The immaculate assortment of architecture in Beverly Hills provides an exceptional variety of options for discerning buyers looking for their dream home!
Beverly Hills is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It’s one of the so-called “90210,” and was nicknamed Beverly Hills after itself by The Beverly Wilshire Hotel manager who marketed its idyllic location next to the Hollywood sign. It has been home to many celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, and Ellen DeGeneres.
Beverly Hills is located around the area of Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. Some would argue that Sunset is not located in Beverly Hills, but is actually located in Hollywood. However, it is located right on the border of both cities, so it’s best to say it belongs to both.
The city is home to a number of celebrities, expensive hotels, and the Rodeo Drive shopping zone.
Beverly Hills is a former Mexican ranch that was converted into a town in 1914 by a group of investors who had failed to find oil but instead encountered water.
The subdivision of Beverly Hills was originally known as El Rodeo de las Aguas (Gathering of Waters). It is no coincidence that its developer, Burton Green, named this serene neighborhood after the many streams it once held.
The City’s first act in existence is opening up for development and prosperity with his name proudly emblazoned across every inch! From Pickfair – Hollywood’s most luxurious home built back when Mary Pickford lived there—to countless other celebrities who made their homes downwind from “The Wilshire Of Stars,” you know where all your favorite A-listers live if they’re still living life in the fast lane.
As Beverly Hills’ largest, oldest, and most lustrous neighborhood, it’s no surprise that this is where you find the City’s most extravagant homes. It may have been named “The Bubble” in the 80s, but if your box is big enough to fit all your needs inside—bathtub swan included—you could just call it home!
The owners of the mansions in this neighborhood were ready to build anything and everything. French counts wanted their own version of the Eiffel Tower, so they got one with a pool on top. A Russian princess asked for fire coming out of her driveway, so she had that installed too with flames reaching nearly six feet in the air. Donald Trump had an afterthought of a pool—the “lagoon”—that he installed behind his house so he could wake up to the view of ducks instead of humans.
Elevator music plays softly in this area unless you are near Rodeo Drive where classical music is played loudly to influence shoppers to shop at stores like Tiffany & Co. or Chanel.
The streets are wide, the homes are large, and there’s no crime other than people trying their hardest not to be seen by paparazzi. It is a difficult task since you cannot hide behind trees because they don’t really grow here—they all get chopped down for development. All the trees that grow here are fake and don’t provide shade anyway.
Beverly Hills is very much like a movie set, and you can’t really tell if anyone is acting or not. It’s an open secret that there are cameras everywhere following everyone just to catch someone behaving badly as if they don’t already have it all. In this neighborhood, the best thing to be seen doing is shopping at The Beverly Center where the best of designers sell their wares. Oh, if you’re quick enough, you can catch a glimpse of celebrities buying groceries at Whole Foods too.
Beverly Hills is one of the more expensive places to live in Los Angeles, but it’s perfect for those who like shopping on Rodeo Drive, eating at The Ivy, or enjoying a drink at Polo Lounge (making sure to dress appropriately first). Oh, and there are lots of kids. All kinds of kids even if you don’t have one of your own if you’re lucky enough to be invited over for a playdate.
When it comes to Beverly Hills living, even the wealthy would say it’s all about the style. That’s why everyone needs a Mercedes and BMW to drive around in to show off their latest fashion statement bought from The Beverly Center or Robertson Boulevard. Generally, the more expensive your car is, the better–and if you have a house to go along with it, well that just means you’re doing very well for yourself.
It is easy to think of old money when someone says Beverly Hills, but the reality is that there are so many different types of people living there now. It’s an area for soccer moms and tech moguls alike, all under one sun that shines down on the hills. There isn’t a predominant ethnicity, though the population still remains primarily white and Hispanic.
Families have been living in Beverly Hills for generations; there is no poverty or crime. The land was first settled by farmers, but it didn’t stay rural for long as the influx of Hollywood stars in the 1930s created a demand for luxury homes. With the movie business close by, there are still plenty of celebrities living amongst everyone else.
The residents in Beverly Hills are incredibly wealthy and privileged, but at the same time, they value their community greatly. Everybody is outgoing and friendly. The conversation comes easy when you see the same people on the street every day; it’s like you are all one big family. After living in Beverly Hills for at least five years, you will become close friends with your neighbors.
Of course, there are some snobs, but everyone here is beautiful and stylish so it seems only natural that this would create great competition about who is best dressed.
As far as the people in Beverly Hills go, they are known for their personalities and wealth. There are many celebrities living with the rest of the locals who become close friends with everyone.
The wealthy seem to have no problem sharing their money, but they are also willing to help others who are less fortunate.
