A City Always in Motion
Culver City is often called “The Heart of Screenland,” but its story goes beyond movies. From farmland to film studios to tech hubs, Culver City has constantly reinvented itself. As a Realtor and Property manager, I want to explore how Culver City evolved, and how its past shapes its future.
The Land Before Culver City
Long before Culver City became known for film studios or tech companies, it was home to the Tongva people. For thousands of years, the Tongva lived in this region, hunting, fishing, and gathering plants for food and medicine. They called the Los Angeles basin and surrounding areas home, and their villages were spread throughout the region.
In the late 1700s, everything changed. Spanish explorers arrived and began to take over the land. The Spanish built missions and forced many Tongva people into labor. Over time, much of the Tongva population was displaced by disease, violence, and colonization.
During the Mexican era that followed, large pieces of land were granted to settlers as ranchos. The area where Culver City now sits was part of Rancho La Ballona, a large ranch where cattle grazed on wide-open fields. Later, after California became part of the United States, these ranches were split up and sold to farmers. By the early 1900s, much of the land was being used for farming especially to grow barley, a grain that was popular at the time.
Culver City began as farmland, but it wouldn’t stay that way for long.
Are there still Tongva people living in California today?
Yes. The Tongva people are still here, and many are working to preserve their culture and gain official recognition from the government. Their history remains an important part of the story of this region.
The Birth of Culver City (1917)
In 1913, a businessman named Harry Culver stood in front of a crowd in Los Angeles and made a bold statement:
All roads lead to Culver City.
At the time, Culver was promoting a new town that didn’t yet exist. He had a clear vision: to create a “model city” that would attract families and businesses. Culver believed the land between Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean was the perfect place for this dream.
By 1917, his vision became reality. Culver City was officially incorporated as a city in California. It was designed to be both a quiet place to live and a center for commerce. The city’s location gave it an advantage. It sat near the major roads and railways connecting Los Angeles to the coast. This made it easy for people and businesses to settle there.
Early advertisements promoted the city as modern, safe, and welcoming… at least to some. The city’s founders wanted to attract middle-class families. They highlighted features like wide streets, streetcars, and shopping districts, along with a strong focus on “community values.”
The city’s early landscape was still quite rural. Open fields and dirt roads surrounded clusters of homes and storefronts. Most residents either worked in farming, small businesses, or construction. But soon, a different kind of industry would put Culver City on the map.
Why Did Harry Culver Choose This Location?
He believed it was perfectly placed between downtown Los Angeles and the beaches. He wanted it to be easy to reach for both city workers and beachgoers, and it was close to major roads and train lines.
Hollywood Comes to Town (1918–1940s)
Culver City’s biggest transformation happened just one year after it officially became a city. In 1918, film producer Thomas Ince built the Triangle Motion Picture Company studio there. This move kicked off Culver City’s long history with the movie business.
Other studios soon followed. In 1919, Hal Roach Studios opened its doors. This studio became famous for its comedies, especially the classic duo Laurel and Hardy and the beloved Our Gang series (also calledThe Little Rascals). These films attracted movie stars, directors, and crews to Culver City.
Then came the studio that would truly make Culver City famous: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). MGM took over the original Triangle studio complex in 1924 and quickly became one of the biggest film companies in the world. Some of the most iconic movies in history were filmed here, including:
- The Wizard of Oz
- Gone with the Wind
- Citizen Kane
Soon, Culver City was buzzing with Hollywood energy. Celebrities were spotted around town, and the streets were filled with workers from the booming movie studios. The city’s nickname “The Heart of Screenland” was born during this time, and it stuck.
Culver City didn’t just host movie sets. It became part of the magic itself. Locals often worked as extras or provided services to the film industry. The studios brought jobs, money, and global attention to the city.
Why Did Film Studios Choose Culver City?
Its location was ideal. Culver City was close to Los Angeles, but with more open land for large studio lots. It also had easy access to major roads and rail lines. This made it convenient for transporting equipment and people. Essentially, the same reason Harry Culver chose to build Culver City here is why film studios built there.
