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Local Insights West Lake Village, CA
Home Prices
- $500K-$1M Condos
- $1M-$4M Single-Family Homes
- $4M-$15M+ Luxury Homes
Average Home Price Per Square Foot
- $500-$650 Condos & Single-Family Homes
- $800-$1,200 Luxury & Lakefront
Living Space Stats
- 3-5 Avg. No. of Beds
- 2-5 Avg. No. of Baths
- 2,200-4,000+ Average Sq. Ft.
Westlake Village is a well-heeled suburban community straddling two counties. Built in the mid-1960s around a man-made lake, it checks nearly every box people look for when leaving the urban bustle behind: quiet streets, top-rated schools, plenty of space, and proximity to golf courses and hiking trails. The ultimate suburban life, with easy access to the city.
But what’s less obvious is that, depending on which specific lot you’re looking at, “Westlake Village” doesn’t mean exactly the same thing for everyone.
Technically, only the portion within Los Angeles County is the official City of Westlake Village. The rest falls under Thousand Oaks in Ventura County. That split matters, from which schools you’re zoned for to who handles your city services and what your property tax bill will reflect.
But whichever side you land on, you’ll still be living in one of the more polished and coveted residential areas in Southern California.
Here’s everything else you need to know.
The community's Los Angeles County portion officially became the City of Westlake Village
in 1981. Meanwhile, parts of the Ventura County side were annexed into Thousand Oaks.
Westlake Village, CA Real Estate Overview
Westlake Village took shape when developer Daniel K. Ludwig’s American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the ranch and set out to build a master-planned “city in the country.” The centerpiece became Westlake Lake, a man-made lake completed in 1969, surrounded by new neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Since then, the community has long been one of the Conejo Valley’s most in-demand residential areas. You’re getting a lot of square footage (at premium pricing) that’s hard to come by in other comparable neighborhoods — wide lots, multi-car driveways, and homes where patios and pools are practically standard.
A decent variety of home styles
Part of what makes Westlake Village so appealing is the range of home styles. Classic ranch-style homes with big windows and spacious yards sit alongside more contemporary builds that borrow from Spanish architecture — many properties have stucco walls, arched entryways, and red tile roofs.
The most coveted listings are the ones with true lakefront access. Westlake Village has about 1,300 homes, but only a fraction of those are right on the shoreline. These properties tend to embrace the lake lifestyle completely, with private docks, outdoor living spaces, and sunset views.
That said, there are also compelling options inland. Streets wind through more secluded parts of the neighborhood, with some ending in cul-de-sacs. Most homes have multi-car garages, wide driveways, and —even on relatively modest lots — room for a pool or patio. And for those not seeking a traditional single-family home, Westlake Village also has a solid mix of well-kept townhomes and condos with community amenities as well.
Notable neighborhoods in Westlake Village, CA
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North Ranch
North Ranch is one of the area’s most established luxury enclaves, set in the canyons north of Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Homes here tend to be larger and come in custom configurations, with architecture ranging from Mediterranean to contemporary styles.
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First Neighborhood
First Neighborhood, in many respects, helped pave the way for Westlake Village real estate to thrive. Its practical layout and family-friendly design made it stand out in the late 1960s. This neighborhood has greenbelts that connect its cul-de-sacs to White Oak Elementary — where many kids walk or bike to without crossing major streets.
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Three Springs
Built mainly between the 1980s and 1990s, Three Springs centers around Three Springs Park, a three-acre park with a playground, picnic areas, a fitness trail, a walking path, and a well-lit basketball court.
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Westlake Island
Westlake Island is a gated community smack dab in the middle of Westlake Lake. This enclave is made up of arguably some of the most coveted Westlake Village luxury real estate properties.
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Southshore Hills
Southshore Hills sits above the lake on steeper streets and that elevation is what gives it its best feature: commanding views of the lake and Santa Monica mountains on the horizon. Many homes have outdoor living spaces that take advantage of this rare feature.
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Lake Sherwood
Lake Sherwood is a private, guard-gated community just west of Westlake Village. Centered around its own lake and the Sherwood Country Club, this secluded community is known for its estate-sized lots, and equestrian trails. It attracts buyers looking for utmost privacy and a rural feel without giving up proximity to the 101 corridor. Homes range from classic ranch estates to newer custom builds, many with lake or mountain views.
Green spaces, hiking trails, and a well-maintained lake ecosystem are just some of the draws of living in Westlake Village.
