On the eve of its 100th anniversary, Hollywood has grown into the “city for everyone” that founder Joseph Young envisioned when he moved east to build his dream destination on the southeast Florida coast. Young named the city after its more famous California counterpart, and, shortly after his arrival, he began development of a commercial promenade on the oceanfront. Nearly a century later, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk remains the city’s featured attraction. “From the homeless to the rich, everyone rubs elbows on the broadwalk,” says Jonathan Lorber, a Realtor at The Keyes Company and longtime resident.
While the Broadwalk still gets top billing, it has been joined by a popular supporting cast. Today, this Broward County city of more than 150,000 boasts a growing downtown with a thriving arts and culture scene, more than 30 square miles of green spaces, pristine beaches and a business-friendly climate that attracts hundreds of millions in private investment. “When I moved here from Long Island in 2004, it felt like the minute I got here, they started to upgrade the city,” Lorber says. “I got lucky. I hit the jackpot.”
There is no shortage of waterside fun at the nearby Hollywood Beach.
Residents love to walk down the Hollywood Beach boardwalk.
Art walks in Hollywood are held on the third Saturday of each month.
The iconic Seminole Guitar Hotel and Casino is minutes from Boulevard Heights.
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Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is the city's premier attraction
Sunbathers, swimmers and anyone who enjoys a relaxing day at the beach are drawn to the city’s coast. North Beach offers a more laidback vibe, while Central Beach hums with activity throughout the year. Home to the Broadwalk, this area hosts the annual Candy Cane Parade, one of the longest-running holiday processions in the country. The city takes great care to maintain its oceanfront and protect it from erosion. “Hollywood has restored its beach several times since I’ve been here,” Lorber says. “They used to take the sand from the ocean, but now they truck the sand in.”
Hollywood is also a prominent boating community. The city’s east side is dotted with vessels of all shapes and sizes. Direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean attracts kayakers, anglers, sailors and yachtsmen. Hollywood also offers an array of recreational amenities spread across 49 parks. Highlights include the recently renovated Charnow Park on the Broadwalk and the 1,500-acre Anne Kolb Nature Center. The city is also home to several golf courses. Hollywood Beach Golf Club near downtown is being renovated in time for the city’s centennial celebration. Orangebrook Golf & Country Club, which offers two 18-hole courses, is the recreational centerpiece of a new multi-use development on the city’s south side.
Tee off at Hollywood Beach Golf Club for a relaxing day on the links.
Explore Hollywood Beach by cycling along the scenic coastline.
Fishing is one of the many water activities you'll find in North Beach.
Families can all ride one of Hollywood Beach Boardwalk's popular attractions the Surrey Bike.
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Inland attractions include the Arts & Culture Center, ArtsPark at Young Circle
Hollywood is a colorful city drenched in the visual arts. The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project features more than two dozen large murals strategically placed throughout downtown. A tour of the murals is a major part of the monthly ArtWalk, which showcases the city’s artistic identity with additional events that include live music, gallery exhibitions and artisan markets.
The Arts & Culture Center is a popular destination on Harrison Street that features contemporary art exhibitions and a 500-seat performing arts theater. The center offers programs for children and adults in support of the arts through education, innovation and collaboration. “There is a very good focus on the arts here,” Lorber says. “The arts center does a lot for the community. It even has a summer camp.” The Visual Arts Pavilion is a featured stop at nearby ArtsPark at Young Circle, the city’s premier inland gathering place. “There’s glass-blowing classes, concerts, and I’ll bring my car to the monthly classic car shows.” Lorber says.
Enjoy the hot glass-blowing experience in Hollywood at the ArtsPark at Young Circle.
The Art and Culture Center in Hollywood showcases wonderful local artists.
Car enthusiasts can enjoy the Dream Car Classic on Hollywood’s first Sunday of the month.
The ArtsPark at Young Circle Movie Night is held every Friday in Hollywood.
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Sheridan Technical Center is one of the county's top schools
Students are served by Broward County Public Schools, rated B-plus from Niche. Hollywood is home to Sheridan Technical Center, one of the highest-rated schools in the county. The magnet high school, which offers specialized programs in subjects as varied as cosmetology, culinary arts and construction, earns an A-plus from Niche. Low enrollment in the city’s traditional public schools has recently been addressed with a proposal to close three schools and repurpose several others.
Sheridan Technical High School in Hollywood is one of the top schools in the county.
This historic school in Emerald Hills has produced notable alumni over the decades.
Students at Olsen Middle School benefit from a quality education in Royal Poinciana.
