Best Neighborhoods in Hollywood Florida

There is no single best neighborhood in Hollywood, Florida. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and what you want from your home. Some buyers prefer beachside living, others want waterfront properties, walkability, or a more traditional suburban atmosphere.

Hollywood stretches from the Atlantic Ocean well inland, and the lifestyle can change significantly depending on which part of the city you choose. The city includes several distinct areas, such as Hollywood Beach, Downtown Hollywood, Hollywood Lakes, Hollywood Hills and Hillcrest, and Emerald Hills.

If you're considering moving to the area, these are five of the most popular neighborhoods in Hollywood Florida worth getting to know before making a decision.

1. Hollywood Lakes: Best for Waterfront Living and Historic Charm

Hollywood Lakes is one of the city's most distinctive residential neighborhoods. Located close to the beach, Downtown Hollywood, and Young Circle, it offers a combination of historic homes, renovated properties, and larger waterfront houses.

The neighborhood is built around North Lake and South Lake, giving residents opportunities to enjoy waterfront living without being directly on the ocean.

Hollywood Lakes was part of founder Joseph Young's original city plan. Today, it retains much of its historic character, with mature landscaping, beautiful architecture, and tree-lined streets. Residents also benefit from convenient access to nearby parks, restaurants, and commercial areas.

Property prices can vary considerably depending on the type of home and its location. Properties on dry lots generally have different price considerations from homes with direct waterfront access.

Hollywood Lakes is particularly appealing to buyers looking for a family-friendly residential atmosphere, attractive homes, and a strong sense of neighborhood character. The area also has a special charm during the holiday season, when residents decorate their homes and streets.

If you want a combination of character, waterfront access, and proximity to both downtown and the beach, Hollywood Lakes deserves a place on your shortlist.

2. Hollywood Beach: Best for the Beach Lifestyle

If you want the ocean to be part of your everyday life, Hollywood Beach is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Hollywood Florida to consider.

The area is famous for its beach lifestyle, ocean views, and outdoor activities. Hollywood Beach features approximately seven miles of coastline, with the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk stretching about 2.5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean.

The Broadwalk is one of the area's biggest attractions. Residents can enjoy walking, cycling, restaurants, cafes, and direct beach access without having to travel far from home.

Housing in Hollywood Beach consists mainly of condominiums, along with smaller residential pockets. This makes the area particularly appealing to retirees, young professionals, and buyers who prefer a smaller living space close to the ocean.

However, beachside living also comes with some considerations. Tourist activity can increase traffic and parking demand, especially during busy seasons. Buyers should also pay close attention to condominium HOA fees, insurance costs, and potential flood exposure.

Hollywood Beach is a great option if you prioritize ocean access, outdoor activities, and a lively atmosphere. However, buyers looking for larger homes, more privacy, or a traditional suburban environment may find better options elsewhere.

3. Downtown Hollywood: Best for Walkability and Entertainment

Do you enjoy walking from your home to restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions? Downtown Hollywood might be exactly what you're looking for.

Downtown Hollywood offers a more walkable lifestyle than many other parts of the city. Its central area includes restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries, and entertainment options, with Young Circle serving as an important local gathering place.

Unlike the beachside areas or traditional residential neighborhoods, Downtown Hollywood has more apartments, condominiums, and townhomes rather than large single-family homes.

One of its biggest advantages is convenience. Residents can enjoy restaurants, nightlife, and local events without having to drive everywhere.

Downtown Hollywood also has a different atmosphere from nearby Downtown Fort Lauderdale. It offers a smaller, more historic feel, with a mix of local businesses and residential properties.

This neighborhood is particularly well suited to young professionals, couples, and anyone who values an active lifestyle with easy access to everyday amenities.

If walkability is high on your priority list, Downtown Hollywood is one of the neighborhoods in Hollywood Florida worth considering.

4. Emerald Hills: Best for a Traditional Suburban Lifestyle

Located farther west, Emerald Hills offers a noticeably different experience from Hollywood's beachside neighborhoods.

This area is known for its larger residential properties, traditional suburban streets, and convenient access to major roads. It is a good choice for buyers who want more space and a quieter residential atmosphere.

