Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills conjures images of palm tree-laden boulevards and opulent mansions behind wrought iron gates. But the city isn’t just about glamour – it’s a close-knit community that brings you close to Southern California’s finest attractions.
Spanning from San Vicente Boulevard to Whittier Drive, the city encompasses 5.71 square miles with a population of 33,274 based on the latest U.S. Census estimates.
It is bounded by West Hollywood to the east, Franklin Canyon Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to the north, Los Angeles Country Club to the west, and Hillcrest Country Club to the south.
- Santa Monica Boulevard, synonymous with the Pacific Electric’s Red Line streetcars, bisects the city, demarcating its north and south sections, also referred to as “north or south of the tracks” by old-timers in the area.
- North of the tracks span the City of Beverly Hills and some sections of Los Angeles to the north of Santa Monica Boulevard all the way to Mulholland Drive.
South of the tracks refer to the areas of Downtown Beverly Hills and nearby neighborhoods.
No matter how you define it, Beverly Hills is an affluent enclave offering some of the finest properties in the United States.
History of Beverly Hills
The area was once home to the Tongva Native Americans, who told stories of sacred streams, and aptly named it the Gathering of the Waters. But the city’s modern history begins with the arrival of real estate developer Burton Green, who founded Beverly Hills in 1907.
The city grew around the Beverly Hills Hotel, which was opened to the public in 1912. Owner and founder Margaret Anderson catered to people who needed a place to stay while looking for homes to buy in the area. The hotel soon became the community’s social hub. The city was incorporated two years later in 1914.
But the city’s reputation for glamour and high living is widely credited to actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, who purchased a home in 1918, sparking a migration of other actors, singers, musicians, and filmmakers to the city. Their former home, nicknamed Pickfair, a Tudor-style mansion, was razed in 1990.
The city witnessed remarkable growth well into the 1920s. Another important establishment, the Polo Lounge, was founded in 194 and named for the polo fields on which the restaurant was built. It set the standard for fine dining in Los Angeles with a high-profile clientele that included some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and executives.
Today, Beverly Hills is one of the most iconic cities in Southern California, and one of the most desirable places to live in the United States.
Real Estate in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills offers an excellent selection of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Prevalent architectural styles include Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, Cape Cod, Contemporary, and Traditional. The most desirable areas are The Flats, Trousdale Estates, and North of Sunset Boulevard.
The largest properties in Beverly Hills typically have outdoor pools, tennis courts, private gyms, showroom-style garages, and other high-end amenities.
The median home price is higher than the national average, with top-tier buyers and foreign investors willing to pay a premium for property in Beverly Hills.
Lifestyle
Beverly Hills residents have mastered the art of casual elegance. The overall vibe of the city is laid-back but luxurious, making it an excellent choice for buyers who enjoy the finer things in life, from world-class restaurants and upscale retail to fitness studios and clean and well-maintained parks.
Rodeo Drive spans three blocks lined with more than 100 luxury storefronts, including Lanvin, Christian Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. As one of the most iconic retail strips in the United States, Rodeo Drive is a fashion mecca synonymous with quality and refinement.
Other local attractions include:
- Virginia Robinson Gardens
Fairytale Residences
Greystone Mansion & Gardens: The Doheny Estate
Beverly Hills Parks
Beverly Hills is roughly 10 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, which has a vibrant nightlife and offers numerous dining and shopping options.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to explore your options in Beverly Hills, CA and the surrounding areas, Luxury Living LA by Nicole Costas is here to assist you. You can reach me here. You can also contact me at 323.630.6976 or send me an email at nicole(at)nicolecostas(dotted)com.
As a licensed agent with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen the market go through various real estate cycles. I’m affiliated with Compass, one of the most trusted residential real estate firms in the United States.
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