
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is one of LA’s best-preserved gated neighborhoods, blending historic grandeur with quiet, residential charm.
Lafayette Square, A Hidden Historic Gem in Mid-City Los Angeles
This exclusive enclave in Mid-City Los Angeles features a limited collection of stunning early
20th-century homes, many of which have been meticulously restored to maintain their original craftsmanship while incorporating modern upgrades.
The neighborhood's gated entrance offers rare privacy and prestige, with elegant homes set along wide, tree shaded streets. Lafayette Square is part of the broader West Adams Historic District and boasts properties in architectural styles such as Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Mediterranean, and Spanish Colonial.
With its location just minutes from the 10 Freeway, Culver City, and Miracle Mile, Lafayette Square appeals to professionals, creatives, and families seeking convenience without the hustle of high density neighborhoods. The median home price in Lafayette Square hovers around $1.3–$1.6 million, depending on lot size, historic designation, and interior renovations. Because of its rarity and protected status as an HPOZ, inventory is often limited, making this a prime market for discerning buyers seeking timeless elegance.
As one of LA’s most treasured residential pockets, Lafayette Square continues to shine as a neighborhood where history, community, and luxury converge.
Things To Do in Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is one of LA’s hidden gems. Inside lies a gated historic community perfect for walking tours, architectural appreciation, and access to nearby Mid-City culture. It’s quiet and residential, but just minutes from vibrant arts and dining scenes.
Take a self-guided architecture walk through the gated Lafayette Square neighborhood
Attend historic home tours during preservation events or open days
Relax or walk your dog at Harold A. Henry Park
Enjoy local galleries and installations nearby in West Adams
Catch performances or shows at Band of Vices Gallery or Paper or Plastik Café's upstairs studio
Dining & Shopping & Entertainment
Dining:
My Two Cents (soulful comfort food nearby on Pico)
Bloom Cafe (casual breakfast & coffee spot nearby)
Paper or Plastik Cafe (hipster café + upstairs dance studio)
Shopping:
Midtown Crossing (Target, Lowe’s, ULTA, Ross)
Pico Blvd shops (boutiques, antiques, music stores)
Nearby West Adams’ boutique shops
Entertainment:
Catch live jazz or poetry at local West Adams venues
Art shows at Band of Vices Gallery
Events hosted in nearby West Adams Historic District
Schools in Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square families benefit from access to several educational options within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Nearby schools include Alta Loma Elementary, Los Angeles High School, and New LA Charter School, offering college-prep and arts-based curricula. Additionally, proximity to private institutions like Larchmont Charter and Marlborough School provides alternatives for families seeking smaller class sizes and academic enrichment.
The neighborhood’s central location offers easy access to both Westside and Downtown educational resources, making it a practical choice for families.
Elementary Schools:
Alta Loma Elementary School
Marvin Elementary School
Wilshire Crest Elementary
Middle Schools:
Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Middle School
Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies
High Schools:
Los Angeles High School
Fairfax High School
LACES
People & Lifestyle
Lafayette Square is known for its peaceful, gated streets and a rich blend of creative professionals, longtime Angelenos, and growing families who value space, security, and architectural charm.
The neighborhood offers a quiet, residential feel with a distinct historic character, while being just minutes from the bustling energy of Mid City, Culver City, and Downtown LA. Residents enjoy a sense of privacy behind its gates, lush tree lined streets, and proximity to cultural venues, parks, and local cafes.
It’s a community for those who appreciate history, elegance, and a slower pace of city life.
The History of Lafayette Square
Founded in 1913 by real estate developer George L. Crenshaw, Lafayette Square is one of Los Angeles’ first gated communities
and part of the city’s prestigious West Adams District.
It was developed during the rise of LA’s upper middle class boom and showcases an impressive collection of architectural styles including Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival, Tudor, and Colonial. Many original homes are over 100 years old and beautifully preserved, earning the area Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) status.
Lafayette Square has long been home to civic leaders, artists,
and professionals who value its legacy and beauty.
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