Welcome to Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, often recognized by movies, is home to around 35,000 residents who enjoy a lavish lifestyle. The iconic palm-tree-lined streets lead to the Golden Triangle, a world-class shopping district where celebrities mingle with tourists. Residents can dine at gourmet restaurants or party at clubs in The Flats before retreating to their luxurious mansions in the Hills. Living in the 90210 offers a taste of one of the most opulent lifestyles in America.
The Golden Triangle and Rodeo Drive
The Golden Triangle, with its famed Rodeo Drive, is the heart of Beverly Hills. This district attracts luxury enthusiasts and tourists eager to spot celebrities. Designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and Fendi line the streets, where sports cars and a variety of languages add to the vibrant atmosphere. Foodies can enjoy a global culinary journey, from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual burger joints. The district also offers movie theaters, art galleries, and community events like car shows and park concerts.
Green Spaces and Recreation
Beverly Hills may not be a hiker’s paradise, but it boasts some of the most visited green spaces in the city. Beverly Gardens Park is a favorite spot with its famous sign, lily pond, and sculptures. The Los Angeles Country Club, established in 1897, hosted the U.S. Open in 2023. For a more rugged experience, Franklin Canyon Park offers trails and natural beauty just two miles north of The Flats. The city continuously improves its parks, as seen in the Beverly Gardens Park Restoration Project and ongoing sustainability measures.
Real Estate in Beverly Hills
Known for its high-end real estate, Beverly Hills is the most expensive city in Los Angeles. As of June 2024, the highest listing is a $68 million home with the highest sale being The Chartwell Estate which is the most expensive property ever sold in Beverly Hills, with a sale price of $150 million in 2019. More affordable options include two-million-dollar townhouses in The Flats. With a median sold price of around $4.9 million as of May 2024, many residents are renters, making up 58% of the population.
Walkability and Transportation
Despite the common belief that it takes an hour to get anywhere in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills' Flats are highly walkable. Residents can stroll through Beverly Gardens Park and shop on Rodeo Drive. Santa Monica Boulevard leads to the Sunset Strip and West Hollywood, with bike lanes for those who prefer to cycle. The city's bike share program, initiated in 2015, offers 10 accessible stations. The Beverly Hills City Council continues to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, adding bike lanes and conducting transportation safety campaigns. For longer trips, residents can use the Los Angeles Metro’s rail line, bus system, or subway, and Los Angeles International Airport is just 12 miles south.
Education in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Unified Schools consistently outperform national averages on standardized tests and are rated A-plus by Niche. Beverly Hills High School is known for its student television station and notable alumni. Students outside Beverly Hills often attend schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, which serves 436,000 students and is rated B-plus by Niche. The University of California, Los Angeles, located on the west side of the neighborhood, is renowned for its rigorous academics and extracurricular activities, ranking among the top 20 universities in the nation according to U.S. News.
Safety and Crime Rates
While Beverly Hills' crime rates are higher than state and national averages, the majority of these are thefts concentrated around the Golden Triangle. Since 2021, the city has funded private security to address this issue. Crime rates are lower in the hills and along Sunset Boulevard, thanks to private mansions and enhanced security measures.
Environmental Concerns
Beverly Hills has not experienced wildfires in the last 40 years, but residents should remain vigilant about wildfire smoke and follow CalFire announcements. The city employs advanced modeling and technology to manage fire-prone vegetation, ensuring ongoing safety and preparedness.
Development and Future Growth
Despite an 11% population decrease since 2010, Beverly Hills is actively developing new housing and amenities. Over the past three years, developers have filed numerous projects, and more than 1,000 new apartments are in progress. The One Beverly Hills luxury condo development, a $2 billion project, is underway near the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The city’s new commissioners are focused on affordable housing initiatives, and the Parks Department aims to enhance youth programs and introduce pickleball courts.
In summary, Beverly Hills offers a blend of luxury, culture, and community. Its iconic landmarks, high-end shopping, and green spaces create a unique lifestyle that attracts residents and tourists alike. Despite high costs and occasional crime concerns, ongoing development and community efforts continue to enhance the city's appeal.