Post-War Decline and Transformation (1950s–1990s)
After decades of movie success, Culver City’s shine began to fade in the 1950s and beyond. The golden age of Hollywood was slowing down, and big changes were coming.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), once the pride of the city, was struggling. The studio sold off large portions of its famous backlots. These backlots had once been used to create elaborate movie scenes. Now they were just empty fields and abandoned buildings.
Without the constant flow of film money and jobs, Culver City’s economy took a hit. The once-busy downtown area became quiet. Many stores closed, and some neighborhoods fell into disrepair. The city’s reputation as a movie capital was fading fast.
Still, some small film and TV projects continued in the city. However, it wasn’t enough to bring back the excitement and prosperity of earlier years.
Everything changed in 1990. That’s when Sony Pictures Entertainment bought the old MGM Studios. Sony invested millions of dollars into restoring the studio, bringing in new productions, and upgrading the facilities. At the same time, Culver City began working on a major downtown redevelopment project. The goal was to make the city walkable, vibrant, and welcoming once again.
New shops, restaurants, and office spaces opened in the heart of the city. Slowly, Culver City started to rebuild its image. Not just as a film town, but as a great place to live, work, and visit.
Q&A: What Happened to MGM’s Old Studio Lots?
Many of the old studio lots are now part of Sony Pictures Studios. While some of the old backlots were turned into housing and businesses, the main studio lot is still active and used for filming.
The Tech Boom Era (2010s–Present)
In recent years, Culver City has experienced another major transformation. This time it’s led by the technology and media industries. Starting in the 2010s, the city began attracting major companies from what’s known as Silicon Beach. This is a nickname for the tech hubs near the coast of Los Angeles. Companies like Apple, Amazon Studios, TikTok, and Sony began moving into Culver City. They opened offices and production spaces.
Today, more than 20 major tech and media companies have a strong presence in the city. These companies have brought thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment. The once-quiet streets are now busy with tech workers, filmmakers, and creative professionals.
This boom has also changed the city’s look and feel. Culver City’s downtown has become a hot spot, filled with:
- Trendy restaurants and food options
- Art galleries and museums
- Boutique shops
- Entertainment venues
Many of the historic buildings have been restored and repurposed. New housing developments and office buildings have popped up. The city has invested in walkable streets, bike lanes, and green spaces. You can even catch a Waymo.
These changes have not come without challenges. Housing prices and rents have increased. Some locals also worry about gentrification. It’s a process where rising costs push out lower-income families and small businesses.
Still, Culver City has become a symbol of how an old city can reinvent itself for a new era, blending its Hollywood roots with modern innovation.
Q&A: Why Are So Many Tech Companies Moving to Culver City?
It’s close to Los Angeles, has a walkable downtown, and offers historic charm alongside modern office spaces. It’s also near the airport and major freeways, making it easy for workers and visitors to get around. It’s the same exact reason as before. The film studios and Harry Culver came here for the convenient location. It’s the perfect place to be.
Culver City Balancing Its Past and Future Today
Culver City today is a place of contrasts. It is home to both long-time residents and new arrivals. You can easily find historic landmarks and modern developments. There’s a mix of old Hollywood charm and cutting-edge technology.
The city has become one of the most diverse parts of Los Angeles County. People from many different backgrounds live and work here. Its schools serve students from all over the city. In fact, the Culver City Unified School District has evolved to be one of the best school districts in California and the US. The city hosts cultural festivals, art events, and community gathering celebrations.
At the same time, many people in Culver City are working to confront and acknowledge its past. Some of the steps being taken include:
- Public discussions about the city’s past and how it affects the present.
- Efforts to honor the Tongva people and their history in the area.
- Reviews of housing policies to promote fairness and prevent displacement.
- Community programs focused on equality and social justice.
Culver City is not perfect. However, it’s creating a more inclusive future that embraces change. The city has, and will continue, to thrive.
Top Culver City Real Estate Agent
Interested in property in Culver City? Your best option is to contact Martin Feinberg. He’s worked with many sellers and manages properties for owners. You can schedule some time to meet with him below.