South Broward High School
main tower in Hollywood, FL.
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Trade and travel anchor the economy; downtown real estate market is booming
The city’s economy is bolstered primarily by international trade and travel. Hollywood, which is conveniently located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, is home to Port Everglades, whose cargo and cruise ship business contributes significantly to more than $25 billion in countywide economic activity each year. In addition, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport serves more than 30 million travelers annually.
To attract even more business, including aerospace and defense firms, the city offers two federally funded opportunity zones, one near the Interstate 95 corridor and another downtown. To support the needs of a growing city, Hollywood has invested more than $500 million in capital improvement projects. The highlight is a state-of-the-art police headquarters that will open on the city’s south side in 2026. According to the latest FBI data, the city's property and violent crime rates are moderately higher than state figures. Tourism plays a role in the elevated rates, as the seasonal increase in population presents more opportunities for crime.
Hollywood’s growth is most evident in the booming downtown real estate market. Several mixed-use developments are coming soon to the heart of the city, and more than 5,000 residential units will be added as part of the ongoing expansion of downtown. “Some people are against growth, but the only way to get downtown to pop is with new blood,” Lorber says. “It’s about time we get to shine. It’s our turn.”
Housing market is relatively affordable
The median sales price through August of 2024 was around $475,000. That number is significantly lower than the nearby cities of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Housing encompasses everything from small inland condos to single-family homes to high-rise condos and estate-style homes along the waterfront. The city’s oldest housing is a collection of traditional homes that were often used as winter cottages by Northerners flocking to the city after the World War II. As the population grew, ranch-style homes on spacious lots became prominent in walkable neighborhood settings. The most expensive homes can be found in the golf course community of Emerald Hills and in Hollywood Lakes, an upscale neighborhood near the coast that features sprawling multimillion-dollar estates that line its dueling waterfronts. Oceanfront neighborhoods consist primarily of contemporary condos. Homebuyers should be aware that the high risk of flooding and wind damage will affect insurance rates.
Hollywood Lakes neighborhood boasts picturesque rows of charming homes.
Medditerrean-style homes can be found throughout the Hollywood Lakes neighborhood.
The beautiful homes in Hollywood Hills are well maintained by residents.
There are many high-rise apartment buildings in Downtown Hollywood.
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A diverse downtown dining scene and popular waterfront restaurants
Downtown Hollywood is the center of the city’s dining scene as well. J28 Sandwich Bar, a popular Peruvian eatery run by two brothers, is a highlight of the district’s many ethnic eateries. My Favorite Spot fuses culture and dining with tabletops designed by local artists and a diverse menu of international favorites. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk may be geared toward tourists, with its souvenir shops, boutique stores, bars and cafes, but it’s also popular with locals. Residents can mingle with tourists on sunny days spent strolling and shopping along the popular pink-brink promenade just steps from the ocean, and they can dine at several upscale waterfront restaurants on and around the broadwalk. Many of these establishments are accessible by boat. Big-box retailers and grocery stores anchor a variety of shopping centers that can be found throughout the city.
Downtown Hollywood boarders the north side of Parkside.
Outdoor dining in Downtown Hollywood is within walking distance from Parkside.
Make sure to stop by Nick's on the Boardwalk near North Beach for a bite to eat.
Grab a bite at Twin Peaks, a local favorite nearby.
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Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Miami are easily accessible
Broward County Transit has nine bus routes that provide access throughout the city. Commuters can catch the train at Tri-Rail stops on Sheridan Street and Hollywood Boulevard. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is about a 10-minute ride from downtown via the Tri-Rail. Downtown Fort Lauderdale and north Miami’s Metrorail Transfer Station are both about 20-minute trips. The latter connects passengers to Miami’s light-rail system. This is especially important as Miami is the primary destination for commuters going to work. Dave Gervase, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Professionals and city resident, says that residents “go south to work, not north.” He adds that there have been discussions of a permanent stop being built few blocks north of downtown. Interstate 95 runs through the city and provides convenient travel to points of interest along the Atlantic Coast. Miami is a 20-mile drive via I-95.
On average, homes in Hollywood, FL sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Hollywood, FL over the last 12 months is $495,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Licinio Cruz is the President and Realtor/Broker with L & L Realty Group in Hollywood Florida. He can professionally assist you in choosing and locating the perfect property to suit your particular needs. He speaks English, Portuguese and some Spanish, and is available to assist you 7 Days a week. If you are interested in Buying or Selling, Licinio can be easily contacted by e-mail or by phone. