Lassen County
Janesville has the highest median listing home price in the county. While the prices are not as high as in other parts of California, the most expensive homes are typically found in Janesville due to its larger lots and scenic setting.
Los Angeles County
Holmby Hills: Part of the "Platinum Triangle" along with Beverly Hills and Bel Air, Holmby Hills is known for its sprawling estates and is home to many celebrities and business moguls.
Bel Air: Another member of the "Platinum Triangle," Bel Air is famous for its exclusive, private, and often palatial homes with sweeping views.
Beverly Hills Gateway/Beverly Hills: The iconic Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury. The Beverly Hills Gateway neighborhood is particularly known for its high-end properties.
Malibu Colony: This is a hidden, gated community in Malibu known for its luxury beachfront homes that have long been a retreat for the rich and famous.
Pacific Palisades: A desirable coastal neighborhood offering luxurious living with ocean views and high-end amenities.
Madera County
The most expensive properties in this county are a mix of large agricultural estates and luxury homes. The highest-priced homes are often found in areas like The Preserve at Millerton Lake near Friant and in the resort community of Bass Lake. The most expensive individual properties are often large agricultural land parcels.
Marin County
Ross: A small, affluent town known for its picturesque setting and tranquil lifestyle.
Tiburon: Offering a waterfront lifestyle, Tiburon is highly sought after for its views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Belvedere: This small island city features luxury waterfront properties with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
Mariposa County
With the close proximity to Yosemite National Park, the most expensive communities are found in and around the park's entrance. Yosemite National Park itself, and the town of Fish Camp, have some of the highest-priced homes. The community of Wawona, located inside the park, also features high-end vacation properties.
Mendocino County
Coastal communities tend to be the most expensive, with Hopland having the highest median listing price in the county. The town of Mendocino also has very high-value homes, particularly those with ocean views. Other costly areas include Gualala and Elk.
Merced County
The most expensive communities in Merced County are generally smaller, more rural areas. The communities of Le Grand and McSwain have the highest median listing home prices. Within the city of Merced itself, the Bellevue Ranch neighborhood tends to have the highest median home value.
Modoc County
The small, historic town of Cedarville has the highest median listing home price in the county. The most expensive properties are often large ranches or secluded country homes in the rural areas. Individual high-value properties can also be found in the communities of Davis Creek and Alturas.
Mono County
Due to its resort towns, Mono County has some of the highest home prices outside of major metropolitan areas. Mammoth Lakes has a very high median list price, especially for single-family homes and luxury condos. Other high-end communities include June Lake and the rural properties in Crowley Lake.
Monterey County
The most expensive community is Pebble Beach, home to a famous golf course and luxury real estate. Another exclusive, gated community is Monterra Ranch in Monterey, which features large luxury homes on spacious lots.
You can learn more about some of Sacramento's most luxurious neighborhoods in this video.
Napa County
St. Helena is often considered the most prestigious town in Napa Valley, known for its high-end homes with vineyard views. Other luxurious towns in the area include Yountville, which is a culinary destination, and Calistoga, known for its hot springs and relaxed atmosphere.
Nevada County
The community with the most expensive homes is overwhelmingly Truckee, due to its proximity to ski resorts and Lake Tahoe. Within Truckee, gated communities and luxury enclaves have million-dollar-plus properties. The city of Nevada City also has some high-end, historic homes.
Orange County
Newport Coast/Pelican Hill: This affluent community in Newport Beach is known for its stunning ocean views, luxurious homes, and a world-class golf course.
Corona del Mar: Known as the "Crown of the Sea," this neighborhood within Newport Beach offers a mix of quaint village life and upscale living with dramatic cliffs and white-sand beaches.
Shady Canyon: An exclusive, gated community in Irvine with large, custom-built homes and a private golf course.
Emerald Bay: A private, gated community in Laguna Beach known for its spectacular oceanfront homes and private beach.
Placer County
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Tahoe City is by far the most expensive city in the county, with a median home price well over a million dollars. Other expensive areas include Carnelian Bay and Granite Bay.
Plumas County
The most expensive homes in this county are typically found in and around the scenic resort areas. The communities around Lake Almanor and Graeagle have the highest median listing prices, with many luxury waterfront and golf course properties.
Riverside County
Indian Wells, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Temecula, Eastvale, Murrieta, Alessandro Heights, Canyon Crest, Orangecrest, The Wood Streets, Victoria
The Coachella Valley is famous for not only Palm Springs, but also Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella.
Sacramento County
Sierra Oaks is known for its tree-lined streets and large lots. The average home price is around $2.4 million. Other expensive neighborhoods include Arden Oaks and Wilhaggin, both with average home prices of about $2 million.
San Benito County
The most expensive homes in San Benito County are often found in the rural, scenic areas outside of Hollister and San Juan Bautista, such as Tres Pinos, known for large lots and luxury estates. Some of the most expensive individual properties are located in gated communities within Hollister, with home prices in the seven-figure range.
San Bernardino County
San Diego County
Rancho Santa Fe: This community is known for its large estates, equestrian facilities, and exclusive country clubs.
La Jolla: A prestigious coastal neighborhood with beautiful natural scenery and a high concentration of affluent residents.
