The Mickey Cohen House in Brentwood, Los Angeles, isn’t just a home—it’s a piece of history wrapped in mystery. Once owned by the infamous gangster Mickey Cohen, this place was more than a residence; it was a fortress for a man living a dangerous life.
Tucked away in a quiet, upscale neighborhood, the house hides stories of crime, glamour, and survival. From bomb-proof walls to Hollywood parties, the Mickey Cohen House pulls you into a world of intrigue. Want to know what made this place so special? Keep reading to uncover its secrets, from its unique design to its wild past.
Who Was Mickey Cohen?
Mickey Cohen was a larger-than-life figure in Los Angeles during the mid-20th century. Born in 1913 in Brooklyn, New York, he moved to LA as a kid and grew up in Boyle Heights. He started as a boxer but soon dove into the world of organized crime, working with big names like Bugsy Siegel.
After Siegel’s death in 1947, Cohen took over as a major crime boss, running gambling rackets and mingling with Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra. His life was a mix of glitz and danger, with constant run-ins with the law.
Cohen owned several properties, but details about his cars, yachts, private islands, or jets are scarce—he wasn’t known for those. His net worth at his peak is tough to pin down, but his lavish lifestyle suggested millions. He likely owned at least three homes during his criminal career.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meyer Harris Cohen |
| Born | September 4, 1913, Brooklyn, New York |
| Died | July 29, 1976, Los Angeles, California (stomach cancer) |
| Occupation | Gangster, Crime Boss, Former Boxer |
| Known For | Leading the Cohen crime family, ties with Bugsy Siegel and Hollywood elites |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Unknown, but likely millions at his peak in the 1940s-1950s |
| Total Homes Owned | At least 3 (Brentwood, Coldwater Canyon, Van Nuys) |
Where Does Mickey Cohen Live Now?
Mickey Cohen passed away in 1976, so he no longer lives anywhere. At the height of his power, he called Los Angeles home, bouncing between properties that matched his flashy yet paranoid lifestyle. His most famous residence was the Mickey Cohen House at 513 Moreno Avenue in Brentwood.
He also rented a place in Van Nuys in the late 1950s and owned a mansion in Coldwater Canyon. After prison stints for tax evasion, his fortune dwindled, and he lost many assets, including the Brentwood house.
By the time he died, Cohen was no longer the high-roller he once was, and details about his final residence are unclear. His legacy lives on through the infamous Mickey Cohen House.
Mickey Cohen House
The Mickey Cohen House at 513 Moreno Avenue in Brentwood, Los Angeles, is a legend in its own right. This wasn’t just a home—it was a fortress for a gangster who knew danger was always close. Cohen turned this ordinary-looking house into a stronghold, complete with high-tech security for its time. Built to blend into the quiet Brentwood neighborhood, the house hid its wild secrets behind a modest facade.
It was the stage for lavish parties with Hollywood stars and a target for rival gangsters, including a 1950 bombing that blew a hole in the front bedroom. Despite the chaos, the Mickey Cohen House stood strong, a symbol of Cohen’s power and paranoia. Today, it’s a historical gem, drawing curious visitors who want a peek into LA’s gritty past.
1. Where Is Mickey Cohen House?
The Mickey Cohen House sits at 513 Moreno Avenue in Brentwood, a swanky part of Los Angeles’ Westside. Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Brentwood is known for its tree-lined streets and upscale vibe. Back in Cohen’s day, the area was quieter, a perfect hideout for a gangster wanting to stay under the radar.
The house’s location was strategic—close enough to LA’s action but far enough to feel like a safe retreat. Despite its peaceful surroundings, the Mickey Cohen House was anything but calm, with police surveillance and rival attacks keeping things lively. Today, Brentwood’s charm and high property values make this address even more intriguing, blending suburban calm with a dark slice of history.
2. Features of Mickey Cohen House
The Mickey Cohen House looked like a typical postwar ranch from the outside, but inside, it was a gangster’s dream. Spanning about 2,500 square feet, it had seven moderately sized rooms plus a maid’s quarters. Cohen worked with a top decorator to create a stylish, traditional interior. Each room had a single-color theme—think celadon greens in the living room and muted blues in the dining room.
His bedroom was modern, with neutral tones, natural leather, and a monogrammed bedspread sporting a giant “MC.” The den even had a library of classic books, despite Cohen barely being able to read. What set the house apart were its fortress-like features: reinforced walls, bulletproof windows, and a state-of-the-art alarm system, all built to keep Cohen safe from rivals and police alike.
4. House Amenities
The Mickey Cohen House was packed with amenities that screamed luxury and paranoia. It had a massive water-heating system, big enough for a hotel, because Cohen was obsessive about washing. Security was top-notch, with bulletproof windows and reinforced walls to fend off attacks. An advanced alarm system kept intruders at bay.
The house also featured a concrete floor safe for storing cash and valuables. Cohen’s bedroom suite, separate from his wife’s, had custom touches like monogrammed bedding. The decor was elegant, with each room carefully designed to impress guests like Hollywood stars. These amenities made the Mickey Cohen House both a glamorous hotspot and a fortress for a man always on edge.
5. Neighborhood Area
Brentwood, where the Mickey Cohen House stands, is one of LA’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Back in the 1940s and 1950s, it was a quiet, suburban area with large lots and lush greenery, perfect for someone like Cohen who wanted to lay low. Today, it’s a hotspot for celebrities and wealthy families, with tree-lined streets and multimillion-dollar homes.
The neighborhood offers easy access to hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains and is close to the Pacific Ocean, blending nature with city life. Brentwood’s upscale vibe, with its fancy shops and restaurants, contrasts with the Mickey Cohen House’s gritty past, making it a unique piece of history in a polished area. The neighborhood’s prestige keeps property values sky-high.
Market Value
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Build Year | Not specified in records |
| Purchase Year | Not specified in records |
| Purchase Value | Not specified in records |
| Current Estimated Value (2024) | $1.5 million (based on Brentwood comparables) |
Note: Exact build year, purchase year, and purchase value for the Mickey Cohen House are not well-documented. The current estimated value is based on 2024 Brentwood market trends.
Mickey Cohen Real Estate Portfolio
Mickey Cohen owned a few notable properties during his criminal career, each tied to his flashy yet dangerous lifestyle. Besides the famous Mickey Cohen House at 513 Moreno Avenue in Brentwood, he had a mansion at 9100 Hazen Drive in Coldwater Canyon. This place was a party hub in the 1940s, doubling as a high-stakes gambling den where Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra gambled big.
It was huge, likely over 5,000 square feet, and sat in a ritzy area known for privacy. Cohen also rented a home in Van Nuys in the late 1950s, a more modest spot in the San Fernando Valley. His childhood home was in Boyle Heights, a working-class LA neighborhood where he got his start in crime. After prison and financial troubles, most of his properties were seized or sold, leaving the Brentwood house as his most iconic.
Conclusion
The Mickey Cohen House at 513 Moreno Avenue is more than just a building—it’s a window into a wild chapter of Los Angeles history. From its fortress-like features to its role in Cohen’s glamorous yet dangerous life, this Brentwood gem tells a story of crime, power, and survival. Though Cohen’s empire crumbled, his house remains a fascinating relic, blending seamlessly into one of LA’s fanciest neighborhoods.
Its estimated $1.5 million value today reflects Brentwood’s hot real estate market, but the real worth lies in its tales of Hollywood stars, mob rivalries, and a 1950 bombing that shook the city. The Mickey Cohen House stands as a reminder that even quiet streets can hide explosive secrets.
