Why Playa Vista Is the Heart of Silicon Beach
Spruce Goose, Google’s LA Office
From Airfield to Innovation Hub
Before Playa Vista became the crown jewel of Silicon Beach, it was where aviation legend Howard Hughes built the Spruce Goose — the world’s largest wooden airplane. The enormous hangar that once housed it now serves as Google’s LA headquarters, blending aviation history with modern innovation.
That transformation perfectly mirrors what Playa Vista represents today: progress built on imagination.
Spruce Goose, Google’s LA Office
The Rise of Silicon Beach
Over the last decade, Playa Vista has become the gravitational center of LA’s tech scene — a place where technology, entertainment, and lifestyle intersect. The neighborhood now hosts a who’s who of digital powerhouses:
Google — occupying the iconic Spruce Goose hangar, reimagined as a state-of-the-art creative campus.
YouTube Space LA — a production hub where creators, brands, and influencers collaborate.
Meta (Facebook) — expanding its local presence with teams working on AR, VR, and emerging platforms.
Belkin, FOX Interactive, Yahoo, Nike, IMAX, and Snap Inc. — all contributing to Playa Vista’s mix of tech, media, and design.
What sets Playa Vista apart from other tech hubs isn’t just who’s here — it’s how they live here.
When Work Feels Like a Lifestyle
Professionals working in Playa Vista enjoy something rare in LA: balance. You can walk to work, grab coffee at Joliet Café, or take a meeting at Urban Plates — all without getting in your car. The community was intentionally designed to prioritize walkability, wellness, and human connection, making it one of the most livable work environments in the country.
Even after office hours, life doesn’t stop. Tech employees often gather at outdoor concerts in Concert Park, or unwind along the Bluff Creek Trail before heading to a wine bar at Runway.
Real Estate Ripple Effects
As Playa Vista evolved into Silicon Beach’s epicenter, housing demand soared. Condos that once sold for under $900,000 now average well above $1.3 million, while luxury townhomes easily exceed $2.5 million. The appreciation isn’t just due to proximity to Google — it’s also the lifestyle, community, and quality of design that drive long-term value.
Inventory remains limited, so even with higher interest rates, Playa Vista continues to outperform other Westside neighborhoods in price stability and buyer activity.
More Than a Neighborhood — A Creative Ecosystem
Playa Vista thrives on collaboration. It’s common to see founders discussing startups over matcha lattes or designers sketching product ideas at Blue Bottle Coffee. The environment invites connection and innovation — it’s not just where people work; it’s where ideas grow.
The community also supports wellness and sustainability, with LEED-certified buildings, electric car charging stations, and abundant green space. The vibe is distinctly Californian — forward-thinking, relaxed, and deeply connected to nature.
Blue Bottle Coffee in Playa Vista
The Future of Playa Vista
As Google continues to expand its presence and Silicon Beach attracts new companies, Playa Vista’s growth is entering its next chapter. Expect more walkable retail, advanced live-work developments, and stronger ties between residential living and creative industries.
For homebuyers and investors, it remains one of the most exciting — and resilient — real estate markets in Los Angeles.
