Is Hollywood calling your name, but you are not sure whether the Beach, the Lakes, or the Hills is the right fit? You are not alone. Each area offers a distinct lifestyle, from oceanfront energy to lakefront calm to quiet suburban streets. In this guide, you will compare housing, amenities, parks, and access across Hollywood Beach, Hollywood Lakes, and Hollywood Hills so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
How to use this guide
This guide follows the same structure for each neighborhood so you can compare quickly:
- Housing and architecture
- Daily life and amenities
- Parks and outdoor options
- Transit and access
- Who it fits
- What to verify before you buy
Use the notes at the end for citywide topics like flood risk, HOA rules, taxes, and schools.
Hollywood Beach
Housing and architecture
Hollywood Beach runs along A1A on the Atlantic. You will see a high concentration of condominiums and apartment buildings, from mid‑century low‑rise properties to newer luxury towers. Units often have smaller footprints that appeal to seasonal residents. There are also hotels and a few narrow single‑family lots on the inland side of A1A.
Daily life and amenities
The Hollywood Broadwalk is the heart of the area. It stretches roughly 2.5 miles along the beach, with dining, casual retail, and seasonal events. Expect lively daytime and evening foot traffic. Many residents enjoy low‑maintenance living with easy access to restaurants and water‑sports rentals. Visitor activity is part of daily life here.
Parks and outdoor options
You have public beach access with lifeguard stands along many stretches, plus pocket parks and picnic areas near the sand. Boaters can reach marinas on the Intracoastal with a short drive north or south for charters and day trips.
Transit and access
If you live near the Broadwalk, many daily needs are walkable. Parking policies vary by building and street, so pay attention to condo visitor rules and city parking programs. You are close to east‑west connections that lead to I‑95 and to the airport.
Who it fits
- You want a walkable, beach‑centric lifestyle.
- You prefer condo living and can budget for HOA fees.
- You enjoy dining and nightlife options within a short stroll.
It may be less ideal if you need a large yard, maximum privacy, or low noise levels.
What to verify before you buy
- Current condo association bylaws, especially short‑term rental restrictions, guest parking, pet policies, and any special assessments.
- Flood zone, elevation, and whether your lender will require flood insurance.
- Building maintenance history and reserve study details.
Hollywood Lakes
Housing and architecture
Centered around the chain of lakes between the beach and western Hollywood, this area mixes single‑family homes and small condo or townhouse pockets. Many homes are mid‑century bungalows or Mediterranean and Spanish styles. Some properties sit on canal or lake frontage, and select homes have private docks or quick access to the Intracoastal.
Daily life and amenities
You are close to downtown Hollywood’s Young Circle and ArtsPark for concerts and the farmers’ market, plus neighborhood restaurants and shops. Streets are tree‑lined and more residential than the Beach, with a balanced pace. You can enjoy evening options without the constant tourist flow.
Parks and outdoor options
The lakes and canals offer scenic walks and paddling in select areas. You are a short drive to the beach and to larger parks, including nature areas and waterfront preserves nearby.
Transit and access
Central Hollywood typically has more bus routes than the far west. You can walk or make a quick drive to downtown amenities, with reasonable access to US‑1, I‑95, and the airport.
Who it fits
- You want a neighborhood feel with single‑family options and some water access.
- You value proximity to downtown culture and dining.
- You prefer a middle ground between beach buzz and suburban quiet.
What to verify before you buy
- Waterfront details, including deeded dock rights, seawall condition, and canal connectivity to the Intracoastal.
- Flood zone and insurance implications for lakefront and canal‑adjacent properties.
- Permit history for renovations or seawall work.
Hollywood Hills
Housing and architecture
Hollywood Hills sits inland in western and northwestern parts of the city. You will find mostly single‑family homes on larger lots, often with cul‑de‑sacs and a suburban street layout. Styles include ranch and Mediterranean, along with some newer infill builds. Condos are less common here than in the Beach or Lakes areas.
Daily life and amenities
The pace is quieter and more private. Retail and dining are available along the main arterials, and shopping is more car‑oriented. You will find neighborhood parks and larger green spaces within a drive, with room for outdoor play in your own yard.
Parks and outdoor options
Local parks serve families and pets, and regional nature areas are accessible by car. You can plan day trips to mangrove preserves and coastal parks.
Transit and access
Most residents rely on cars. Bus routes serve the area, though service is typically less frequent than downtown. You have good highway access to I‑95 and the Turnpike for commuting across Broward and Miami‑Dade.
Who it fits
- You want larger lots and a quieter, suburban setting.
- You value space for outdoor living and privacy.
- You prefer driving to shops and dining rather than walking.
