When you think of where you'd want to live if money was of no concern, many would say Beverly Hills. We asked expert Realtor Kathy Doyle to share why it still may be better than you've ever dreamed.
What local amenities does this area have to offer (parks, community center, recreation programs)?
Beverly Hills is the exclusive city in the center of Los Angeles, which is famous for its real estate and its high end shopping. Most famous for Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills offers a variety of other landmarks that keep it one of the most sought after places to live in Southern California. The Beverly Hills Library features gorgeous art-deco architecture and sunlit reading rooms. The city is home to the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences (the folks that host the Oscar awards) which has a 1,000 seat theatre that offers screenings and events year round, Beverly Gardens Park, a 9-11 memorial garden, the gorgeous City Hall and Civic Center, Farmers Market, historic Greystone Estate, and the legendarily beautiful Virginia Robinson Gardens. There are also several top-notch hotels that provide great ambiance, food and service to many of the Beverly Hills Locals.
Can you describe the local school system, and what type of education children get here (private, public, charter - focus on sports, the arts, etc.)? Beverly Hills is served by Beverly Hills Unified School District, which includes four K-8 schools (Hawthorne, El Rodeo, Beverly Vista, and Horace Mann), Moreno High School, and the Beverly Hills High School. Beverly Hills High School’s Performing Arts Department is "nationally famous for the quality of its musical and theatrical productions and for its famous alumni," and the school claims that the department "is highly visible in the industry, with casting directors, writers and producers attending performances and visiting classes to speak with the students. KBEV-Channel 6 is a student-run television channel that began in 1974 and is the longest running high school news program in the country. Highlights, the school's newspaper, has also won numerous awards for its reporting and writing. Beverly Hills also has several private schools. Good Shepherd School is a part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Other Beverly Hills private schools include Beverly Hills Preparatory School, Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy, Emanuel Academy of Beverly Hills, and Page Private School.
What is the community culture like (i.e. private, gated, urban, diverse, etc)
Beverly Hills’ community culture is refined and elite. People drive the best cars, and have gated properties, with landscaping a key element of their homes. Private gardens create lush paradises for the people of Beverly Hills. The powerful mix and mingle at the local luxury hotels, and shop in the high-end retail that abounds across the city. There are many internationals who live in the Hills, and chic is one word to describe those who live here.
What is transportation like to the area's major surrounding cities, or within the city?
Expect to see the best of the best of cars whipping around Beverly Hills. The Los Angeles bus system runs along the main arteries of Wilshire, Santa Monica, and Sunset Boulevards.
Is there a strong political presence or community leader involvement in this area?
Beverly Hills is home to high end donors of both parties, and is nearly always a stop on the fundraising campaigns of all major candidates. The city tends to come together around common charities: mostly having to do with finding solutions to major health challenges, especially considering the large presence of Cedar Sinai Hospital (a major research hospital) inside Beverly Hills.
Are there any local traditions that bring the community together? (sports events, charity events, sales, holiday celebrations)?
Beverly Hills traditions include Music in the Mansion, at the Greystone Estate. The popular farmers market, the annual Rodeo Drive Car Show, and the bi-annual Beverly Hills Art Show- Affaire in the Garden are must-attend events in the community. Ice cream Sunday events held by Rodeo retailers in September are popular, along with the many events from wine tastings to charity auctions held at the city’s various 5 star hotels and restaurants.
What is the job market like or major industries that are at the core of this area?
Beverly Hills largest employers are from its famous hotels, the Hilton, the Wilshire, and the Peninsula. Many of the top Agencies also make their home in Beverly Hills, as well as several high profile financial firms. High end retail is huge, and many deals are made over lunch or drinks at any of the 5-star hotels in town.
What are some thriving small local businesses that make an impact in the community?
The American Tea Room is a fantastic place to enjoy an afternoon cup of tea with good friends or business partners. They also have an incredible selection of loose-leaf tea to buy and take home. My other Beverly Hills Favorite is the M Cafe. They offer wonderful vegan and organic food, sushi, gluten free pastries, and cold pressed juices. It’s a fabulous place to get a healthy lunch.
Please note any Key Listings you have in your area:
This elegant European villa is designed for life on a grand scale. Enter into an art filled foyer and one of the city’s great living rooms with 18 foot ceilings and a massive Romanesque fireplace. Experience a formal dining room, eat-in-kitchen, paneled library with walk in bar, master suite with sitting room, his and her baths and dressing rooms, 2 en-suite bedrooms and 2 bathrooms all on the first floor. Additional features include two more en suite bedrooms, a theatre, two offices, staff and guest apartments, an outdoor pool and a lovely studio/cottage. An additional indoor 50 ft. lap pool, with gym and bathroom overlook a sunken tennis court.
To Learn More: Visit Kathy Doyle’s HLRN Profile
