Happy Density and Happy Residents in Playa Vista

Happy Density and Happy Residents in Playa Vista

I recently came across an interesting article by Robert Steuteville in the Congress for the New Urbanism's Public Square publication titled "Playa Vista: High Density, Happy Residents." The article highlights the results of a community survey conducted roughly 25 years after Playa Vista's development began. Despite being one of the higher-density residential communities in Los Angeles, the survey found that residents report exceptionally high levels of satisfaction with their neighborhood, citing walkability, parks, community amenities, access to retail and restaurants, and the overall sense of connection that Playa Vista offers. The findings challenge the common assumption that higher density automatically leads to a lower quality of life.

As both a resident and Realtor who has spent years helping families buy and sell homes here, I was not surprised by the results. One of the things I hear most often from homeowners is how much they value the ability to walk to parks, schools, Runway, community events, and neighborhood gathering spaces. Playa Vista was intentionally designed around many of these principles, and the survey appears to confirm what many of us experience every day: a thoughtfully planned community can create a strong sense of belonging while still accommodating growth. If you're curious about urban planning, community design, or simply why so many people choose to stay in Playa Vista long term, I think this article is worth a read.

By Dennis Hsii

Source: Robert Steuteville, "Playa Vista: High Density, Happy Residents," Congress for the New Urbanism Public Square, June 3, 2026.