Living in Westlake Village, California — Pros, Cons & Neighborhoods

So, What’s It Really Like to Live in Westlake Village?

Westlake Village is one of those places that tends to win people over quietly. Between the lake, mature trees, and trails woven throughout the community, it has a calm, polished feel that makes everyday life feel a little easier. In this guide, we break down what living here is really like — from the lifestyle and neighborhoods to the pros, cons, and practical details buyers appreciate knowing before they move.

A quick note on where our perspective comes from: both Keziah and I are licensed real estate agents, and Keziah is also a residential appraiser. We’re out in Westlake Village constantly — showing homes, writing offers, evaluating values, and seeing how different neighborhoods perform in real time. So what you’ll find here isn’t theory or surface-level stats — it’s real, boots-on-the-ground insight from working in this area every day.

Pros and Cons of Living in Westlake Village

Westlake Village offers a lifestyle that many people actively seek out, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all location. Here’s an honest look at what people tend to love — and what’s good to think through before making a move.

Pros

• Beautiful setting with the lake, mature trees, and mountain views woven throughout the community.
• Strong outdoor lifestyle with walking trails, hiking, biking, and easy access to open space.
• Calm, polished feel that carries through daily life and well-maintained neighborhoods.
• Excellent dining, coffee, and shopping options without needing to drive into Los Angeles.
• Private lake access for residents in select neighborhoods, offering a lifestyle you don’t find in many areas.
• Convenient location with relatively easy access to Los Angeles, the Valley, and the coast.

Cons

• Home prices and everyday costs are higher than many surrounding areas.
• Not all homes have lake access, which can surprise some buyers at first.
• Popular shopping and dining areas can get busy, especially on weekends.
• Homes near open space may require extra planning when it comes to insurance.
• Living close to the lake can mean dealing with geese and occasional noise or mess.

Why People Are Drawn to Westlake Village

Westlake Village is set against the Santa Monica Mountains and has a very “put-together” feel — not loud, not flashy, just beautifully cared for. People love it for the outdoor access, the convenience, and the way everyday life here feels calm and elevated.

Westlake Lake: The Lifestyle Most People Picture

The lake is the center of gravity here — a 125-acre man-made lake surrounded by established neighborhoods, walking paths, and mature landscaping. It’s the image most people picture when they think about living in Westlake Village.

One thing many buyers don’t realize at first is that it’s a private lake. In general, you can only use it if you live in one of the lake-access communities. That’s a big part of why it stays peaceful and quiet compared to public recreation lakes.

If you’ve ever imagined walking out back, hopping on a small boat or paddleboard, and cruising over to grab a bite, this is where that lifestyle becomes real.

Honest heads-up: living near the lake comes with geese. And with geese comes some noise, mess, and occasional smell. It’s not a dealbreaker for most people, but it’s worth knowing before falling in love with the view.

Neighborhoods We Show Clients Most Often

Westlake Village isn’t one single “type” of neighborhood. It’s more like a collection of different lifestyles, which is why buyers tend to be very specific about what they want here.

Lake neighborhoods: Homes around the lake range from attached-style living to large custom homes. Some areas offer private docks, and the island is gated with a staffed entrance. If lake access is the dream, this is usually where the search starts.

Westlake Trails: One of the most sought-after areas for privacy. You’ll find larger lots, mature trees, and a quieter, tucked-away feel. Trails weave through the neighborhood, and many homes enjoy hillside views while still being close to restaurants and shopping.

First Neighborhood: One of the original planned communities, known for greenbelts between homes and a classic neighborhood feel. Lots are generally smaller, and homes don’t come on the market often because residents tend to stay.

If you’re curious which Westlake Village neighborhood might be the best fit for how you actually live day to day, we’re happy to help you think it through. You can reach out here and we’ll walk you through the differences and what to keep an eye on as you explore.

Parks and Everyday Life

To get a sense of daily life here, we like showing places like Bernice Bennett Park. On weekends you’ll see soccer games, people walking their dogs, families hanging out, and a relaxed, small-town energy that locals really value.

