The peaceful neighbor of Venice and Culver City, where tree-lined suburbs, convenience, and exciting new developments abound.
With its quiet and leafy residential streets, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Mar Vista manages to radiate a serene, suburban charm — despite its convenient proximity to Downtown LA. Its central location appeals to commuters, families, and anyone aiming to settle down within easy distance of both LA’s golden beaches and its energetic urban core.
Officially designated as a city neighborhood in 2006, Mar Vista’s growth can largely be attributed to the presence of the Venice Short Line trolley, built in 1902 to connect Venice Beach to DTLA. What’s referred to as the neighborhood’s downtown district is populated with plenty of new developments, from trendy coffee shops to late-night dessert cafes.
Mar Vista is rich in single-family homes, many of which reflect the stylish, mid-century modern architecture that flourished during the area’s growth from 1950 to 1970. The neighborhood is also flush with townhomes, condos, and apartments, all of which boast enviable price-to-space ratios when compared to other busy LA areas like Pacific Palisades or Santa Monica.
While certain portions of Mar Vista are considered highly walkable, most will find that a car is required when it comes to getting around town. Much of Mar Vista’s charm comes from its community-oriented personality, and the neighborhood serves its diverse collection of residents through wonderful amenities, seasonal and yearly events, and pristine green spaces.
The majority of Mar Vista’s commercial offerings can be found along Venice Boulevard, a lively hotspot for unique retail and must-try restaurants. The fashion-forward will fall in love with the selection of independent boutiques, including General Admission, which specializes in airy, modern menswear. Whimsy + Row is committed to sustainable, eco-conscious clothing for women, and at Shop Morpheus, the designs of local artisans and creators take precedence over all else.
The stretch of Venice Boulevard is also particularly well-known for its assortment of top-tier coffee shops, which serve as the ideal backdrop for study sessions or casual meet-ups with friends. Among the standout cafes, Alana’s Coffee Roasters is notable for their organic, micro-batch coffees and dedication to uplifting the community.
Dining along Venice Boulevard is a culinary adventure in which global flavors are fused with local, organic ingredients. Specializing in Tawainese soul food, Little Fatty creates a menu that’s both unpretentious and inspiring. The sister venue to Little Fatty, Accomplice Bar next door features an innovative rotation of delicious cocktails and beverages. Other popular nightlife spots include those like ArtBarLA, a happening venue for creatives that features local art and live performances.
Embodying Mar Vista’s community-oriented personality, the weekly Certified Farmers Market is one of the neighborhood’s liveliest events. Highly rated, this market is held each Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm and draws in a huge crowd of visitors looking to purchase the best of local produce and goods.
Throughout the year, the Farmers Market also hosts several family-friendly festivals and events, including a Cinco de Mayo celebration and a fall-themed Halloween Market. Other exciting Mar Vista events include the highly anticipated Mar Vista Music & Art Walk, which occurs on the first Saturdays of March, June, and September and highlights the neighborhood’s local artists.
If you are interested in learning more about Mar Vista real estate, give Megan Whalen a call!
Whether buying, selling, or leasing, when you work with Megan Whalen, you benefit from having a team of dedicated professionals to support you every step of the way.