Hollywood is a neighborhood in Los Angeles - situated west-northwest of Downtown Los Angeles. Due to its fame and Cultural identity as the historical center of movie studios and movie stars, the word "Hollywood" is often used as a metonymy of American cinema, and is often interchangeably used to refer to the greater Los Angeles area in general. The nicknames StarStruck Town and Tinseltown refer to Hollywood and its movie industry. Today, much of the movie industry has dispersed into surrounding areas such as the Westside neighborhood, but significant auxiliary industries, such as editing, effects, props, post-production and lighting companies remain in Hollywood, as does the backlot of Paramount Pictures.
Although Hollywood is a neighborhood in the Los Angeles area, for some it's more a state-of-mind. "I'm going to Hollywood," say young hopefuls who've always dreamed of acting in the cinema or on television.
Indeed, they're going to Los Angeles but probably not to Hollywood itself. Though Hollywood has long represented the glitz and glamour of the film, television, and music industries, most studios have moved away from this quirky district in favor of other L.A. neighborhoods, like Burbank.
Nevertheless, Hollywood still attracts millions of visitors each year who travel there to pay homage to their favorite stars and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a few famous personalities. Sometimes they're lucky! And while, for years, Hollywood had a rather seedy reputation, the town has endeavored to make recent improvements in the areas most visited by tourists, adding a new kind of charm to this interesting neighborhood.
Many historic Hollywood theaters are used as venues and concert stages to premiere major theatrical releases and host the Academy Awards. It is a popular destination for nightlife, tourism, and is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Sitting on the top of Mt. Lee, the highest peak in the Los Angeles area, the famous Hollywood Sign can be seen from many locations. Taking a photo of it is a must if you're visiting Hollywood. Many people don't realize that the sign originally read 'Hollywoodland,' and was actually a huge advertisement for a housing development in the area. The last 4 letters were removed in 1945.
The Hollywood Bowl - Since its opening more than 70 years ago, this famous amphitheater has hosted the most amazing names in music of all genres. You can visit the Hollywood Bowlanytime of the day. You may find it empty or be lucky enough to catch a rehearsal. But for a true Hollywood experience, purchase tickets for one of the nighttime concerts. It shouldn't be too hard to get a seat. The Bowl holds 17,680 guests! The Hollywood Heritage Museum (across from Hollywood Bowl) is dedicated to the early days of filmmaking in Hollywood.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2008: $686,749
Mean prices in 2008: All housing units: $743,672; Detached houses: $1,009,626; Townhouses or other attached units: $857,899; In 2-unit structures: $979,980; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $1,166,166; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $633,133
Demographics
Population in July 2008: 36,005. Hollywood covers 1.88 square miles. It sits at an elev ation of 287 feet above sea level. Zip codes: 90069 - Area code commonly used in this area: 310
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
interchangeably used to refer to the greater Los Angeles area in general. The nicknames StarStruck Town and Tinseltown refer to Hollywood and its movie industry. Today, much of the movie industry has dispersed into surrounding areas such as the Westside neighborhood, but significant auxiliary industries, such as editing, effects, props, post-production and lighting companies remain in Hollywood, as does the backlot of Paramount Pictures.