The Black Beverly Hills: Inside this Little Known California City
Black History The Black Beverly Hills

The Black Beverly Hills: Inside This Little Known California City

This group of neighborhoods is an incredible part of Black history.

December 18, 2023 at 5:07 PM PST
Black History The Black Beverly Hills

The Black Beverly Hills: Inside This Little Known California City

This group of neighborhoods is an incredible part of Black history.

December 18, 2023 at 5:07 PM PST

If you live in or have visited California, you might have heard of the Black Beverly Hills. Not only is this group of neighborhoods an incredible part of Black history, but it also serves as a reminder that wealth and success can be achieved, even in the face of systemic barriers.

An affluent Black family
Photo credit: Carrita Tanner via Unsplash

The History of the Black Beverly Hills

In the 1960s, View Park, which is part of the Black Beverly Hills, was home to a majority white demographic. Later, the Supreme Court lifted covenants that kept non-white homeowners from buying properties. As a result, a growing number of wealthy Black families began purchasing homes in the area.

In an interview with ABC 7, local real estate agent Roland Harris describes the challenges Black Americans faced during that time and how the affluent area points to a history of Black excellence.

“It’s just a really great community,” said Harris. “During the late 60s and early 70s, African Americans, a lot of times people would not sell to them in affluent neighborhoods, even if they could afford it. A lot of successful African Americans chose this neighborhood because it’s a very beautiful neighborhood, and they were allowed access.”

With the average home valued at approximately $2 million, this wealthy Black neighborhood remains a hidden gem worth exploring.

Where Do Middle-Class Black Families Live in Los Angeles?

While the Black Beverly Hills neighborhoods are known for housing celebrities and affluent Black professionals, they aren’t the only thriving Black communities in Los Angeles. Many middle-class Black families have historically settled in areas like Inglewood, Leimert Park, and West Adams, which offer a strong sense of culture, community, and more affordable housing options compared to Baldwin Hills, View Park, and Ladera Heights.

  • Inglewood – Known for its deep-rooted Black culture and community events, Inglewood is home to a mix of working-class and middle-class families. It has also seen major developments, including the addition of SoFi Stadium and new entertainment districts.
  • Leimert Park – A historic hub for Black culture, Leimert Park is a vibrant neighborhood known for its jazz scene, art galleries, and community-driven events.
  • West Adams – One of LA’s oldest neighborhoods, West Adams is home to beautifully preserved historic homes and a diverse, middle-class Black population.

While these areas may not have the same level of celebrity presence or luxury real estate as the Black Beverly Hills, they remain culturally rich and essential to LA’s Black history and present-day community.

Four Facts About the Black Beverly Hills

It’s Not Really Called “The Black Beverly Hills”

Even though the area is often referred to as the Black Beverly Hills, that is not its real name. The nickname refers to a collection of prominent Black neighborhoods in the heart of Los Angeles—Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, Windsor Hills, and View Park. Due to the large number of successful Black residents who settled in the area, the neighborhood became known for its wealth and luxury, leading to its well-known moniker.

Famous Black Celebs Have Lived There

Can it really be called the Black Beverly Hills without a few celebrity sightings? The neighborhood has been home to a number of Black superstars, including Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Loretta Devine, and former Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley.

In addition to its famous residents, the neighborhood has been featured in several TV shows and movies. Fans of Issa Rae’s hit show “Insecure” might recognize parts of the area showcased throughout the series. The neighborhood was also the backdrop for the reality series “Baldwin Hills,” which followed the lives of affluent Black teens growing up in the area.

black beverly hills
Photo credit: Tom Penpark

It’s Known For Its Stunning Architecture

For lovers of architecture, the Black Beverly Hills is an architectural dream. The majority-Black neighborhood features some of the most beautiful homes and buildings in California. Many of these homes were designed by renowned Black architect Paul Williams, who was responsible for designing many of Los Angeles’ most famous buildings, including Saks Fifth Avenue and LAX Airport.

It Houses the Oldest Regional Shopping Center in America

In 1947, the Baldwin Hills district developed The Broadway-Crenshaw Center, a major shopping center and the first open-air retail complex in California after World War II. As more affluent Black Americans moved to the area, many set up shop at The Broadway-Crenshaw Center, owning and operating Black-owned businesses. The shopping center even featured a Black Santa Claus during the holiday season, making it a cultural landmark for the community.

The 870,000-square-foot center also featured a five-story branch of The Broadway department store, a Woolworth variety store, a TJ Maxx, and a Vons supermarket—though today, only TJ Maxx remains.

Since then, the center has been transformed into Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, an indoor shopping plaza featuring a mix of affordable and upscale retailers. Today, you can find a Black-owned bookstore, an African-American art museum, and several Black-owned restaurants, keeping the neighborhood’s rich cultural history alive.




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