What It's Like living In Westlake Village, CA
Getting around
In Westlake Village, getting in and around the community is much more convenient with a car. Streets are wide and easy to navigate, and local errands, school drop-offs, and weekend plans rarely require more than a short drive. Traffic is generally manageable, but peak hours can impact the 101 and main streets.
US-101 cuts through the heart of the community, offering quick access in both directions: northwest toward Thousand Oaks and Ventura County, or southeast toward Calabasas and the San Fernando Valley.
LAX is about 41 miles away, though traffic can stretch that drive past an hour. For those who prefer to avoid the commercial airport shuffle, private jet charters are available nearby, as well as easy access to Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
Schools
Westlake Village is popular among families thanks to its proximity to top-rated schools. As mentioned, the city straddles two different school districts. The Los Angeles County side of Westlake Village is served by the Las Virgenes Unified School District, while the Ventura County side falls under the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD).
Regardless of which side of Westlake Village you choose, you’ll have access to some of the best educational institutions in both counties.
Outdoor recreation
It’s not far-fetched to say that the outdoors is your extended backyard in Westlake Village. Here, you’ll find everything from scenic lake paths to hillside trails and well-equipped parks woven into the landscape. Standout mentions are:
- Westlake Lake, a 125-acre man-made lake surrounded by about eight miles of shoreline. Whether or not you live directly on the water, it’s a favorite spot for walking, running, and taking in the views — especially at sunset. Private boating is allowed for residents with access, but even those without a dock can enjoy the peaceful setting the lake brings to the area.
- Westlake Golf Course is a local favorite, not just among the serious golfing crowd, but also among recreational players. This public 18-hole course, designed by Ted Robinson in 1967, features tree-lined fairways, water features, and a relaxed but well-maintained layout suitable for all skill levels.
Westlake Village has walking routes around the 125-acre Westlake Lake.
- A network of well-kept neighborhood parks is open to residents of all ages as well:
- Westlake Village Community Park is a full-scale complex with lighted turf fields, a skate park, walking trails, and courts for basketball and sand volleyball.
- Three Springs Park and Berniece Bennett Park are local favorites with playgrounds, fitness paths, and picnic spots.
- Foxfield, Canyon Oaks, and Russell Ranch Parks: Quieter green spaces ideal for afternoon walks or low-key gatherings.
- Westlake Village Dog Park: A fenced-in, resident-friendly space for off-leash fun for your furry companions.
- Westlake Vista Trail offers a steady climb with rewarding views over the Las Virgenes Reservoir — if you’re looking for a bit more physical exertion. Nearby Wishbone Trail connects to longer routes in the foothills. A bit further out, Chesebro Canyon, Pentachaeta Trail, and Triunfo Creek Park extend your hiking options with more rugged, backcountry-style terrain — ideal for hiking, trail running, or weekend mountain biking.
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is just minutes away, giving residents quick access to one of Southern California’s largest preserved open spaces. Here you’ll find panoramic ridgeline hikes, wildlife viewing, and weekend escapes that feel like a world away from suburbia.
Shopping and dining
Shopping in Westlake Village is centered around a handful of well-kept local shops and convenient retail destinations around town. These are the spots locals frequent when they’re shopping and doing errands:
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The Promenade at Westlake
The Promenade at Westlake was built with an open-air design in mind. It has a variety of restaurants, coffee spots, and shops that make it easy to turn dinner into a little outing.
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Shoppes at Westlake Village
Marketed as one of Conejo Valley’s newest dining and shopping destinations, the Shoppes has around 35 curated shops focused on dining, style, and wellness while still keeping things practical with a Target for everyday essentials.
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Westlake Plaza and Center
Westlake Plaza is a reliable Westlake Village staple —easy for errands and for a quick brunch or late lunch.. This open-air center has grocery, retail, dining, and everyday services and it feels more like a local hangout than a traditional mall.
Westlake Village’s dining scene is upscale without being stuffy. Expect lakefront tables, outdoor hangouts that stretch into the evening, and a handful of local staples that customers return to again and again.
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Boccaccio’s Restaurant
Boccaccio’s is a longtime Westlake Village favorite for date nights and special occasions, mostly because the setting does a lot of the work for you. It sits right on Westlake Lake and the menu sticks to classic crowd-pleasers like filet mignon, lobster tail, and salmon.
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Finney’s Crafthouse Westlake Village
When you want something casual and consistently good, Finney’s is a reliable choice. Its fairly extensive menu covers everything from shareable starters to burgers, tacos, wings, and pizzas.
