1. It’s Close to the Beach Without Being at the Beach
Culver City offers the best of both worlds. It’s just far enough from the coast to avoid tourist crowds, but close enough to enjoy all the perks of beach living. Residents are only about five miles, or a 15-minute drive, from Venice Beach. They’re also within easy reach of other top coastal spots like Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Playa Del Rey, and Marina del Rey.
That means you can finish work and be watching the sunset over the Pacific in less than 30 minutes. Whether it’s a morning surf session or a weekend bike ride along the coast, the beach is always within reach (without the beach-town congestion).
2. Culver City Offers Serious Value Compared to LA’s Elite Neighborhoods
Home prices in Culver City can be over $1.4 million. Average rents top $4,350 per month. That places it about 64–65% above the national average, which can give some buyers and renters pause.
Still, compared to areas like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills, Culver City feels like a much better value for the quality of life it offers. Residents enjoy walkable neighborhoods, strong schools, growing job opportunities, and access to both tech and entertainment industries. All of this comes with a uniquely small-town feel. Culver City has always had a unique blend of the modern and the timeless.
3. It Has Hollywood History and It’s Still a Working Movie Town
Culver City didn’t earn the nickname “Heart of Screenland” by accident. This city has been tied to the film industry for more than a century. Classics like The Wizard of Oz were filmed here. Culver City remains home to major production studios including Sony Pictures and Amazon Studios.
Events like the Screenland 5K, Oscar Sunday celebrations, and year-round visual arts programs help keep that Hollywood heritage alive. It’s not unusual to run into a camera crew filming downtown or see streets transformed into movie sets. For residents, the mix of historic charm and industry buzz gives the city a uniquely cinematic vibe.
Are Studio Tours Available in Culver City?
There is a Sony Pictures Studio Tour available. Tours run Monday through Friday and reservations are required. Tour times usually start at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. They add more tours during peak season. Adults and children 12+ are welcome, but children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult on the tour. The current price is $55. On Thursdays, they also offer a later tour at 6:00 p.m.
4. The Public Schools Are Some of the Best in the Area
Families are drawn to Culver City in part because of its strong public schools. The Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) serves around 6,800 students. It includes several highly rated elementary, middle, and high schools.
More than 70% of the student population comes from minority backgrounds, and the district places a strong focus on inclusion, academic achievement, and cultural programming. It’s a diverse, innovative school system that reflects the values of the city itself.
5. It’s One of the Most Walkable Places in West LA
Culver City’s layout makes it easy to ditch the car. With a walk score of 75, most errands can be accomplished on foot. This is especially true in neighborhoods like Washington Culver, McManus, and Clarkdale, which score even higher. Residents can walk to local cafes, parks, grocery stores, and even art galleries without needing to hop in the car.
The city’s small size, just over five square miles, combined with safe sidewalks and reliable public transportation (including the Metro E Line) encourages walking and biking. It’s the kind of place where you can live a more active, community-connected lifestyle. Which means you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that pickleball is popular here, too.
Are Culver City Crime Rates High or Low?
When walking around a city, you want to know if you should be able to feel safe. Niche.com gives Culver City a B- for safety. 30% of residents feel very safe with no safety concerns. The other 70% are one down at “Pretty safe. There are some safety concerns but I generally feel safe.” For reference, some famous cities outside of California have much higher crime rates. Memphis, Tennessee and Houston, Texas are much more dangerous.
6. It’s Booming With Tech, Startups, and Creative Energy
One of the biggest reasons Culver City has surged in popularity in recent years is its emergence as a hub for tech, gaming, and media. More than 20 major companies have opened offices or headquarters here. Apple, Amazon Studios, Sony, TikTok, Scopely, ChowNow, and Jam City all have offices in the city.
Drawn by the city’s legacy in entertainment and walkable urban core, these companies are transforming Culver City into a new kind of creative capital. Apple’s new campus and the reimagined Hayden Tract have set architectural trends. They also provide space for cross-industry collaboration. Meanwhile, smaller startups in gaming, logistics, fintech, and eCommerce are thriving. Culver City is now a top choice for young professionals in LA’s booming tech scene.
The city’s public transportation, diverse talent pool, and lively cultural life make it an attractive destination for both seasoned professionals and recent grads. Job growth in engineering, design, media, and production has brought new energy to the city. This has helped fuel a wave of restaurants, retail, and residential development to match.
Final Thoughts: Why People Are Choosing Culver City
Culver City isn’t just a trend. It’s a community that combines livability, creativity, and opportunity. Whether you’re drawn by the historic film studios, the walkable streets, or the booming tech scene, there’s something in Culver City for everyone. It’s close to the beach, rich in culture, and constantly evolving. It does all of these without losing its small-town charm.
As more people discover what Culver City has to offer, its popularity is likely to keep growing. But for now, it’s still one of the best-kept secrets in Los Angeles.
Top Culver City Real Estate Agent
Interested in property in Culver City? Your best option is to contact the Martin Feinberg team. We’ve worked with many sellers and manage properties for owners. You can schedule time to meet with Martin’s team below.