Ladera Heights is an affluent Black prestigious community in California. The average family income is $132,824. Much of the area’s appeal stems from the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean available from many hillside houses, as well as its proximity to beaches and Hollywood.
When Frank Robinson and other notable black sports heroes moved to Ladera Heights in the 1970s, many other affluent blacks integrated into the neighborhood. In the late 1970s, a brief period of “white flight” occurred, with many affluent white families leaving the neighborhood for cities such as Palos Verdes. In the early 1980s, the neighborhood became a mecca for wealthy black families.
The Southern California real estate boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s brought into the area a few more upper middle-class families of other races. The median family income is $132,824, making Ladera Heights one of the wealthiest African American communities in the United States.
As with neighboring View Park-Windsor Hills — a predominately wealthy African-American area — Ladera Heights is an affluent, upper-middle class area. Much of the area’s desirability stems from the views of the Pacific Ocean available from many hillside houses, as well as its proximity to beaches, Hollywood, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the San Diego Freeway.
Many celebrities have lived in Ladera Heights over the years, including Peter Vidmar (Olympic Gold 84), Vanessa Williams (Actress), Chris Darden (Attorney), Chris Strait (Comedian), Lisa Leslie and Olympia Scott (Basketball), Ken Norton (Boxing), Arron Afflalo, Tyler, The Creator (Rapper) and Byron Scott (Basketball)