Hollywood Hills - Hollywood, FL

Most of the suburban neighborhood of Hollywood Hills was built in the 1950s as an outgrowth of Joseph Young's original dream. When he founded this planned city, Young intended to build an East Coast motion picture colony, so he named the town after Hollywood, Calif. This new town was dubbed "Hollywood by the Sea" to differentiate it from another real estate venture of his in New York, "Hollywood in the Hills." Originally populated by young families, this neighborhood hasn't changed much in that regard.

When it comes to annual festivals, none stand out more than the annual Camelot Days Medieval Festival. This popular event, which features musicians, crafts and comedians, brings visitors from all over the state of Florida and the entire Southeast region of the United States.

Die-cast model car collectors will think they’ve died and gone to heaven at Waffleworks, where the dining area is lined with case after case of cars. The freshly-prepared food at Waffleworks presents an excellent choice for breakfast or lunch. Lightly toasted and buttered buns make these burgers some of the best in South Florida.

about/c1j4r" Big Louie’s on Park Road, a family-owned New York style pizza restaurant, masterfully prepares a full menu of Italian specialities from calzones to cheese tortellini at exceptionally reasonable prices.

Across from the courthouse, diners can enjoy China Hollywood’s authentic Chinese food and Asian Cuisine. The prices are reasonable for taste-bud pleasers such as egg foo young and sauteed asparagus with shrimp or fried rice.

What little nightlife exists in Hollywood Hills can be found at Ricky's Restaurant & Lounge, where you can get alcoholic drinks, chicken wings and onion rings. There are one or two smaller bars just west of Presidential Circle too, but the boisterous atmosphere at Rickey's makes it the go-to spot for a night out on the town.

Although a few bus lines run through Hollywood Hills, it’s just as easy to walk or ride your bicycle to most locations. Hollywood’s Amtrak/Tri-Rail station can be found just to the east, near I-95. If you want a cab here, you’ll have to use the telephone or Internet, as taxis don't frequent the area on their own. Uber does provide service to the area. Those who do choose to drive will find a great deal of free public parking available all over Hollywood Hills.

Interstate 95 is accessible to the east via Hollywood Boulevard on the south side or Sheridan Street to the north. Hollywood Boulevard also allows easy access to Florida’s Turnpike, where a SunPass will allow you to travel through toll gates without delay.

Life’s good in Hollywood Hills, one of the best and safest neighborhoods in South Florida for outdoor activity, from walking your dog to jogging and cycling. A bike lane on Hollywood Boulevard and ample sidewalk space for pedestrians make this neighborhood a good one for those who prefer to leave the car at home.

David Park Community Center and adjacent tennis center have the most programs and events for local residents to take advantage of. A spacious multi-purpose room may be rented at this 6,719 square foot facility featuring open basketball and paddleball courts as well as a shaded playground outside. David Park offers a wide variety of indoor or outdoor activities for adults and children, including summer camp and YMCA Adult Special Needs Aftercare. Clubs and groups for all ages schedule their meetings here. Choose from baton and cheerleading, dance, Zumba or Karate classes.

The closest dog park can be found in Parkside near Pembroke Road, although TY Park on Sheridan Street does allow dogs in an on-leash capacity. David Park also hosts a number of events, such as a teen game night, concerts on the second Saturday of each month and movies in the park on select Saturdays.

The cost of living in this region, about average for Hollywood, comes in considerably lower than what you’d pay to live in nearby Miami. For less than $5, you can travel to and from downtown Hollywood or the beach, and $5 on the train will take you to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. While the average rental rate of $1,095 for a one-bedroom apartment sits a bit higher than some of the surrounding neighborhoods, locals don't mind the added cost considering the comfortable environment and a wide variety of nearby conveniences.

A beer will cost you $5 to $7 in this neighborhood, but watch for specials on drafts, when you can sometimes get a glass for as little as $2. Gasoline in this neighborhood is priced within 1 percent of the national average at any given time.

There are two shopping hubs for Hollywood Hills. The north side has plazas along Sheridan Street, while the south side’s commerce ranges along Hollywood Boulevard and Park Road. Most of the stores are reasonably priced, although you can find a few higher-value boutiques mixed in, particularly in Sheridan Plaza on the northwest edge of town.

Unique Wear has been satisfying customers for many years and features a stock of hot high-end designers’ duds as well as more affordably-priced fashions.

The Drew James Aveda Salon Spa provides hair and makeup, including facials and waxing to pamper yourself with.

Publix and Winn-Dixie both have stores in Hollywood Hills. You can find a smaller Publix store to the southeast off of Park Road and a larger one in Sheridan Plaza. Winn-Dixie is a little farther to the north, up 46th Avenue to Stirling Road.

No farmers' markets grace Hollywood Hills, you can visit the Yellow Green Farmers' Market on Taft Street just a mile away.