Beverlywood - Los Angeles, CA

Beverlywood was built as a subdivision immediately south of Beverly Hills in the 1940s and quickly became a tight-knit community. The neighborhood maintains its identity with a strong homeowners association that for decades has fought off development that would radically change the quiet, residential nature of the community.

The neighborhood doesn't house any museums or arts centers, but the acclaimed Museum of Tolerance sits just outside its boundaries. This free museum provides interactive exhibits to help you remember and understand the impact of the Holocaust. A quirkier nearby museum is the Museum of Jurassic Technology, filled with surreal exhibits aimed at those with a finely honed sense of irony. The surrounding areas of Culver City, Beverly Hills and Century City host a variety of film, food and art festivals throughout the year.

Residents of Beverlywood have all the culinary delights of Beverly Hills available to them when they want to celebrate something or just want an amazing meal. In addition, kosher delis and markets in the adjacent Pico-Robertson neighborhood provide plenty of options. A bit closer to home, Beverlywood locals choose from a few casual eateries along Robertson Boulevard, the only commercial stretch within the neighborhood.

The Undergrind Cafe wins fans among locals as a casual place to grab a coffee or sandwich. Try the dirty chai with almond milk for a tasty treat, or go for one of the custom-blended teas. If you need comfort food first thing in the morning, the breakfast bite sandwich arrives at your table stuffed with applewood-smoked bacon. Residents also praise the mac and cheese along with the banh mi sandwich.

If you're in a rush and crave some Mexican-style food, swing by Robertson Boulevard to pick up some empanadas from the Empanada Factory, or street tacos from Campos Tacos, a venerable institution in these parts. Try the chicken and corn empanada at the Empanada Factory, and add a dulce de leche empanada for dessert. At Campos Tacos, even though the sign says "tacos," take home a carnitas burrito or an order of amazing nachos.

Just north of Beverlywood, head to Picca to experience its unexpected Peruvian-Japanese fusion. At this unique restaurant, the nigiri comes on mashed potatoes instead of rice. Share some anticucho skewers made with diver scallops, black cod or lamb.

Most locals of this upscale neighborhood drive their own cars to get where they're going. The tree-lined streets feature free parking in addition to the off-street parking at the residents' homes. The nearest freeway is the Santa Monica Freeway to the south, providing access to Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles.

Public transportation runs along the outer edges of Beverlywood without really entering the neighborhood. Los Angeles Metro buses connect the neighborhood to Culver City and the Beverly Center, and Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus runs across the northern end to give locals access to Santa Monica and the mid-Wilshire District. Cabs can be found at the major hotels in Beverly Hills to the north, but don't expect to hail one on a street. You can always call a taxi or Uber for a pickup.

Walkers love Beverlywood for its beautiful ambiance and gentle hills, which are also pleasant for cyclists. However, once bicyclists leave the immediate neighborhood, they must be prepared to deal with Los Angeles traffic.

Members of the Beverlywood Homeowners Association have access to some private parks within Beverlywood, including Circle Park. This park, in the heart of the community, provides a quiet place to relax and bring your dog. Irving Schacter Park sports extra security for parents who bring their kids to play in the playgrounds here, because it's completely fenced and gated.

If you're looking for a more active park experience, head to the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, just one neighborhood to the west. Get your fitness on with tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a running track and an indoor gym, among other amenities. Classes charge a fee, but use of the park remains free. The park presents a wide range of fitness classes, and hosts kids' Little League, AYSO youth soccer and basketball leagues. During the summer, check out the day camp options for your kids.

The convenient location, serenity and high maintenance of the Beverlywood neighborhood come at a bit of a price, with the cost of living here running about 36 percent higher than that of the rest of LA. Expect to pay about $2,390 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Public transportation costs remain reasonable, with a bus ride to downtown costing $1.75 each way. The cost of gas runs about 12 percent higher than the national average. Expect to pay $6 to $9 for a pint on tap when you stop for a beer on your way home from work.

Beverlywood residents head north to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to browse one of the greatest shopping destinations of the world. Major shopping malls nearby include Westfield Century City and the Beverly Center. All three choices sport high-end stores unmatched in most other communities.

Errand running keeps locals a little closer to home. Stop in at The Dance Store on Robertson Boulevard when you need to stock up on tights or leotards, or when your daughter needs new pointe shoes. Asken Guitars in Castle Heights is a small guitar shop with an amazing luthier — take your acoustic and electric guitars in whenever they need repair or refurbishing. There are also a few shops in the neighborhood geared toward residents' remodeling needs, such as the family-owned Alcon Lighting on Robertson.

Beverlywood locals choose from nearby Pavilions, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market, and Ralphs to do their grocery shopping. You'll also find a wide array of kosher markets along Pico Boulevard, including the Pico Glatt Mart, which sells terrific kosher meats, great prepared foods and a variety of imported kosher goods. For the nearest farmers market, head to La Cienega, Century City or Culver City.