I can not say that I know everything about the people in Beverly Hills since there are so many of them, but I can say I’m sure you will enjoy meeting each and every one of them.
Schools in Beverly Hills are great. With such a large concentration of stars and rich folk, it’s not surprising that Beverly Hills has more than its fair share of private schools for the kids – including Beverly Hills Preparatory, Buckley High School, and Campbell Hall.
It is known for its high-quality education, as the California state test scores demonstrate. 94% of students meet or exceed academic standards in English and 94% in Math, which isn’t too shabby at all. The average SAT score is a range that can give any person a nice range of options when applying to universities.
There is a positive environment for students as well as teachers, as the Beverly Hills school board site describes: “Beverly Hills Unified School District’s administrative offices and classrooms are located in one central district campus” which means that whether you need help from the administration, or you’re looking for an empty classroom to study in during lunch, they’re all in the same building. This cuts down on trip time and effort put into trying to find just one person instead of having to go across town for help.
Beverly Hills High School is home to the Bruins, who are very successful athletically as well as academically, with multiple league championships throughout their tenure at Beverly Hills High School. If you’re looking for a school with a more traditional feel, look no further than Beverly Hills High School.
Beverly Hills is a broad term. It can be as simple as going to a movie or going to a live concert of your favorite artist. It could also include an extravagant night of clubbing and socializing with the local galleries of the area. On any given night there are multiple options for everyone – from those who prefer more low-key activities to the over-the-top options.
The most common entertainment is simply going to a movie theater and enjoying all of the latest movies, which could range from an action flick, to an animated film for kids, or even just catching up on old classics that you may have missed. The Beverly Hills theaters are home to some of the most state-of-the-art technology and comfy seating, including VIP sections for those who want to feel like celebrities.
For live music, there is always the option of heading out to one of the many entertainment venues in town featuring your favorite artist or genre. The House of Blues will often have concerts featuring Motown artists, and the Belasco Theatre is known for its rock shows.
For those who prefer something a little more life than movies can offer, there are plenty of local theaters that host their own shows as well. Some examples include the Saban Theatre for musicals, the Beverly Hills Playhouse for dramas, and the Acme Comedy Theatre for standup. You can find showtimes by visiting their respective websites or downloading their official mobile apps.
If you want to be even more active outside of your own home, there are plenty of activities that you can enjoy just by walking down the street. The most popular places to visit include the Beverly Hills Library, which offers various book clubs and readings; the Beverly Hills Pavilion, which hosts musical performances; and one of the three workout studios in town. There are also several parks in the surrounding areas that offer unique amenities like Bergamot Park’s craft corner, Century Park’s jogging paths, and Paley Park’s lushly landscaped garden.
Beverly Hills is also home to the small Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, which features a live beehive and a model of a blue whale skeleton with a scale that goes up to 14 feet. The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, located just across Wilshire Boulevard from Beverly Hills High School, is another worthwhile museum with lots of cool dinosaur bones.
Every Friday evening during the summer months, Rodeo Drive comes alive with music and street performers as part of “Friday Night Live on Sunset Boulevard.” More than 10 blocks on Rodeo Drive and Sunset Boulevard participate, with sidewalk cafes serving food and refreshments.
Love or hate Beverly Hills, the reality of existing in LA (whether you live here or are just visiting), is that at some point we will end up where all the doctor’s offices and luxury stores like Gucci can be found. For one thing- there’s nothing more calming for a romantic than strolling down Rodeo Drive after watching Pretty Woman with your significant other again! This means eating out should also not escape our radar when it comes time to choose a somewhere nice place to sit down over dinner…or tea 😉
Eating in Beverly Hills is expensive. While there are spots where you can get a sandwich for less than $20, it’s more likely that people visiting here would be looking at classic LA eateries and those leaning towards the fancier side of things. Luckily, while sometimes this city might feel like one big deal scene or something equally as bad-ass–eating anywhere doesn’t have to imitate them!
Nate ’n Al Delicatessen
N Nate Al has been around since 1968, and it’s clear they’re not going anywhere. Come for the authentic bagels in this part of town (and maybe some coffee), or find yourself snuggled up on their comfy couch with your favorite book after breakfasting here when you really shouldn’t be hungover at all!
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Lawry’s Prime Rib is a major chain, but this 70-year old steak house in Beverly Hills is original and still one of the most important places for anybody who calls themselves an Angelino. Though their menu has expanded over time (and now includes more than just prime rib), it will always be remembered as that famous spinning salad or Yorkshire pudding when you step up to order your meal here with family on Father’s Day–or any other holiday where everyone deals out compliments instead of gifts so there can be no question which child cares more).