What to verify before you buy
- Typical commute times during peak and off‑peak hours.
- Distance to grocery stores, healthcare, and everyday services.
- Local zoning and redevelopment potential if you plan additions or new construction.
Citywide practical topics
Flood risk and insurance
Coastal and lakefront properties face higher exposure to storm surge and high tides, while inland homes can still see stormwater or flash flooding. For any property, check FEMA flood maps and Broward County flood resources, request elevation certificates, and confirm lender requirements for flood insurance. Ask about recent mitigation work, such as drainage improvements, seawall upgrades, or beach renourishment.
HOA and rental rules
Condo and HOA rules vary widely. Review bylaws for rental restrictions, parking policies, pet rules, and recent special assessments. The city regulates vacation rentals, so verify licensing and permit requirements. Do not assume short‑term rentals are allowed in a building or subdivision.
Property taxes and homestead
Homes in Hollywood are in Broward County. If the property will be your primary residence, you may qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption. Check the Broward County Property Appraiser for current millage rates, recent tax history, and guidance on applying after closing.
Schools and programs
Hollywood is served by Broward County Public Schools. Boundaries and program options change over time, and private and charter choices exist nearby. Always verify your specific address assignments and consider school commute times as part of your decision.
Safety and local services
Review official city and county resources for neighborhood‑level statistics and service details. Utilities, trash, water, and permitting are managed by the City of Hollywood or Broward County. Confirm service schedules and permit status for any property improvements.
Getting around and regional access
- Major corridors: I‑95 runs north to south west of central Hollywood, US‑1 runs closer to the Intracoastal, and A1A serves the beach strip.
- Airport: Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is nearby, with generally short drive times that vary by traffic and neighborhood.
- Transit: Broward County Transit bus routes serve Hollywood. Regional rail options include Tri‑Rail and Brightline stations in nearby cities. Most riders connect by car, ride‑hail, or bus.
- Walkability and bikes: The Broadwalk is very bike and pedestrian friendly. Lakes has walkable pockets, and Hills is more car‑dependent. Bike infrastructure varies by corridor.
Which area fits your goals
- You want oceanfront energy and a low‑maintenance condo lifestyle: start with Hollywood Beach near the Broadwalk.
- You want a single‑family home with neighborhood charm and proximity to downtown culture: explore Hollywood Lakes, especially streets near the water.
- You want space, a yard, and quieter streets with easy highway access: tour Hollywood Hills.
If you are an investor, weigh the trade‑offs. Beach condos can attract vacation renters, yet they often carry higher HOA and insurance costs and stricter rental rules. Single‑family homes inland may offer steadier long‑term demand from full‑time residents. Always vet association rules, insurance costs, and local licensing before you run the numbers.
What to bring to your neighborhood tour
A local expert can help you compare properties block by block. Ask for:
- Parcel‑level flood zone, elevation, and any elevation certificate.
- Recent comparable sales within the micro‑neighborhood.
- Condo or HOA documents, including meeting minutes, reserves, and rental policy.
- Property tax history and homestead guidance.
- Insurance quotes for homeowner and flood coverage.
- Parking details, local permit history, and any recorded easements.
- Commute estimates to your key destinations and the airport.
- School boundary verification, if needed.
- For waterfront homes, seawall condition, dock rights, and canal connectivity to the Intracoastal.
Ready to explore Hollywood Beach, Lakes, and Hills and build your short list? Connect for bilingual, high‑touch guidance from search to closing with Unknown Company.
FAQs
Which Hollywood neighborhood is most walkable?
- Hollywood Beach and the downtown and Young Circle corridors near Hollywood Lakes tend to be the most walkable. Hollywood Hills is generally more car‑dependent.
Are short‑term rentals allowed in Hollywood condos or homes?
- Rules vary by condo or HOA and by city regulations. Always review association bylaws and confirm local licensing and permit requirements before planning short‑term rentals.
Do I need flood insurance in Hollywood, Florida?
- It depends on the FEMA flood zone and your lender. Coastal and lakefront properties are more likely to require flood insurance. Request parcel‑specific checks and quotes.
How close is the airport to Hollywood neighborhoods?
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is the nearest major airport. Drive times are typically short but depend on traffic and your exact neighborhood.
Which area is quieter for families in Hollywood?
- Hollywood Hills usually offers the quietest, most suburban environment. Hollywood Lakes provides a balance of calm and convenience. Hollywood Beach is livelier with more visitor activity.
What should I verify before making an offer in Hollywood?
- Confirm flood zone and insurance, HOA or condo rules, property tax history, permit history, parking policies, and for waterfront homes, seawall and dock details.
