Mar Vista takes its name from the Spanish term that means “sea view” or in this case, “ocean view.” Here spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean can be seen from quite a few homes, particularly the area known as Mar Vista Hill. The neighborhood was first settled in the 1920s, with large estates built alongside lima bean fields and meadows. After World War II, Mar Vista saw a building boom, and many of the homes here were built for returning war veterans. The Mar Vista Historical Society documents the changing, unique character of Mar Vista in recorded times with stories, maps, photographs and oral histories. It also preserves historical resources related to Mar Vista neighborhoods. Our Team Leader, Sherri, was a founding member of the Mar Vista Historical Society, which also offers walking tours of the Oval Neighborhood, Mormon Hill, and Ocean Park Heights.

Homes in Mar Vista have larger than average lots on tree-lined streets with landscaped lawns and backyards. Single-family residences and tract housing are abundant, and these include older Spanish-type homes and other classic styles like ranch and Craftsman, along with single-family homes, apartments, townhouses and condominiums. Don’t be surprised to see celebrities among your neighbors in Mar Vista – the area’s many residents include actors, directors, writers, and professional athletes. You can read more about examples of Mar Vista tract housing at marvistatract.org. The ABC hit show “Fresh Off the Boat” has filmed 2015 episodes  in Mar Vista on Kingsland and the cul-de-sacs. Mar Vista also has a number of neighborhood associations

Westside Village – Homeowners bounded by National Boulevard, Overland Avenue, Sepulveda Boulevard and Charnock Road.

North Westdale – Homeowners bounded by the 405 Freeway to the east, National Boulevard to the south, Centinela Avenue/Bundy Drive to the west and the Santa Monica Freeway to the north.

Westdale – Homeowners bounded by National Blvd. on the north; Sawtelle on the east; Palms on the south; and Inglewood on the west.

Mar Vista Neighbors – Homeowners bounded by the area between Centinela Ave. and Inglewood Blvd., (bordered on the north by Charnock Rd. and on the south by Venice Blvd.) and the area between Inglewood Blvd. and the San Diego Freeway (I-405), (bordered on the north by Palms Blvd. and on the south by Venice Blvd.).

Hilltop Neighbors – Homeowners bounded by the area between Centinela Ave./ Bundy Drive and Inglewood Blvd., (bordered on the north by National Blvd. and on the south by Charnock Road.

South Mar Vista – Homeowners bounded between Venice Blvd., Washington Place/Blvd., Sawtelle Blvd., and Beethoven St.

West Mar Vista – Homeowners bounded between Centinela to Walgrove and Washington Blvd. to The Santa Monica Airport.