What’s it like living in Beverly Hills? 

A shopping Mecca, a paradise of glamor, a neighborhood of stars, Beverly Hills rarely needs an introduction. But outside of the silver screen and pop songs, what is it like to live in this Southern California gem? You’re about to find out.

In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about living in Beverly Hills, California:

• Beverly Hills 101
• Real estate
• Neighborhood culture
• Schools
• What’s nearby

Let’s dive in. 

Beverly Hills 101

Founded in the early 1900s, Beverly Hills is likely one of the most well-known neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Since then, it’s grown into a veritable metropolis and home to thousands.

• Population – Despite its big-city feel, Beverly Hills has a population of 33,792.
• Known for – Beverly Hills is famous for The Golden Triangle—a global destination for shopping—as well as its luxury hotels and famous residents. It’s also ranked one of the best places to retire in California by Niche.
• Average resident income – The median household income in Beverly Hills is $103,403. That means the Beverly Hills cost of living is upwards of the country’s median.
• Average home value – Beverly Hills home values are some of the highest in the nation, averaging at about $2,000,000.
• Average rent – For those looking to rent instead of buy, the average rent in Beverly Hills is $2,130.
• Cost of living – Beverly Hills’ cost of living is 215% higher than the national average and 124% higher than the California average.
• Who lives here – The 90210 zip code boasts celebrities like Taylor Swift, Jack Nicholson, John Legend and Chrissy Teigan, Sandra Bullock, Katy Perry, and Orlando Bloom. Despite its star-studded neighborhoods and luxury homes, Beverly Hills is a lot like many suburban communities, filled with families and young professionals alike. 

90210 Insider’s Look: The glitz and glamor of this famous area didn’t always come from luxury hotels or sparkling shopping districts. Beverly Hills’ first riches were natural ones. Thanks to its proximity to several water-sourcing canyons, the area was lush and fertile for agriculture. In fact, before it boasted Rodeo drive or sprawling grand mansions, Beverly Hills started out as a lima bean ranch in the 1900s!

Real estate

Beverly Hills combines the best of urban and suburban. This city is divided into north and south areas. These areas were once divided by Pacific Electric streetcars that ran from 1901 until 1953. In fact, locals still refer to these areas as “north of the tracks” or “south of the tracks.” North or south, each part of Beverly Hills offers unique features to its residents. 

North of the tracks

North of Santa Monica Boulevard and up to Mulholland Drive is known as “North of the Tracks” in Beverly Hills, where you’ll find neighborhoods like:

• Beverly Hills Flats – French chateaus, modern mansions, and Georgian estates dominate this neighborhood. In addition to luxurious homes worthy of Architectural Digest, you’ll find families out and about enjoying the California sun in one of the many nearby green spaces. 
• Beverly Hills Gateway – At the cusp of the Benedict and Coldwater Canyons, Beverly Hills Gateway overlooks this famous city. It’s home to the famous Beverly Hills Hotel, the Greystone Mansion (the filming location of Batman & Robin, The Big Lebowski, and The Dirty Dozen), and some of the most expensive homes in LA County.
• Beverly Hills Post Office (BHPO) – Deeper into the hills, you’ll find the 90210 zip code extending to residential neighborhoods and gated communities. This is the Beverly Hills Post Office (or BHPO) area. These residents technically reside in the city of Los Angeles but still enjoy the city benefits of the 90210 zip code like the quick-acting fire department and the Beverly Hills street cleaning teams.

South of the tracks

Out of the mountains and into the metropolis, “South of the tracks” refers to Beverly Hills’ downtown area and its adjacent neighborhoods. Walkable, lively, and fun, residents of these neighborhoods say their communities combine the close-knit feel of a small town with the indulgences of city life.

• Golden Triangle (Downtown Beverly Hills) – Fewer mansions, more skyrises, this urban hotspot is home to local favorites like the Beverly Hills Dog, Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, and Beverly Hills Public Library.
• Doheny Southwest and Doheny Southeast – For an oasis of green near the vibrant city center, locals look to Doheny Southwest and Doheny Southeast. The homes in this neighborhood are slightly more modest than the ones you’ll find north of the tracks. Beverly Hills SW and SE homes tend to sell for the single-digit millions rather than the double-digit millions of Beverly Hills Flats and Beverly Hills Gateway.
  
