California Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Los Angeles (LA)- Hollywood, California

Located in Los Angeles County

Hollywood, California

This structure, located atop Mt. Lee in Griffith Park, is perhaps the most enduring symbol of Hollywood. The nine 50-foot letters can be seen from all over the L.A. basin, and occasionally even from passing aircraft. Originally constructed in 1923 and reading "HOLLYWOODLAND", it was actually a promotional tool meant to draw attention to housing developments in a nearby section of the Hollywood Hills. By the '70s, however, the letters were in pretty bad shape, so the city decided to reconstruct it-this time shortening the name to Hollywood.

Rich in history and legend, Hollywood was originally founded in 1888 as part of a residential development. In 1903 Hollywood was incorporated as an independent city; however, in 1910, it was annexed into the city of Los Angeles and is now a community within the city. Hollywood encompasses approximately 18 square miles, has an estimated population of 277,642, an average household income of $64,376 and a median residential property value of $414,890. Among some of its attractions and landmarks include Mann's Chinese Theater, the Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, the Hollywood Bowl, Capitol Records and Paramount Studios.