Mar Vista Hill is the view crown of Mar Vista and one of the Westside’s most sought-after residential pockets. Set roughly between Inglewood Boulevard and Centinela Avenue east–west, and National Boulevard and Venice Boulevard north–south, this elevated neighborhood truly lives up to the name Mar Vista – view of the sea. From many streets and homes, there are genuine ocean, city, and mountain views, with sunsets that drop behind the palms and distant coastline and, on clear days, vistas stretching across the basin. The hilltop setting also brings a slightly cooler micro-climate and more open sky than the surrounding flats, giving everyday life here a relaxed, airy feel.
Homes on marquee streets like Grand View, Mountain View, and Ocean View are especially coveted. Originally developed with modest post-war houses, the neighborhood has gradually evolved into a showcase of architect-designed residences and high-end remodels. Many lots have been reimagined with multi-level, contemporary homes featuring expansive walls of glass, large decks and balconies, and floor plans that blur the line between indoors and out. It’s common to see properties with open great rooms, chef’s kitchens, primary suites that open directly to view terraces, and landscaped yards with pools or spa areas built to capture the light and views. Newer builds and thoughtfully executed remodels in this pocket frequently trade in the multi-million-dollar range, reflecting both the limited inventory and long-term demand for this hilltop address.
Beyond the homes and views, Mar Vista Hill also has a rich, layered history. The site now occupied by North Venice Little League and the Ocean View Community Garden has served multiple lives over the past century: once farmland, later a city dump, then an anti-aircraft artillery battery during World War II, and even a proposed reservoir site before becoming the green, community-focused space it is today. That transformation mirrors the neighborhood’s broader story, practical land turned into one of the Westside’s most desirable residential enclaves. Today, the vibe is quietly upscale and distinctly local, with strong pride of place. Residents enjoy evening walks along the ridgeline streets, quick access down the hill to the shops and restaurants along Venice Boulevard, convenient routes to nearby Venice and Santa Monica beaches, and a sense that, even as the Westside changes around it, Mar Vista Hill remains one of its true hidden in plain sight gems.