Kazan
The sign outside of this upscale soba shop reads “The Pinnacle Of Noodle”, which most the customers are not opposed to. At $20 a pop you know it’s not the cheapest bowl in town but then again when ur in Beverly hills baby your gotta splurge right? People’s favorite dish is #1 – made with chewy house-made noodles cha shu pork wontons & their signature broth that has truffle soy sauce for flavor; well let me drink it outta any pint glass <3
Dr. Sandwich – Olympic Blvd.
You can’t go wrong with the Mediterranean at this iconic counter-service spot. Choose between shawarma, kebab, and more to fill your pita or as a plate for under $20! Mix it up any way you like – we recommend lashings of tahini sauce (the best!), golden hummus, and fresh vegetables wrapped in fluffy flatbread sold by weight so they’re easy to eat on the go without making dirty hands messy again after just finishing work cleanup duty.
Spago
Going to Spago is the ultimate LA eating experience. Even in 2021, the menu manages to be half-Italian and Asian fusion with a sprinkling of salmon pizza or spicy tuna hand rolls that you just can’t resist ordering for yourself.
Il Pastaio
It’s not every day that you find yourself at a restaurant in Beverly Hills, but when the time comes and your friends have all gone home for their winter break from college or work – Il Pastaio will be there. The cozy string-lit dining room is reminiscent of being back home with family during dinner conversation; everyone has stories about old times passing between one another while mounds of pasta fill up bowls left-right by them on silver platters lined up neatly across each table ready to serve themselves without having too much trouble finding just what was needed because most people know how tasty these meals can get after so many years!
Homes in Beverly Hills can be described as a hot commodity. Here, real estate is always in demand and houses sell for record amounts.
Most people think of Beverly Hills as having only luxury housing with luxurious amenities such as swimming pools and gourmet chefs. However, there are actually many different types of housing in the area including condominiums, duplexes, co-ops, lofts, townhouses, and bungalows.
The smallest homes in Beverly Hills are condominiums which have an average size of 1,208 square feet. These condos sell for around $1 million to $2 million. Condos are popular because they provide buyers with the option to live by themselves or share a home with roommates without having to purchase an entire house.
Duplexes are the only multi-family residences in Beverly Hills. They average 9,405 square feet and sell for $13 million on average. Some notable double homes in Beverly Hills include Bob Dylan’s residence which is listed at $14 million and holds 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 6 fireplaces, an infinity pool with spa, sauna, steam room and tennis court.
Homes in Beverly Hills are large averaging at 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The price of a Beverly Hills home averages around $7 million which can be explained by the city’s location near Hollywood and the hills that surround the area. Some of the most expensive homes in Beverly Hills are over 40,000 square feet and include everything from movie theaters to bowling alleys. One of the most notable houses is owned by Dr. Dre whose house includes 22 rooms, a large outdoor pool that covers half his property, 2 kitchens, 10 bathrooms with waterfalls and an indoor basketball court with blacked out windows which Dr. Dre has said to use as a recording studio, all of this is found in his 30,000 square foot mansion which he bought for $40 million.
Beverly Hills is known for many things, but ever wonder why there are so many big houses? The simple answer: land value.
Nowadays, the average lot size of a single-family home in Beverly Hills is 17,000 square feet. If you wanted to buy the same sized house in Santa Monica or Culver City it would cost you $800,000. But in Beverly Hills? That same house is $3 million!
This math is pretty simple: the closer you are to Rodeo Drive, the more expensive your home becomes. It’s priced based on how close it sits to that famous street and its shops, restaurants, and landmarks.
For example, the average house in Beverly Hills South, or “The Golden Triangle,” has an average home price of $3.8 million dollars. Just 15 minutes away by car is the neighborhood of Bel Air with its own average house home price of $2.5 million.
Of course, if you’re looking to buy a housing estate there are many factors that will determine the price you pay. Locate too far away from one of these landmarks and your home may be in an undesirable neighborhood, which will lower its price.
Comparing this data with anything less than a year’s worth of sales is risky business because it fluctuates so much, but if you’re looking for real estate investing tips, take note that this year’s data is strong.
So where are you living these days? What are you waiting for? Contact me now so we can help you out in finding your dream home! I have a ton of properties to choose from that are ready to make it happen. My goal is simple–to be YOUR real estate partner as best as possible, no matter what your needs may be. And if that means putting my expertise into making sure that your new house has all the right features or negotiating on your behalf with hard-nosed sellers, then I’ll do it because I am not just here to sell houses;
I WILL HELP YOU BUY THEM TOO!
All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes, or withdrawal without notice. All property information, including, but not limited to square footage, room count, the number of bedrooms, and the school district in property listings should be verified by your own attorney, architect, or zoning expert.
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
Erik Brown, Realtor, Compass, DRE: 01958545. All Right Reserved