Westdale, often referred to locally as Westdale Trousdale, is one of Mar Vista’s most beloved classic neighborhoods, a cohesive mid-century pocket that feels a bit like a small town tucked into the Westside. Bounded roughly by Gateway Boulevard to the north, Palms Boulevard to the south, Sawtelle Boulevard to the east, and Bundy Drive to the west, it sits in the northern part of the Mar Vista Community Council area, just minutes from Santa Monica, West LA, and Culver City. Even with such easy access to major corridors and freeways, the moment you turn onto its tree-lined streets, the energy shifts to quiet, residential, and neighborly.
The neighborhood was developed beginning in 1947 by noted builder Paul W. Trousdale, who would later become famous for creating Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills. Before that, the land was known as Stephen’s Ranch, a patchwork of citrus orchards and bean fields, gradually transformed into a planned tract of about 450 single-story homes. That post-war heritage still shapes the look and feel of Westdale today: low-slung ranch and traditional homes, generous front yards, attached garages, and broad streets that invite evening walks, kids on bikes, and long conversations between neighbors out front.
Over the decades, many properties in Westdale have been thoughtfully remodeled or expanded, adding modern kitchens, open-concept living spaces, new primary suites, and upgraded systems. You’ll still see plenty of original mid-century details, large picture windows, brick or stone fireplaces, hardwood floors, and simple, clean rooflines, but the neighborhood has evolved with the times. Even as some homes have grown larger or gained a second story, the overall scale and rhythm remain remarkably cohesive, preserving the neighborhood’s calm, comfortable character.
Lifestyle is a major draw here. Residents appreciate Westdale’s quiet streets, strong neighborhood association, and easy access to everyday amenities. Mar Vista Park, local schools, and nearby shops and restaurants are all close at hand, and the 10 and 405 freeways are just a short drive away, making commutes to the Westside, Silicon Beach, or the Valley straightforward. Yet despite that connectivity, Westdale maintains a distinctly tucked-away feel, an established, mid-century neighborhood where people tend to stay for the long term and where the sense of community is just as valued as the homes themselves.