Hollywood's planning documents group Emerald Hills with Oakridge and surrounding northern Hollywood neighborhoods, reflecting the area's broader residential character.

One of the main advantages of living in Emerald Hills is the opportunity to get more house and more space compared with some of the properties closer to the beach.

The neighborhood is better suited to people who prioritize comfortable residential living and everyday practicality over walking to the ocean or having restaurants right outside their door.

Families and buyers looking for a more traditional suburban environment may find Emerald Hills particularly appealing.

It's also a good example of how different the lifestyle can be depending on where you choose to live in Hollywood. You can enjoy the same city while having a completely different day-to-day experience.

5. Hollywood Hills and Hillcrest: Best for Central Location and Residential Value

Hollywood Hills and Hillcrest are worth considering if you want a primarily residential neighborhood with a central location.

Situated between the beachside areas and western Hollywood, these neighborhoods offer an alternative to the busier downtown and coastal communities.

Hollywood officially groups Hollywood Hills and Hillcrest within its West Central planning area. The area is primarily residential, making it appealing to buyers who want a house and convenient access to other parts of Broward County.

One of the main attractions is the balance between location and property value. Buyers may find more suitable options here if they want a traditional home without paying a premium specifically for proximity to the beach.

However, individual streets and properties can differ significantly, so it's important to look beyond the neighborhood name when comparing homes.

Pay attention to the property's condition, location, insurance requirements, and overall monthly expenses before making a decision.

For buyers who want a central location and a more traditional residential atmosphere, Hollywood Hills and Hillcrest can be excellent options.

How to Choose Between the Best Neighborhoods in Hollywood Florida

With several different lifestyles available, choosing between the neighborhoods in Hollywood Florida comes down to understanding what matters most to you.

Here is a quick breakdown to help narrow down your options:

• Hollywood Lakes: Best for waterfront living, historic architecture, and neighborhood character.
• Hollywood Beach: Best for ocean access, outdoor activities, and a beach lifestyle.
• Downtown Hollywood: Best for walkability, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment.
• Emerald Hills: Best for larger homes, more space, and a traditional suburban atmosphere.
• Hollywood Hills and Hillcrest: Best for central residential living and a balance between location and value.

Once you've identified the areas that match your lifestyle, it's time to compare individual properties.

Don't focus only on the asking price. Consider the following factors before making a decision:

• Homeowners insurance: Insurance costs can vary significantly depending on the property's location, age, and condition.
• Flood exposure: Check the property's flood zone and potential flood insurance requirements.
• HOA fees: If you're buying a condominium or a property within a homeowners association, understand all monthly and annual fees.
• Commute: Consider how long it takes to reach your workplace, schools, and other places you visit regularly.
• Property condition: Look beyond cosmetic improvements and consider the age and condition of major systems.
• Total monthly costs: Calculate the full cost of ownership, including mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance.

Two homes in the same neighborhood can offer very different ownership experiences, so it's important to evaluate each property individually.

Final Thoughts: Which Hollywood Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Hollywood, Florida, offers a variety of residential lifestyles, from waterfront homes and oceanfront condominiums to walkable downtown living and quiet suburban streets.

The best neighborhood ultimately depends on what you want your everyday life to look like.

If you love waterfront properties and historic character, Hollywood Lakes is a great choice. If you want the beach outside your door, consider Hollywood Beach. For restaurants and walkability, Downtown Hollywood stands out. If more space and a suburban feel are your priorities, Emerald Hills is worth exploring. And if you're looking for a central residential location, take a closer look at Hollywood Hills and Hillcrest.

The biggest mistake buyers make is asking which neighborhood is the best overall. A better question is which neighborhood matches their lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.

Take the time to explore the different neighborhoods in Hollywood Florida, compare properties, and understand the total cost of living in each area. That way, you'll be much more likely to find a home that feels right for you.

About:

Adam combines an entrepreneurial mindset with a lifetime of real estate experience to guide clients through South Florida’s dynamic property market. With a natural eye for design, tech savvy, and extensive project management skills from years on construction sites, Adam brings a holistic approach to every transaction. His ability to blend strategic market insights with creative problem-solving sets him apart as a true visionary in real estate, ensuring each client’s goals are not only met but exceeded.