Coronado, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Mission Hills, Point Loma, Little Italy, Carmel Valley, Carlsbad, Rancho Bernardo
San Francisco County
Pacific Heights: This is one of San Francisco's most elegant neighborhoods, with historic homes and panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
Presidio Heights: Known as one of the city's highest-end enclaves, it features a mix of grand homes and luxury living.
San Joaquin County
Based on median listing home prices, the most expensive area is the small community of Clements with a median home price of $1.8 million. Other affluent areas include Linden at $1.2 million and Banta at $1.1 million.
San Luis Obispo County
Coastal communities are the most expensive. Avila Beach is the most expensive city in the county. Other high-end coastal towns include Cayucos and Pismo Beach. The city of San Luis Obispo itself has some of the most exclusive neighborhoods, such as Edna Valley and The Arbors.
San Mateo County
Atherton: A small, incorporated town with one of the highest per capita incomes in the United States. It's known for its privacy and large, discreet estates, and is a favorite among Silicon Valley's elite.
Hillsborough: This town is located just south of San Francisco and is known for its historic mansions and quiet, residential streets.
Santa Barbara County
Santa Clara County
Los Altos Hills: A city in the heart of Silicon Valley that consistently ranks as one of California's most expensive.
Saratoga: Known for its stylish homes, large lots, and top-rated public schools.
Palo Alto: Home to Stanford University and a hub for tech entrepreneurs, Palo Alto's neighborhoods like Old Palo Alto and Crescent Park are some of the most expensive.
Santa Cruz County
The most expensive neighborhood is Banana Belt, with a median home price of $1,749,786. Other expensive areas include Lower Seabright and Upper Seabright, which have median home prices of $1,701,472 and $1,605,594 respectively.
Shasta County
The most expensive community is the exclusive, gated golf course community of Tierra Oaks in Redding. Other high-end neighborhoods in the county include Mary Lake and Palo Cedro, which is known for its spacious, custom homes and rural atmosphere.
Sierra County
Real estate often consists of large, private properties and ranches rather than distinct neighborhoods.
The most expensive properties are found in the communities of Calpine and Sierraville, which have the highest median listing prices in the county. Calpine, in particular, has had some of the most expensive homes on the market, with values sometimes exceeding $6 million.
Other high-value areas include Sierra City, known for its scenic views and historic character, and the ranches and large land parcels scattered throughout the county
Siskiyou County
The small community of Fort Jones has the highest median listing home price in the county. Other high-end communities include Mount Shasta, which has luxury homes with views of the mountain, and McCloud, a historic mill town with some high-value properties.
Solano County
The most expensive homes are often found in the communities that border Napa and Contra Costa counties. The city of Benicia is known for its high-value waterfront properties. Other affluent communities include the Green Valley and Suisun Valley areas in Fairfield, known for their larger lots and scenic views.
Sonoma County
While much of Sonoma County is expensive, the community of The Sea Ranch has a very high typical home value, making it a contender for the most expensive. Other pricey areas include Kenwood and Healdsburg.
Stanislaus County
Del Rio is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the county, located in Modesto. It's a Spanish Revival-style community with lavish, gated communities, a country club, and a private lake. The most expensive properties outside of Del Rio are often large ranch homes on acres of land in communities like Oakdale and Patterson.
Sutter County
The most expensive homes in Sutter County are typically found in the more rural areas and on larger agricultural plots. Rio Oso and Meridian often have the highest median home values, with luxury properties on large acreage. Within the more developed areas, Sutter and East Nicolaus also have many expensive homes.
Tehama County
Given its rural nature, the most expensive properties in Tehama County are often large ranch or agricultural estates. The highest-priced homes are found in the communities surrounding Red Bluff and Cottonwood, particularly those with significant acreage or waterfront access. Communities like Manton, known for its beautiful scenery and seclusion, also have high-value properties.
Trinity County
The most expensive homes in this county are generally located in the scenic areas surrounding the Trinity River and its lakes. Lewiston and the areas around Trinity Lake have some of the highest-priced homes. These are often luxury retreats or vacation properties with large lots and private settings.
Tulare County
The most expensive city in Tulare County is Three Rivers, largely due to its proximity to Sequoia National Park and the Kaweah River. The highest-priced homes are luxury properties with scenic views. In the more populated areas, the most expensive neighborhoods are typically found in the city of Visalia, particularly in areas with custom homes and larger lots.
Tuolumne County
The most expensive communities in Tuolumne County are generally the Sierra Nevada mountain towns and those with private amenities. Phoenix Lake has a high median listing price, as do Pinecrest and Strawberry, which are known for their vacation homes and proximity to outdoor recreation. Twain Harte and Jamestown also have high-value properties.
Yolo County
The most expensive real estate is concentrated in cities close to Sacramento and those with high-end rural properties. Davis has the highest median home price and features many high-value neighborhoods, including El Macero, which is a gated community with a golf course. The community of Clarksburg, known for its riverfront and agricultural estates, also has a very high median home price.
Yuba County
The most expensive city in Yuba County is Loma Rica, known for its rural setting and high median home price. Other high-end communities include Browns Valley and Oregon House, which have high-value properties on large acreage. Within the more developed areas, the Plumas Lake and Buttes Vista communities also feature some of the county's most expensive new and existing homes.
Ventura County
Google Sites
Report abuse