Century City, Los Angeles: A Modern Westside Hub
Century City is a compact, high-end neighborhood on Los Angeles’s Westside known for its sleek high-rises, central location, and polished, urban feel. Developed on the former 20th Century Fox studio backlot, it was designed as a true city within a city, a place where people live, work, shop, and dine without needing to travel far. Today, Century City stands out for its luxury condominiums, major office towers, and one of L.A.’s premier shopping destinations, all wrapped into a clean, walkable environment.
What makes Century City different from Beverly Hills or Westwood?
Century City, Beverly Hills, and Westwood sit side by side, but they offer very different lifestyles.
Century City is primarily a master-planned business and residential district. It feels like a compact downtown, defined by modern office towers, luxury condos, and a large upscale mall. People are drawn here for work, convenience, and high-rise living rather than a traditional neighborhood atmosphere.
Beverly Hills is a separate, independent city known for its residential streets, large single-family homes, and global luxury reputation. Life there centers on privacy, prestige, and iconic shopping and dining rather than office density.
Westwood has a distinctly academic and youthful character, shaped by UCLA. It blends apartments and houses with museums, theaters, and casual dining, creating a more energetic, campus-driven environment.
In short:
Century City is urban and corporate.
Beverly Hills is residential and ultra-luxury.
Westwood is academic and lively.
Is Century City considered Beverly Hills?
No. Century City is not Beverly Hills.
Century City is a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles, while Beverly Hills is its own independent municipality with separate governance, schools, and services. Although they border each other and are often mentioned together, they are legally and administratively distinct.
Is Century City a good place to live?
Century City is widely considered a desirable but expensive place to live, especially for professionals who value luxury housing, walkability, and a central Westside location. It excels in convenience, security, and polish, though it offers less of a traditional neighborhood feel.
Whether it’s right for you depends on budget, lifestyle preferences, and family needs.
What are the main advantages of living in Century City?
Luxury high-rise living with concierge services, security, gyms, and resort-style amenities
Central Westside location near Beverly Hills, Westwood, UCLA, and major job centers
Highly walkable layout with shopping, dining, fitness, and services close by
Calm, clean, upscale atmosphere often compared to a mini-Manhattan
What are the main drawbacks?
High cost of living, with rents and purchase prices well above the Los Angeles average
A more corporate feel, especially after work hours and on weekends
Limited family-oriented amenities compared to nearby residential neighborhoods
Who is Century City best suited for?
Single professionals and couples seeking convenience and modern living
Buyers and renters who prioritize short commutes, luxury buildings, and walkability
Those who prefer a quiet, polished environment over historic homes or nightlife-heavy areas
Is Century City expensive?
Yes. Century City is considered expensive even by Westside standards. Housing costs are the primary driver, reflecting its luxury inventory and prime location.
What are typical rent levels?
Studios and smaller units start in the upper thousands per month
One-bedroom apartments often reach the mid-four to low-five figures
Larger units and penthouses can exceed five figures monthly
These rents are higher than most Los Angeles neighborhoods.
What do homes and condos cost in Century City?
Typical condo values cluster in the mid-seven figures
Premium residences and penthouses can exceed $10M
Price per square foot is among the highest on the Westside
Century City is firmly positioned as a luxury real estate market.
What is Century City famous for?
Century City is best known as a modern business, shopping, and luxury residential district with deep ties to the entertainment industry.
Built on the former 20th Century Fox studio backlot
Home to iconic office towers, including the “Nakatomi Plaza” building from Die Hard
Anchored by Westfield Century City, a major upscale shopping and dining destination
Defined by sleek architecture, luxury hotels, and landscaped public plazas
The bottom line
Century City offers urban convenience, luxury living, and a prime Westside location, but at a premium cost and with a more corporate feel than surrounding neighborhoods. It appeals most to high-earning professionals who value ease, security, and modernity over charm or family-centric living.