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Moody Rooster
This family-owned restaurant revolves around farmers market produce. If you care about sustainable sourcing and a thoughtful menu that always has customers in mind, this is the place to go to. Diners can expect globally inspired dishes and strong seafood options too.
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The Landing Grill & Sushi Bar
This restaurant is a go-to when you want sushi and excellent cocktails. The Landing Grill pairs fresh seafood and sushi with a full grill menu, so groups can mix sashimi and rolls with cooked entrées without anyone feeling limited.
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The Stonehaus
This laid-back restaurant is a popular hangout among locals. The Stonehaus is a restaurant + vineyard-style spot known for its outdoorsy vibe. Beyond the impressive dishes, it has waterfalls, vines, fire pits, live music nights, and even bocce ball.
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Q Sushi
Q Sushi is an upscale Japanese restaurant that goes well beyond your typical sushi spot. The chefs created a modern Japanese menu meant to be enjoyed izakaya style, using high-quality seasonal fish alongside grilled robata items and Kobe beef. The sake and craft cocktail list is equally serious too. Whether you sit at the sushi bar, grab a heated patio cabana, or book a private room, it's one of the better dining experiences in the area.
Boating is a favorite pastime for Westlake Village residents.
FAQS
What to Know Before Moving
To Westlake Village, CA
What’s the difference between Westlake Village in Ventura County vs LA County?
Westlake Village is split between Ventura County and Los Angeles County, and there’s really not much difference — save for which schools your kids will attend. Homes on the Ventura County side are typically in CVUSD, while the LA County side is served by Las Virgenes Unified. Both districts have good track records. So, for many families it comes down to which schools are closest to home.
What are the top neighborhoods for families in Westlake Village?
If walkability matters, areas like First Neighborhood and Village Homes are usually the most convenient. Whether it’s going to a park or the nearby school, the area is quite pedestrian-friendly. If you're after more space, larger lots, and an even quieter setting, North Ranch will most likely fit the bill.
How competitive are lakefront homes in Westlake Village?
Westlake Lake is surrounded by more than 1,300 homes on or near the water, which speaks to how much of the community is built around that lake identity. That’s why luxury lakefront real estate in Westlake Village tends to move fast since there aren’t that many of them and the lake setting is a big part of what makes the area special.
What are the typical home prices in Westlake Village?
Westlake Village is one of the pricier markets in the Conejo Valley and home prices can vary a lot depending on size, location, and how updated the property for sale is. Single-family homes in Westlake Village typically range from around $1 million to $4 million, while luxury and estate properties can start near $4 million and extend to $15 million or more.
How far is the commute to Los Angeles?
Westlake Village is about 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and the drive can take around 40 minutes in light traffic. Most commuting runs through the 101, which cuts straight through town and makes it easy to head southeast toward the San Fernando Valley or northwest toward Thousand Oaks and the rest of Ventura County.
Is Westlake Village good for families?
Westlake Village is one of the stronger family communities in the Conejo Valley. The schools consistently rank among the top in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with highly rated options in both the Las Virgenes and Conejo Valley Unified districts depending on which side of the county line you're on. Beyond academics, kids have easy access to youth sports leagues, swim teams, and programs through the local rec centers. The area is safe, walkable in many neighborhoods, and built around parks, trails, and the lake, so there's no shortage of things to do outdoors. It's the kind of place where families tend to stay long-term once they settle in.
Is Westlake Village good for retirees or downsizers?
Yes, Westlake Village is a great fit for retirees and downsizers. It’s quiet and laid-back, with shopping, dining, and outdoor spaces close by. The townhomes and condos in Westlake Village are also a popular choice for downsizers, especially since many offer amenities like pools, gated entry, and well-maintained outdoor spaces.
Are there homeowner associations in Westlake Village?
Yes, HOAs are common in Westlake Village, especially in condo and townhome communities and in neighborhoods connected to the lake.
Generally speaking, what’s included in HOA dues depend on the specific neighborhood, but it often covers landscaping, exterior maintenance, common areas, and general community care. If you’re looking for properties near the lake, you’ll also find HOA fees which cover lake access and maintenance.
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Whether you're after the lakefront lifestyle or simply want a new home in a well-kept community, Westlake Village usually exceeds expectations.
If you're thinking about your real estate options in this part of Conejo Valley, it’s best to work with an agent who knows the area.
At the Davis Bartels Real Estate Group, we’ll help you get up to speed with new listings in Westlake Village. We’ll walk you through the home buying process and help you find the right property based on your priorities.
Ready to make real estate in Westlake Village a breeze? Reach out to us at 805.341.6125 or send us an email to get started.