$1,667,279Average Value$556Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Like stepping into the American Dream
Every bit as inviting as it sounds, Friendly Hills is a peaceful community of high-end character homes on the outskirts of Whittier. “A buyer recently told me that being in the neighborhood felt like stepping into the American Dream,” says e-Homes Realtor Jordan Partida, who grew up in the area. “There are large front lawns, well-maintained landscaping, tree-lined streets, different custom homes and families walking their dogs. It’s a very movie-like setting.”
Friendly Hills is an upscale neighborhood located in the city of Whittier, California.
Friendly Hills has a reputation as an affluent and desirable place to live.
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Custom homes with vintage and contemporary builds
The homes in Friendly Hills are almost entirely single-family, with very few multifamily options. "The nice thing is that you're not going to find two of the same thing. You have a large variety, including Mediterranean, Craftsman, ranch-style midcentury, and then more contemporary builds," Partida says. "A few investors have come in to tear down older homes, so we're starting to see some newer builds." Homes were built out in the 1950s and '60s, with a heavy emphasis on the ranch style. The early builds were modest three bedrooms, but the more modern offerings can be expansive. "Inventory is always light here because it's such an exclusive neighborhood. It's small and tough to get into in terms of affordability, so you see many homes stay in the family," Partida says. Homes range in price from around $1.2 million to over $3 million, though most homes list between $1.7 and $2.2 million. Within the larger Friendly Hills neighborhood, Friendly Hills Estates is a higher-end community with a 24-hour guard station.
Homes in Friendly Hills though older are well maintained.
Find homes of all sizes to fit you needs in Friendly Hills.
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Buyers seeking out the school districts
The East Whittier City Elementary School district is graded B-plus by Niche, while the Whittier Union High School District gets an A. “Many buyers move to Friendly Hills specifically because of the schools. They are some of the best in the city,” Partida says. Murphy Ranch Elementary is graded A-minus by Niche, and East Whitter Middle gets a B-plus. Graded A by Niche, but with an A-plus grade for its teachers, La Serna High School is known for robust athletic programs. In December 2023, the football team won their division’s state championship. The water polo teams are also highly competitive.
Murphy Ranch Elementary School in the city of Whittier.
La Serna High School, home of the Lancers.
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Hiking and biking at dog-friendly Murphy Park Ranch
Outdoor access is a big selling point for Friendly Hills, which has a robust community park and plenty of places to exercise. "There are a lot of hiking and biking trails in Whittier. The most frequented trails are in Murphy Ranch Park, which is within walking distance for many people in the neighborhood," Partida says. Tucked away in a residential area surrounded by beautiful shade trees, the park is popular with locals and visitors and is known for a lot of foot traffic. There is a moderately challenging 3.5-mile out-and-back loop along the Arroyo San Miguel Trail, which, unlike Murphy Park, does not allow dogs. "The Friendly Hills Country Club is an attraction to the residents who live nearby. Many have private access to the club," Partida says. In operation since 1968, it's a high-end private golf course with family-friendly amenities like tennis, pickleball and swimming.
Murphy Ranch Park is the nearest natural area of Friendly Hills.
Stroll underneath lush green trees along the trails near Friendly Hills.
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Grabbing a bite to eat in downtown Whittier
Primarily residential, there are some shopping and dining opportunities along Whittier Boulevard. For groceries, there's an Amazon Fresh, Trader Joe's and Ralphs within blocks of each other. Retail offerings include Target, Office Depot and others. National chain favorites like Starbucks and McDonald's are in the same area. "People going out for a meal are probably going into downtown Whittier," Partida says. "Phlight is a total standout. It's a wine bar with Spanish tapas, and every single thing on the menu is great." The venue's interior is rich, with exposed wooden beam ceilings and a warm red palette. The Chicken Koop is laidback restaurant with an inviting atmosphere and inventive lighting concepts. It has a chicken-centric menu and plenty of craft beer on tap. Guests rave about the chicken and waffles and Brussels sprouts — not necessarily together.
A shopping center with Amazon Fresh and HomeGoods sits at the southern end of Friendly Hills.
A customer walking in front of the flower display at the front of Trader Joes in Whittier.
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No direct highway access means longer commute times
Friendly Hills does not have direct highway access. Interstate 605 is about 5 miles west via Whittier Boulevard, also known as state Route 72. The neighborhood's other main thoroughfare is Colima Road, a four-lane road lined by bus stops with traffic lights every few blocks. For commuters, downtown Los Angeles is about 25 miles northwest, a seemingly reasonable distance that can take one to two hours during unpredictable rush hours. "Depending on where you're going, drive times can be long, which can be a determining factor in this location, but most commutes are closer to 45 minutes," Partida says. "People love this area so much that commute times are not a deal-breaker." Frequent fliers have their choice of airports — John Wayne, Los Angeles International and Hollywood Burbank are about 30 miles away, but all routes have traffic woes. The Whittier Hospital Medical Center is conveniently located within the neighborhood. Crime is exceptionally low in Friendly Hills. The neighborhood’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to 4 nationally. Property crime happens at a slightly higher rate, with a CAP score of 2, compared to 4 nationally. “This is probably the safest area in Whittier,” Partida says.
A little bridge connecting golfers to other parts of the private country club in Friendly Hills.
A small group of people waiting in Friendly Hills for the Whittier bus line to arrive.
