Even with all its different districts and diverse population, Hollywood still reigns supreme in
Los Angeles. It's the neighborhood that put the city on the map, continuing to raise the American entertainment industry to reach new heights. From movie studios to iconic landmarks, practically every corner of Hollywood screams cinema! The more you explore the place, the more you'll see familiar sights, famous people, and the fabulosity of the Hollywood machine. That's why it's worth learning more about this district beyond its renowned business. You'll find that Hollywood, as a city neighborhood, is much more complex than you realize!
Where is Hollywood in Los Angeles?
Located at the heart of the city, Hollywood is one of
LA's central neighborhoods. Many of the city's popular districts even surround the area, with Downtown LA to its southeast, Hollywood Hills to its north, and West Hollywood to its west. The well-known neighborhood's proximity to equally prominent areas makes it another popular part of LA, beyond its famous affiliation with the entertainment industry. Easy enough to access via public transport, you'll have no trouble traveling throughout Los Angeles, coming to and from Hollywood. And that's saying something considering it's not that easy to commute in LA.
Is it Safe in Hollywood, Los Angeles?
The short answer to this is yes, it is. Hollywood generally stays safe throughout the day, so much so that even solo travelers visiting the area for the first time will have no trouble exploring the place. You do have to keep your eyes peeled from all sorts of sketchy characters around Hollywood Boulevard, from costumed scammers to the homeless who harass passers-by, by for the most part, you're good. Come nightfall, however, you're better off avoiding many parts of Hollywood. It's even to the point that the neighborhood significantly contributes to how high
LA's crime rates tend to get these days.
What's The Vibe in Hollywood, Los Angeles?
Hollywood maintains this unique balance between the gritty and the glamorous. The place has fortunately retained some semblances of its Old Hollywood Glory, from the movie studios that still churn out billion-dollar blockbusters to the grand theaters that line Hollywood Boulevard. Unfortunately, however, the neighborhood has also considerably deteriorated over the years, becoming grittier and grittier, and more sketchy characters have infiltrated its once-glamorous streets. Hence, if you're
moving to Los Angeles, you'd do well to settle down elsewhere and simply visit Hollywood every once in a while. But if you want to stay here, you'll have to exert the effort to find the safer parts of the district.
Is it Expensive in Hollywood, Los Angeles?
It's expensive in Hollywood in the sense that LA, as a whole, is expensive. There's no doubt that the
living costs in Los Angeles are high, with certain parts known throughout the world as some of the most glamorous places to live on the planet. While Hollywood isn't exactly part of that—or at least, not anymore—you'll still encounter high prices here. Upscale restaurants and luxury shopping still dominate the area, not the mention the various hotspots that A-list celebrities frequent, too. At the same time, however, Hollywood is surprisingly one of the more mid-range neighborhoods in LA. Its average rent, for instance, is only $2,184.00 per month.
What to See in Hollywood, Los Angeles
Hollywood Boulevard alone draws all the tourists to the yard. Or rather, to LA's most famous neighborhood. No less than the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Dolby Theatre, and of course, the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame line this equally iconic street. You'll see the names of various Hollywood legends decorate the streets, while the biggest box office hits usually premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre. While you're still in the neighborhood, don't miss seeing that world-famous Hollywood sign nearby, as well. It's undoubtedly LA's most well-known landmark, even more so than the other places mentioned here.
What to Do in Hollywood, Los Angeles
With its cinematic history and celebrity appeal, Hollywood is arguably the best place to let out your inner tourist in LA. Many locals may advise you against it, but Hollywood Boulevard is still worth exploring at least once. You can also tour Paramount Pictures, the only major movie studio that stayed in the neighborhood. It's a great place to learn more about show business and its extensive history. But if all that isn't your jam, Hollywood still boasts a myriad of culinary and retail hotspots. Some of the restaurants here even famously served Hollywood legends, not to mention today's biggest stars, too!
The Best Restaurants in Hollywood, Los Angeles
Speaking of such restaurants, you wouldn't want to miss eating out in Hollywood. As already mentioned, some of the hotspots here have become culinary institutions, standing the test of time and having served all sorts of movie legends, both of the past and the present. Yamashiro on N Sycamore Avenue serves as a good example, as it was one of the hottest spots during the Golden Age of Hollywood. No less than Howard Hughes and Marilyn Monroe have dined here, and you can indulge in the same high-quality Japanese cuisine they enjoyed back in the day!
Unsurprisingly, Hollywood boasts countless culinary hotspots, especially:
- Yamashiro on N Sycamore Avenue
- Providence on Melrose Avenue
- UKA in Ovation Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard
- Jemma Hollywood on Vine Street
- Mother Wolf on Wilcox Avenue
- Gwen on W Sunset Boulevard
- Running Goose on N Cahuenga Boulevard
- Petit Trois on Highland Avenue
- St Felix Hollywood on N Sycamore Avenue
- République on S La Brea Avenue
What to Know About Renting in Hollywood, Los Angeles
As mentioned previously, the average rent in Hollywood is $2,184.00 per month, which is far from cheap but also surprisingly low in LA standards. Considering that the neighborhood still boasts some of the finest
luxury apartments to rent in Los Angeles, it all just goes to show how much Hollywood has deteriorated over the years. Nevertheless, the district still has its safe parts that also feature exquisite homes. Don't miss out on them just because Hollywood has come to have a more notorious reputation over the years. You'll still enjoy your time in these rare gems within the area.
Shatter the myth of Hollywood in Los Angeles by learning more about the place yourself. Though the district has retained some of its cinematic glamour, there’s also no denying that it has drastically changed over the years.
