Most Hollywood celebrities live in, well, Hollywood. Right in the middle of the northwest part of Los Angeles is a ridge of hills commonly known as the Hollywood Hills, and the majority of the rich and famous in the area tend to live in or at the foot of these hills. That’s why, as a rule, Hollywood celebrity tours tend to start and end right here in the hills, hitting nearby neighborhoods like West Hollywood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and Studio City. However, many celebrities live elsewhere in LA, outside LA itself, or even in other entertainment hubs like Texas or New York City.
A few reasons why Hollywood and the surrounding neighborhoods became so popular among movie stars. The first is that the homes there are both expensive and relatively secluded. Los Angeles may be a sprawling city, but it’s still a city, which means personal space can be hard to come by. The hills are some of the least built-up areas in LA, which means extensive lawns, spread-out houses, and lots of privacy from the paparazzi and other potential irritants. It’s hard to beat peace and quiet, so celebrities move to areas like Hollywood or Laurel Canyon for a little fresh air.
The other main reason is convenience. Way back in the golden era of Hollywood cinema, all the studio backlots were located close together in Studio City, just south of the Hollywood Hills. That means stars who lived in the hills could easily commute to and from shoots at the backlots, allowing them to avoid the worst of the infamous LA traffic. Though plenty of filming is done on location these days, Studio City is still a hub for the entertainment industry, so convenience remains an essential factor.
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