Westside, Los Angeles County
Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
A world-famous city known for luxury shopping and estates
Beverly Hills is an incorporated city in Los Angeles County, known worldwide for its luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive, its grand residential estates, and its role as a center of the entertainment industry. As an independent city surrounded by the City of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills has its own government, police department, and schools. The city combines a compact, walkable commercial core with quiet, tree-lined residential streets of some of the most expensive homes in the country. Beverly Hills is one of the most prestigious addresses in the world.
History & Local Character
Beverly Hills was founded in 1906 as a planned community and incorporated as a city in 1914. The city grew as a residential destination for the entertainment industry, with movie stars and executives building homes in the hills and flats. The development of Rodeo Drive as a luxury shopping destination in the 1960s and 1970s cemented the city's reputation as a center of wealth and fashion.
Neighborhoods & Communities
The commercial core centers on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Drive, and Canon Drive, with luxury shops, restaurants, and hotels. The flats, south of Santa Monica Boulevard, offer grid streets of single-family homes. The hills, north of Sunset Boulevard, feature grand estates on large lots with views. The Golden Triangle is the primary business district.
Housing & Real Estate
Beverly Hills has one of the most expensive housing markets in the United States, with a range from luxury condos near the commercial core to grand estates in the hills. Prices are driven by the city's prestige, schools, and location. The market is competitive, and inventory at the highest end is often limited.
Restaurants & Shopping
Beverly Hills offers a concentration of upscale restaurants, from fine dining to celebrity chef establishments, centered on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Drive, and Canon Drive. The city also offers cafes, bakeries, and casual dining options. The dining scene caters to an affluent, international clientele.
Schools & Education
Beverly Hills Unified School District serves the city with well-regarded public schools. The quality of the schools is a major draw for families and contributes to the city's property values. Several private schools also operate in the city.
Parks & Recreation
Beverly Hills maintains several parks, including Beverly Gardens Park, which runs along Santa Monica Boulevard with gardens and the famous Beverly Hills sign. Roxbury Park and La Cienega Park offer recreation facilities. The city is near the Santa Monica Mountains and Franklin Canyon Park for hiking and nature.
Transportation & Accessibility
Beverly Hills is located at the intersection of several major streets, including Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, and Sunset Boulevard. The city is near the 405 and 10 freeways. The LA Metro Purple Line extension, under construction, will add subway stations in the city. Beverly Hills is walkable in its commercial core.
Local Businesses
Beverly Hills' economy is centered on luxury retail, hospitality, professional services, and the entertainment industry. Rodeo Drive is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. The city supports a range of high-end restaurants, hotels, galleries, and professional service firms serving an affluent population.
Nearby Attractions
- Rodeo Drive shopping
- Beverly Hills sign and gardens
- Greystone Mansion
- Franklin Canyon Park
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- World-famous luxury shopping and dining
- Excellent public and private schools
- Beautiful, tree-lined residential streets
- Central Westside location
Considerations
- Among the most expensive housing markets in the country
- Very high cost of living across all categories
- Traffic on major streets during peak hours
- Limited housing inventory
Beverly Hills FAQs
Is Beverly Hills part of the City of Los Angeles?
No. Beverly Hills is an independent, incorporated city within Los Angeles County, with its own government, police department, and schools. It is not a neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles.
What is Rodeo Drive?
Rodeo Drive is a world-famous luxury shopping street in Beverly Hills, known for its high-end designer boutiques and flagship stores.
Are Beverly Hills schools good?
Yes. Beverly Hills Unified School District is well-regarded, and the quality of the schools is a major draw for families living in the city.