Dining, Shopping, and the Busy Reality

Westlake Village has an impressive food and shopping scene for its size. You can get high-quality dining, great bakeries, and coffee spots that people become loyal to very quickly — without driving into LA.

The tradeoff is that certain shopping centers get busy, especially on weekends, and parking can feel competitive. Most locals adjust quickly and plan around peak times.

Outdoor Life and Location

If you enjoy being outdoors, Westlake Village is hard to beat. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all close by, and the beach is an easy day trip.

Temperatures here are often cooler than the San Fernando Valley and less hazy, though warmer than the coastal cities. Summer days can get hot, but breezes often cut through and make things more comfortable.

Two Counties: What to Know

Westlake Village spans both Ventura County and Los Angeles County. The overall lifestyle feels similar throughout, but there are a few practical differences worth understanding.

Depending on which side you live or shop on, certain taxes and fees can be higher on one side than the other. It’s not something most people notice immediately, but it can matter over time.

Natural Considerations and Insurance

Like much of Southern California, the main natural considerations here include earthquakes, wildfire risk, and occasional heavy rain. If you’re buying near open space, it’s smart to look into insurance options early.

In some areas, wildfire insurance can be harder to place with traditional carriers. California’s FAIR Plan may be an option when standard coverage isn’t available, so understanding your policy details upfront is important.

Wildlife Encounters

Living close to nature means you’ll see wildlife. Coyotes, lizards, birds, and the occasional bobcat are part of the environment. And yes, sometimes a tarantula shows up in a garden — typically harmless and just part of hillside living.

Westlake Village in a Nutshell

Westlake Village is one of the most sought-after areas in the Conejo Valley because it offers a mix that’s hard to replicate:

• Lake-centered living with private access in select communities
• Strong outdoor lifestyle with trails, mountains, and nearby beaches
• A calm, polished feel with established neighborhoods
• Excellent dining and shopping, with busier weekends
• Convenient access to Los Angeles when you want more city energy

If you’re relocating from Los Angeles, moving from out of state, or exploring Ventura County, we’re happy to help you compare neighborhoods and find the right fit. Reach out to Keziah and Bart — we’ll help you live like a local.

Westlake Village FAQs

Is Westlake Lake private?

Yes. Westlake Lake is a private lake, and access is generally limited to residents of the surrounding lake communities. This is a big reason it stays peaceful and uncrowded compared to public lakes.

Do you have to live near the lake to use it?

In most cases, yes. Lake use is tied to living in one of the neighborhoods with lake privileges. Not every home in Westlake Village has access, so this is something buyers should confirm early.

What’s the difference between living on the Ventura County side vs the LA County side?

The lifestyle feels similar throughout Westlake Village, but there can be differences in certain taxes and fees depending on which side you live on. It’s a small detail day to day, but it can matter over time.

Is Westlake Village crowded?

Some shopping and dining areas do get busy, especially on weekends, because people come in from surrounding cities. Most residents learn which times are quieter and plan around peak hours.

What types of homes are common in Westlake Village?

You’ll find a mix of attached homes, single-family residences, and large custom properties. Some neighborhoods are gated, some are not, and certain areas offer lake access or hillside views.

Is Westlake Village good for people who like the outdoors?

Very much so. Hiking, biking, and walking trails are woven throughout the area, and the Santa Monica Mountains are right nearby. The beach is also an easy day trip.

Does Westlake Village get hotter than nearby areas?

It’s typically cooler than the San Fernando Valley and less hazy, but warmer than coastal cities. Summer days can be hot, though breezes often help take the edge off.

What should buyers know about insurance in Westlake Village?

Homes near open space may face more limited wildfire insurance options. Some buyers need to use a combination of policies or California’s FAIR Plan, so it’s smart to explore coverage early in the process.

Is wildlife common in Westlake Village?

Yes. Coyotes, birds, lizards, and occasional bobcat sightings are part of living near open land. It’s normal for hillside and trail-adjacent neighborhoods.

Is Westlake Village worth the cost?

For many buyers, yes. People tend to choose Westlake Village for the lifestyle — the setting, the calm pace, and the overall quality of life — rather than for affordability alone.