  The area is also known for its symmetrically-laid out grid-system as well as its verdant, tree-lined streets.
• Roxbury Park – Named for its lush park, the Roxbury Park neighborhood is a family favorite. Residents of this area enjoy picnics, festivals, and outdoor public recreation facilities within a few walkable blocks.

90210 Insider’s Look: When it comes to finding the right neighborhood for you, it helps to have a local’s advice. And Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties agents are experts in all things Southern California. Reach out to us anytime at our Beverly Hills office for an insider’s look at the right Beverly Hills neighborhood for you. 

Neighborhood culture 

Beverly Hills feels like a small town within a big city. While known for its glamor and glitz, this area offers plenty of food, fun, and excitement year round.

Activities

From family-friendly parks to the epicenter of West Coast shopping, Beverly Hills is full of possibilities when it comes to fun under the Southern California sun. 

• Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market – Open every Sunday rain or shine, the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market offers seasonal produce, artisanal baked goods, a variety of cuisines, and specialty items in an open-air market. Locals chat with vendors, sample wares, and enjoy supporting local farms and businesses during this essential weekend ritual.
• Parks – Thanks to the California climate and the Beverly Hills Parks and Recreation department, locals can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the seasons. Some local favorites include:
  • Beverly Gardens Park – The famous two-mile greenway that stretches along the northern edge of Santa Monica Boulevard. A stroll down its lush walkways will take you to gardens, stunning fountains, and of course, the signature Beverly Hills Sign.
  • Roxbury Park – Playgrounds, baseball, basketball, tennis, sand volleyball, and lawn bowling—Roxbury Park has it all.
  • La Cienega Park – La Cienega Park is a favorite for outdoor workout fans. It offers several equipment pieces for public use including rowing, cross country ski, elliptical, and leg press machines. You’ll also find children’s playgrounds, a tennis center, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a community center. 
• The Golden Triangle – The Golden Triangle is the hub of all things shopping in Beverly Hills. A shopaholic’s paradise, you’ll find only the most prestigious brands and elite boutiques in this commercial center. 

90210 Insider’s Tip: The Golden Triangle isn’t just for shopping—the architectural elements and plazas are free to enjoy for all. Locals grab a coffee with friends, window shop, and keep an eye out for their celebrity neighbors. If you dress to impress, you may even be mistaken for a star by the occasional paparazzo.

Food scene

Whether they’re dining at a five-star restaurant or drinking coffee at a favorite local café, Beverly Hills residents know that food brings a community together. And there’s plenty of delicious options to choose from in Beverly Hills. 

Here are just a few notable places that locals love: 

• Nate ‘n Al – While Beverly Hills may be the hub of luxury in LA County, that doesn’t mean you won’t find delicious, affordable eats! For more than 70 years, Nate ‘n Al has been the city’s favorite deli for New York-style sandwiches and bagels.
• Croft Alley – Laid back California vibes meet high-quality fresh flavors. Beverly Hills residents love Croft Alley’s salads, protein-bowls, and relaxed atmosphere.
• Shiki – A taste of Japan is never far from Beverly Hills’ taste buds, thanks to Shiki. This upscale restaurant imports the majority of its ingredients from Japan and offers seasonal omakase menus of delicious fresh fish.
• Spago – Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant sets the world standard for exquisite dining. Diners can choose from a la carte options, tasting menus, small bites, and signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You may even spot the famous chef himself keeping an eye on the dining room or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
• The Bazaar – Beverly Hills residents can skip the airfare if they want a taste of Madrid. Creativity, innovation, and Spanish flavors meet at The Bazaar. Small plates, molecular-style cocktails, and surprising flavor fusions put this restaurant on the map.
• Sprinkles Cupcakes – Food Network-famous confectionary, Sprinkles is a sweet Beverly Hills essential for locals and a must-try for tourists. Between the delicious cakes and the cupcake ATM, Sprinkles is an irresistible staple of the Beverly Hills food scene.
• Beverly Hills Hotel – The hotel itself is an iconic landmark of Beverly Hills culture. Inside its famed walls, locals enjoy some of the city’s best eats. This hotel is particularly famous for its afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, confections, and scones. 

