If you’re a potential homebuyer or homeowner who recently moved out to the Los Angeles area, you probably had no idea that Hollywood, East Hollywood, West Hollywood, and North Hollywood are all separate and distinct communities. When new residents first hear these terms, many simply assume that the different Hollywood neighborhood names are all different sections of Hollywood. But little do they know, each of these communities has its own trademark identity. 

With so many Hollywood communities, it’s easy to understand why many newcomers get confused. For those who don’t quite understand the difference, here’s a brief overview of each of the Hollywoods in Los Angeles County.

Hollywood

Located in central Los Angeles, many homebuyers are attracted to Hollywood because it has a metropolitan feel, plenty of both well-known and hidden bars, a prime location within the city, and an exciting yet laid-back atmosphere. This is the Hollywood that most people are referring to when they think of celebrities, award shows, and glamorous lifestyles. This neighborhood is best known for its popular attractions, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and the famous Hollywood Sign.

Housing styles and prices vary, depending on where homebuyers want to live in this neighborhood. Homes located near the tourist-friendly and popular Runyon Canyon tend to be more multi-family residences or single-family estates, while homes towards the main drags along Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue are luxury condominium and apartment high-rises. Home prices in this neighborhood widely range from from the mid $400s to nearly $8 million, according to Neighborhoods.com listings.

East Hollywood

East Hollywood is a neighborhood located southeast of Hollywood. This community is home to Melrose Avenue, which used to be a go-to destination for thrift shopping. However, with the immense popularity of the area’s surrounding shopping malls, including the Beverly Center, The Grove, and the new Hollywood & Highland, shopping along Melrose Avenue has become more of a novelty for locals.

In recent years, East Hollywood has become more of a dining and nightlife destination, especially with the arrival of hip restaurants and coffee shops as well as trendy bars, such as Sqirl, HomeState, and The Virgil. 

There isn’t as much luxury real estate available in this neighborhood, so most homes tend to be either attached or single-family residences. Home prices are still relatively affordable compared to the rest of Los Angeles, but prices are slowly climbing due to the neighborhood’s renewed popularity. Home prices in East Hollywood range between the high $300s and $1.8 million.

West Hollywood

Even though it’s roughly the same size with fewer residents than neighboring Hollywood, West Hollywood a standalone city—separate from Los Angeles. This separation is baffling even for longtime Angelenos. However, if you trace back the history of how West Hollywood became a city, it was largely due to the success and prosperity of the community’s entertainment, businesses, landmarks, and residential developments, all of which strive to support and represent Los Angeles’ underserved populations—especially the LGBTQ community.

Many locals and tourists gather near the city’s main hotspots, which include the bar and entertainment-filled Sunset Strip as well as Santa Monica Boulevard, which is teeming with great eateries and high-end restaurants. From attached condos and townhomes to loft-style residences and single-family homes, real estate in WeHo varies greatly. Home prices range from the low $300s to a whopping $12.8 million.

North Hollywood

Despite its name, North Hollywood is not directly north of Hollywood. In fact, it’s not even in Los Angeles. North Hollywood is a prominent neighborhood on the eastside of the San Fernando Valley, and it’s about ten miles away from Los Angeles. In traffic, the commute takes about an hour.

A decade ago, North Hollywood was still considered suburban, but with the rise of the burgeoning NoHo Arts District, the neighborhood has transformed into a metropolitan center of the Valley. Rivaling even Downtown Los Angeles, North Hollywood is diverse, transit-friendly, highly walkable, and filled with cultural landmarks and art galleries.

Although new homes are currently being built in the community, residences in North Hollywood range from attached condos and townhomes to lofts and single-family homes. Prices are between the mid $200s and $1.7 million.