Hollywood Real Estate Knowledge

Hollywood is a neighborhood which needs no introduction… Mention it anywhere in the world and thoughts of bright lights, red carpets and silver screens come to mind. It’s an area steeped in so much history due to the entertainment industry which continues to draw millions all over the world to get their slice of fame on the big and little screens everywhere.

Since Hollywood is so widely known, many think that it is a city when, in fact, it is a neighborhood of the city of Los Angeles. It was incorporated as a municipality in 1903 but was then consolidated with the city of Los Angeles in 1910. However West Hollywood and North Hollywood are in fact cities, just not Hollywood.

In brief, Hollywood became popular due to aspiring filmmakers wanting to evade the Thomas Edison Motion Picture Patents Company from suing them. The company was located in New Jersey. By venturing out to Los Angeles, it was easier to escape the control of Edison’s patents. Plus, the weather was better with ease in access to a greater variety in scenery for movies. By 1912, Los Angeles became the motion picture capital of the world.

The lower land prices in Los Angeles was another huge benefit. Along with the entertainment industry, real estate developers flocked to the area, such as H.J. Whitley, known for the neighborhood in Hollywood called Whitley Heights, and Harvey Wilcox who registered the subdivision of ‘Hollywood’ with the city of Los Angeles. Wilcox actually made the famous Hollywood sign to advertise the sale of his development called ‘Hollywoodland.’

The area kept growing with the development of more homes in the Hollywood Hills, and sub-neighborhoods being built up, such as Lake Hollywood, Whitley Heights, Hollywood Dell, Beachwood Canyon, Nichols Canyon and others.

Market Highlights for Buyers (2022)

Market Highlights for Sellers (2022)

Benefits of Luxury Living in Hollywood Hills

Lifestyle and Homes in Hollywood Hills West

The decline of the Hollywood neighborhood in the 80s was revitalized in the late 90s and 2000s when new TV networks came into the area, new apartment and condo buildings went up, and shopping areas like Sunset + Vine and Hollywood and Vine were redeveloped. 1,200 hotel rooms were also added which helped bring tourists in and push out the riff raff.

The main draws to Hollywood today are its centralized location in town and to the studios, wide array of amenities nearby, and private luxury homes in the east part of the Hollywood Hills.

During the 1950s, the Hollywood Freeway (or 101 freeway) was constructed. This allowed for major access to the rest of the city out west or east for a landlocked Hollywood. The major studios are also just on the other side of the 101 freeway in Burbank, which made it great for industry types.

The hills of Beachwood canyon, Nichols Canyon, Lake Hollywood and other areas provide an ideal retreat for celebrities and entertainment higher-ups wanting the location, privacy and views. There are also plenty of condos and lofts right in Hollywood like the new Residences at the W Hollywood and Columbia Square. Apartment buildings revitalized from Hollywood’s golden age are Gaylord Apartments, Hollywood Tower, Villa Bonita, and others.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Restaurants

There are an assortment of restaurants and bars to suit whatever occasion calls. Trendy dining options that are a must is the Spare Room in the Roosevelt Hotel, Salt’s Cure, Pizzeria Mozza for some gourmet pizza, Petit Trois for French cuisine, Gwen for fresh meat and so much more.

Parks & Nature

In the Lake Hollywood neighborhood is a great park and dog park as well. The Hollywood Sign has a park with trailhead. Griffith Park has a hiking trail where the Griffith Observatory is. Runyon Canyon Park is also a huge Hollywood attraction for hiking and celebrity sightings.

Top-Rated Schools in and around Hollywood Hills West

The high-rated Hollywood Hills schools are a huge draw for families. The big item to note in a home search is that only homes located within Hollywood Hills proper are able to take advantage of its public schools, as well as fire and police departments.