Seclusion and starry nights, for a pretty penny

Beverly Glen canyon, known to residents as “the Glen,” is home to entertainment industry types, lawyers, doctors and anyone else who can afford its expensive, rustic charm. Part of the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles, its length runs three miles from the top of the canyon at Mulholland Drive to its entry point below at Sunset Boulevard.

Drawing card

Convenient and exclusive Beverly Glen is within jogging distance to UCLA and Wilshire Boulevard and just over the hill from the San Fernando Valley. Custom-built mansions stand side by side with architecturally significant houses and box-like homes built into the sides of the hills.

Wow factor

At night, stars pierce the pitch-black sky of the unlit canyon and coyotes howl. Deer sightings add to the country feel.

Good news, bad news

The main drag, Beverly Glen Boulevard, is frequently used by drivers seeking to avoid 405 Freeway jams. The quiet quaintness the canyon once enjoyed has also been intruded upon due to its proximity to the Westside and the Valley.

Hot spot

The romantic and elegant Four Oaks restaurant has been a popular Beverly Glen establishment for more than 20 years.

Insider information

Locals frequent the trendy eateries and stores at the top of the canyon at the Glen Center. The community puts on a street fair each June and an annual garden walk and brunch.

On the market

Bargains are scarce, but the best prices will be found on Beverly Glen Boulevard starting at approximately $450,000. The side streets off the boulevard are considered desirable, with a two-bedroom, one-bath home starting at $600,000.

At the top of the canyon, Glen Ridge and Beverly Glen Park are planned developments with tennis courts and community pools built in the 1970s and ‘80s. Homes there range from $850,000 to $1.5 million. Large new houses being built behind the Glen Center sell for $2.5 to $5 million.

At the high end, a two-acre view property is priced at $6.95 million.

Report card

The Los Angeles Unified School District has two high-achieving elementary schools in Beverly Glen: Warner Avenue and Roscomare Road. Their 2002 Academic Performance Index scores are 894 and 908, respectively, on a scale of 1,000, according to the latest statistics available at the California Department of Education Web site. Emerson Middle School, with 1,323 students, has a 585 API score, and University Senior High School, 1,520 students, an API score of 587. UCLA is at the doorstep of Beverly Glen canyon.

Historical values

Single-family detached resales for entire 90077 ZIP Code:

Year...Median Price

1990...$905,000

1995...$711,750

2000...$855,000

2001...$765,000

2002...$818,864

Sources: DataQuick Information Services; Diane Fisher, Coldwell Banker, Brentwood; Los Angeles Unified School District; www.cde.ca.gov.