If you drive down Sunset Boulevard past Brentwood, the air starts to change. It gets a little cooler, saltier, and suddenly the manicured chaos of Los Angeles softens into something that feels almost like a sleepy coastal village. This is the Palisades. But don't let the quiet streets and the "honorary mayor" titles fool you. This 90272 zip code is basically a private club for Hollywood's heavy hitters.
Honestly, people always ask why stars pick this spot over the glitz of Beverly Hills or the "see-and-be-seen" energy of Malibu. It’s the privacy. In the Palisades, you’ve got these massive, hidden canyons and ridges that keep the paparazzi at a distance. Plus, it’s arguably the most "family-friendly" of the ultra-wealthy enclaves. You’re more likely to see an Oscar winner at the local Erewhon or grabbing a coffee at the Village than you are on a red carpet.
The neighborhood has also been through the ringer lately. The 2025 Palisades fire was a total nightmare, forcing half the industry to evacuate and leaving several iconic homes in ashes. But even with the fire scars, the list of what celebrities live in Pacific Palisades remains a literal Who’s Who of the entertainment world.
The Titans of the Riviera and the Bluffs
When we talk about the big names, we have to start with the "unofficial kings" of the neighborhood. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been staples here for years. They own a massive $26 million Spanish Revival estate in the Riviera section. It’s huge—roughly 14,500 square feet—but they’re famous for actually being part of the community. Their son Chet even posted on Instagram during the 2025 fires about how the neighborhood he grew up in was burning. Thankfully, their place was spared, but it was a close call.
Then you’ve got Steven Spielberg. His compound is legendary. It’s a multi-acre fortress that somehow manages to feel like a rustic retreat. He’s been there forever. It’s the kind of property that defines "old money" Hollywood.
A few other heavyweights in the area:
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- Matt Damon: He moved into a $36 million modern masterpiece a few years back. It’s got that "Zen-like" vibe with tons of glass and sustainable tech.
- Bradley Cooper: Often spotted around the Village, he’s one of those guys who actually walks the streets like a normal person.
- Adam Sandler: He’s got a huge place and is frequently seen playing pickup basketball or just wearing his signature oversized hoodies at local spots.
The New Wave and Recent Moves
It isn't just the legends, though. A younger generation of stars has been snatching up property here like crazy. Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry dropped $7.5 million on a Cape Cod-style house recently. It’s got all the essentials: a home theater, a gym, and enough privacy to keep them off the radar.
Then there’s the Ben Affleck saga. For a while, he and Jennifer Lopez were the talk of the town with their $64 million "mega-mansion" search and eventual purchase. But after their split, things shifted. Ben ended up getting a $20.5 million "bachelor pad" nearby, keeping him close to his kids and his best friend, Matt Damon. Honestly, the real estate drama in this neighborhood is better than most Netflix shows.
R&B singer Jhene Aiko and Big Sean are also residents, having bought a $5.6 million estate in 2023. It’s a bit more tucked away, which fits their vibe. And let's not forget Kawhi Leonard. The NBA superstar has a $17 million hilltop mansion that looks like a futuristic museum. It has a wine cellar that could probably house a small village.
Surviving the 2025 Wildfires
We can't talk about what celebrities live in Pacific Palisades without mentioning the disaster that reshaped the hills a year ago. The January 2025 fire was devastating. It wasn't just a "near miss" for everyone.
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag lost their home entirely. Watching Spencer’s Snapchat as the flames literally licked his property line was terrifying. They’re currently in the early stages of trying to rebuild, but it’s a long road. Anna Faris also lost her "dream house" in that blaze. It was a total loss, leaving nothing but charred ruins where a multi-million dollar estate used to be.
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Eugene Levy, who has served as the honorary mayor, described the evacuation as "surreal and terrifying." He was stuck in gridlock trying to get out while smoke filled the canyons. Even Billy Crystal, who had lived in his home for over 45 years, saw his neighborhood transformed into a disaster zone overnight.
Why They Choose the Palisades Over Malibu
You’d think the beach in Malibu would be the ultimate goal, right? Not necessarily. The Palisades offers something Malibu doesn't: a sense of "town."
In Malibu, you’re often stuck on a narrow strip of land between the highway and the ocean. In the Palisades, you have the Palisades Village. It’s this high-end, walkable shopping district developed by Rick Caruso. You can go to the movies, get a facial, and have a $30 salad all within two blocks. It’s sanitized, sure, but for a celebrity who just wants to buy a pair of shoes without a camera in their face, it’s heaven.
The geography is also a factor. You’ve got the Huntington area with its massive lots and flat streets (perfect for strollers), and then the Highlands, which feels more like a mountain retreat. There's a flavor for every type of famous person, whether they're a reclusive director or a pop star who wants a view of the "Queens Necklace" coastline.
A Quick Peek at the Neighbors
- Reese Witherspoon: Known for flipping high-end real estate, she’s had a presence here for a long time.
- Michael Keaton: Another long-time resident who keeps a low profile.
- Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian: They’ve been seen checking out properties, adding some "punk-rock royalty" to the mix.
- Jennifer Aniston: While she has a main residence in Bel Air, she’s often tied to properties and rentals in the Palisades area.
What to Keep in Mind if You’re Visiting
Look, if you’re heading there to "star hunt," don't. Most of these homes are behind massive gates, long driveways, or dense hedges. You won't see much from the street. However, if you want to soak up the vibe, hit up Porta Via for lunch or The Draycott. That’s where you’re most likely to see a familiar face from the big screen just living their life.
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The real estate market here is also changing. Because of the fires, there’s a new focus on "sustainable" and fire-resistant architecture. Matt Damon’s place is a great example—solar panels and rainwater systems are the new status symbols, replacing the old-school wood-heavy designs that are basically tinder in a California summer.
Actionable Insights for Real Estate Enthusiasts
If you are tracking the move-in patterns of the elite, keep an eye on the Riviera and Amalfi Drive. These remain the gold standard. Even with the insurance hikes and fire risks, the inventory in the Palisades is so low that prices aren't dropping; they're just getting more exclusive. If a house goes on the market here, it’s usually sold off-market before the public even knows it exists.
The best way to understand the neighborhood is to hike Temescal Canyon. From the top, you can look down at the sprawling estates and realize just how tucked away these people really are. It’s a mix of natural beauty and extreme wealth that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
To stay updated on the latest celebrity moves or the rebuilding efforts after the fires, check out local architectural blogs or the latest property tax filings, which often reveal the trusts stars use to buy these hidden gems.