90210 Insider’s Look: Beverly Hills has quite the reputation for flavor. In fact, the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant had a 90210 zip code. 

Nightlife

Despite its suburban reputation, there’s plenty to do in Beverly Hills when the sun goes down. Rooftop lounges, secret cocktail bars, and live music shows will fill any evening itinerary.

For sky-high cocktail experiences, Beverly Hills offers rooftop bars like:

• Above SIXTY
• The Rooftop by JG
• The Club Bar at The Peninsula

For live music and comedy shows, locals check out:

• Troubadour
• The Penthouse at Mastro’s
• Hotel Cafe

Events

In any town, city, or village, some days of the year are just a little more special than others. Here are just a few of Beverly Hills’ most famous annual events:

• Woofstock 90210 – Once a year, the residents of Beverly Hills take a day to celebrate their furry friends at Woofstock 90210. Roxbury Park celebrates all things dog at this festival for pets. The day is filled with pet adoptions, pet-related vendors, food trucks (for humans), a pet parade, a pet talent show, and live entertainment.
• Beverly Hills Art Show – Once a year, hundreds of artists take over Beverly Gardens to showcase their creativity in the annual Beverly Hills Art Show. Locals can talk to artists, check out workshops, practice their own artistic skills, or just enjoy the view. 

Schools

Beverly Hills Unified School district is ranked by Niche as the 28th best school district in California. With small classroom sizes, higher than national average test scores, and plenty of extracurricular offerings, the Beverly Hills Unified School district gives students a well-rounded public education. 

Below is a cheat sheet for Niche’s overall ranking of this district.  

• Academics – A+
• Teachers – A+ 
• College Prep – A+
• Health and Safety – A
• Clubs and Activities – B- 
• Diversity – B-
• Student-teacher ratio – 17 students for every teacher

Families also have the option of choosing a private school education for their children. Niche.com’s top-rated private schools in Beverly Hills include:

• Hillel Hebrew Academy
• Good Shepherd Catholic School
• Temple Emanuel Academy Day School
• Page Academy
• Futures Academy

90210 Insider’s Tip: If you’re considering moving your family to Beverly Hills, understanding which neighborhoods offer the best school for your child’s needs is key to finding that perfect home. The agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties are deeply knowledgeable about the area’s educational offerings and can help you find the perfect home for your family and the ideal educational future for your children.

What’s nearby

The importance of a home isn’t just what’s within its four walls, but its surrounding areas. Beverly Hills enjoys close proximity to the heart of Los Angeles as well as some of California’s most beautiful natural features. 

Living in Beverly Hills means close proximity to:

• LAX airport
• Beaches like Mother’s Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, and Venice Beach.
• Museums such as:
  • LACMA
  • The Getty Center
  • Hammer Museum
  • The Paley Center for Media
  • Museum of Tolerance
• And golf courses like:
  • Los Angeles Country Club
  • Rancho Park Golf Course

Your own piece of 90210 with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

From gorgeous green spaces to sweeping city views, Beverly Hills is truly a jewel of Los Angeles County. If you can already see yourself enjoying afternoon cocktails on a rooftop bar or taking your family for long strolls through Beverly Gardens Park, you might just be a Beverly Hills resident at heart. And our team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties can help make that dream come true. 

Find your new home in Beverly Hills with our thoughtful, SoCal-savvy agents who are always ready to help you find your perfect neighborhood. Stop by our office to speak with a Beverly Hills REALTOR® in person, send us an email, or give us a call any time. We can’t wait to start this journey with you.

Sources:

• Beverly Hills. History of Beverly Hills
• Niche. Beverly Hills, CA
• Niche. Beverly Hills Unified School District
• Los Angeles Times. L.A.’s most expensive place to live boils down to how many bedrooms you need
• Curbed. Mapping the Historic Routes and Few Remains of Los Angeles’s Massive Streetcar System
• Beverly Hills. Beverly Gardens Park
• Beverly Hills. Woofstock 90210
• Beverly Hills. Art Show