Relocating to Brentwood for a new executive role can feel like juggling a major life change with a tight schedule. You want a quiet, well-located neighborhood that supports privacy, family routines and a quick start at work. This planner gives you a clear, step-by-step path for housing, timing, costs and everyday essentials so you can land smoothly and confidently. Let’s dive in.
Why Brentwood works for executives
Brentwood sits on the Westside of Los Angeles, anchored by tree-lined streets, a calm residential feel, and access to high-end dining and retail along San Vicente Boulevard and Brentwood Village. You are a short drive to the Getty Center, beaches and Santa Monica Mountains trails. The neighborhood’s character is upscale and composed, with many homes that prioritize privacy, security and outdoor living.
Being within the City of Los Angeles means city-managed services, permits and parking rules. Law enforcement is provided by the Los Angeles Police Department, and public school assignments fall under Los Angeles Unified School District.
Housing snapshot and choices
You will find a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and some gated estates. Many properties feature generous lots, pools, home offices and privacy landscaping. If you need staff or frequent guests, confirm driveway capacity, garage space and nearby street parking rules before you commit.
Many executives lease a furnished home or corporate rental first, then purchase once timing, schools and commute needs are clear. Consider what matters most: proximity to work, lot size, privacy features, and whether an HOA’s rules fit your lifestyle.
Costs and taxes to plan
California’s Proposition 13 generally sets property taxes at about 1% of assessed value plus local assessments, with reassessment at change of ownership. That can materially impact annual taxes at purchase. Buyers should also budget for closing costs, escrow and title fees, and any HOA transfer fees.
Recurring costs are higher than average on the Westside. Expect HOA dues for condos or townhomes, larger utility bills for sizable homes, and ongoing landscaping or pool care. Homeowners insurance and earthquake insurance are common considerations in Los Angeles.
If your employer provides relocation benefits, ask about coverage for temporary housing, closing costs and potential tax gross-up to offset the tax impact of allowances.
Commute, transit and airports
Brentwood is car-centric. Daily drives usually rely on San Vicente Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. Traffic fluctuates by time of day, so test your drive to common destinations like Century City, Westwood, Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles during peak hours.
Public transit is limited nearby, though bus routes serve parts of the Westside. Future projects may improve options, so check current updates before you move. LAX is the primary airport for most executives, with Burbank and Long Beach as alternatives depending on your routes.
Family, schools and childcare
Public school assignments are managed by LAUSD and may change with residency boundaries or program enrollment. Private schools are also available in and near Brentwood. If you need early childhood care, plan ahead. High-quality preschools and daycares often have waitlists, so it helps to apply early and keep backup options.
When comparing school options, focus on commute logistics, enrollment timelines and program fit. Always verify boundaries, admissions steps and required documents prior to arrival.
Healthcare and wellness
You are close to major medical systems on the Westside, including facilities in Westwood. Before arrival, arrange record transfers, select primary care and pediatric providers, and identify urgent care options. This makes first-week appointments easy rather than urgent.
Fitness and wellness are part of local daily life. You will find boutique gyms, yoga and pilates studios, and private trainers, along with outdoor recreation along the coast and in the mountains.
Culture, recreation and daily life
On weekends, you can explore the Getty Center, stop by Brentwood Country Mart, and enjoy cafes and restaurants along San Vicente Boulevard. Beaches and hiking are minutes away, which makes work-life balance feel realistic even on a tight schedule. Neighborhood services are well established, from high-end grocers to specialty shops.
Your relocation timeline
3–6 months before move
- Review your employer’s relocation policy. Confirm coverage for house-hunting trips, temporary housing, moving, storage and tax assistance.
- Engage a relocation-savvy local realtor to advise on neighborhoods, timing and off-market options.
- Begin school research and document collection. Request medical, school and vaccination records.
6–8 weeks before move
- Shortlist neighborhoods and properties. If needed, secure furnished temporary housing for the first 30–90 days.
- Start vehicle and license logistics. Plan any special registrations or permits you will need.
2–4 weeks before move
- Confirm your moving company, packing dates and any storage arrangements.
- Schedule utilities and internet installations. Plan initial security setup, including locks and alarm systems.
Move week and post‑move
- Complete address changes, vehicle registration and voter registration.
- Finalize school enrollment steps and meet your HOA or property manager, if applicable.
- Establish medical care and local pharmacy accounts.
Key vendors to line up
- Corporate relocation management firm if your employer offers one.
- Local real estate broker with executive and high-net-worth experience for confidentiality and access to off-market inventory.
- Licensed moving company with interstate and California experience.
- Temporary housing or furnished-apartment providers.
- Immigration or tax advisors for cross-border or complex assignments.
- Household staff placement and background-check providers if you plan to hire in-home support.
Smart negotiation tips
- Clarify whether your relocation is lump-sum or managed. Lump-sum offers flexibility but requires careful budgeting.
- Ask for coverage of a house-hunting trip and temporary housing while you search.
- Request tax assistance or gross-up for taxable relocation benefits.
- If buying, ask about closing cost support and any sale-of-home assistance for your departure market.
Executive housing checklist
- Relocation policy in hand and a local broker assigned.
- Temporary furnished housing secured if buying or long-term leasing will take time.
- Security and privacy plan for the home, including locks, alarm and landscaping.
- School enrollment documents, medical and pet records ready.
- Utilities, internet and waste services scheduled.
- Parking capacity confirmed for daily needs, visitors and staff.
Budget planner
- Short-term rental or corporate housing
- Moving company and insurance
- Temporary storage
- Closing costs, escrow and title fees
- HOA or condo move-in fees and deposits
- Utility deposits and installation costs
- Pet transport and boarding
- Home setup, window coverings and office setup
- Security system and cameras
Parking, permits and security
Some Brentwood blocks use residential permit parking. Before you sign a lease or purchase, review parking capacity on-site and confirm neighborhood permit rules. If the property is in an HOA or building, ask about guest parking policies and any move-in restrictions.
For security, many executives choose homes with gated entries, privacy landscaping and monitored alarm systems. If you plan to add cameras or access controls, confirm HOA guidelines or city permitting needs in advance.
How I help
You deserve a quiet, efficient move handled with discretion. With localized Westside expertise and a boutique, one-to-one service model, you get confidential access to on- and off-market homes that fit your brief. You also gain negotiation-first advocacy, clear market insight and a vetted vendor network for movers, inspectors, security and design.
If you value thoughtful presentation and privacy, we will align on a plan that balances timelines, school and commute needs, and long-term value. When you are ready, reach out to discuss your Brentwood move and shortlist properties that match your criteria.
To start a confidential conversation and explore off-market options, connect with Gina Martino.
FAQs
What should I know about Brentwood if I have a tight start date?
- Prioritize temporary furnished housing near your workplace, then buy or lease long term once commute and school needs are clear.
How long does a Brentwood home search typically take for executives?
- With specific requirements, plan on 4–12 weeks of active searching, often while in temporary housing, depending on inventory and timing.
Should I rent or buy first when relocating to Brentwood?
- Renting furnished short term is common unless your assignment is permanent and timing strongly favors purchasing.
How do I evaluate commute times in Brentwood?
- Test drives to Century City, Westwood, Santa Monica and downtown during peak hours to gauge realistic daily travel.
What parking rules should I confirm before signing a lease or purchase in Brentwood?
- Verify on-site parking capacity, any residential permit requirements and HOA guest parking policies to avoid surprises.