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Serious fire risk in parts of the neighborhood
Due to its location along the Puente Hills and the green space surrounding the neighborhood, there is a substantial fire risk for many properties in Friendly Hills. Securing fire insurance is becoming more costly as insurers continue to pull out of the California market.
A bird's eye view of Anaconda Park in Whittier.
A side hiking trail at Murphy Ranch Park in Whittier.
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Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Photography Contributed By
Christiaan Cruz
Video By
Francesco Basti
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Jennifer Halbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Friendly Hills
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Friendly Hills Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Friendly Hills, Whittier sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Friendly Hills, Whittier over the last 12 months is $1,600,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in Friendly Hills, this single-level home offers comfortable living with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms on a generous 0.73-acre lot (32,004 sqft). A beautiful vaulted covered front porch greets you off the horseshoe driveway, and ample parking for guests in front of the attached two-car garage. Vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams rise to an 18-foot peak over open and airy living space
Homes with this combination of view, location, and condition rarely come available... Luxury Living in Friendly Hills | Golf Course Community Perched at the top of the prestigious Friendly Hills community, this stunning turnkey home offers breathtaking views and an unbeatable lifestyle. Located along the Friendly Hills Country Club, the property enjoys sweeping vistas that on a clear day stretch
Francisco LiceaEXP REALTY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INC.
Beautifully updated home located in the highly desirable area north of Whittier Boulevard, offering beautiful peekaboo views and modern upgrades throughout. This remodeled home features a stunning updated kitchen with quartz countertops, new cabinetry, and a spacious center island, perfect for entertaining and everyday living. The open-concept floor plan seamlessly connects the living room,
Discover peaceful living in Friendly Woods Estates, an exclusive gated enclave of only 36 homes where majestic mature trees, lush greenbelts, and beautifully maintained grounds create a setting of exceptional beauty and tranquility. Experience the simple pleasures of nature as birds chirp in the distance and breathtaking greenbelt views provide a picturesque backdrop to everyday living. Tucked
EXCEPTIONAL LAYOUT, STUNNING SETTING, AND BREATHTAKING GREENBELT VIEWS! Experience the elegance of Friendly Woods Estates, a serene enclave of just 36 homes within a gated community, surrounded by lush, mature trees and peaceful greenbelts. This tranquil neighborhood offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with beautifully maintained grounds. This impressive two-story PUD home offers over 2,400
Huge price reduction... Welcome to 16004 Aurora Crest Drive, first time on the market for this stunning, custom built home, perfect for entertaining with grand entry, breathtaking views, inviting swimming pool, formal living room, formal dinning room, wet bar & family room. Features include an incredible master suite with attached office & sitting area with fireplace and balcony, dual sink
Welcome to one of Friendly Hills’ most exceptional estate properties, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury. Situated on a private, beautifully landscaped lot of more than half an acre, this completely renovated residence offers approximately 4,600 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in one of Whittier’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The bright, open floor plan features
Presenting ~ 8535 Portafino Pl. This beautiful two-story home sits atop the 4th hole of the Friendly Hills Country Club. Imagine waking up every morning to calming golf course and peek-a-boo water views while sitting on your back patio. This home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 baths across approximately 3170 square feet of living space on a 13,417 square foot lot. You will be immediately impressed by
Located in the highly sought-after Friendly Hills neighborhood of Whittier, this property sits on a 33,712 sqft flat and usable lot, offering exceptional potential. Tucked away on a private road, it provides privacy and tranquility while remaining conveniently close to private country clubs, shopping centers, and schools. The existing home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering immediate
Look no further if what you desire is luxury and exclusivity. Located within the esteemed private 24 hour guard gated community of Friendly Hills Estates, this multi-story home offers both privacy and the full range of entertainment value. Opening with the grand foyer, the overall tone of opulence is highlighted by the marble flooring and Italian columns. The open kitchen featuring an oversized
Luxurious Custom-Built Mediterranean Estate with Sweeping Views ... Over Half-Acre Lot Tucked Away in Prestigious 24-Hour Guard-Gated Community of Friendly Hills Estates - Approx 6,090 Square Feet of Living Space Includes Five Bedrooms, Five Full & One Half Bathrooms, Beautiful Library/Office, and Home Theatre w/120-inch Projection Screen - Sprawling 25,139-Square Foot Terraced Lot Surrounded by
Situated on an elevated 20,000+ sq. ft. lot in the highly sought-after Friendly Hills community, this 3,162 sq. ft. residence offers space, privacy, and a functional layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The interior features expansive living and dining areas with rich hardwood flooring, recessed lighting, and abundant natural light. The layout flows into a welcoming family room
Welcome to your newly renovated home at Malibu Apartments! We offer spacious 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans with brand new stainless steel appliances, new hardwood floors and carpet, quartz countertops, and updated modern fixtures and lighting. Relax by our sparkling pool and BBQ area that is perfect for the weekend. We are close to schools, Trader Joe's, shopping at the Whitwood Center, and
Welcome to 16004 Aurora Crest Drive, first time on the market for this stunning, custom built home, perfect for entertaining with grand entry, breathtaking views, inviting swimming pool, formal living room, formal dinning room, wet bar & family room. Features include an incredible master suite with attached office & sitting area with fireplace and balcony, dual sink bathroom with soak tub &
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
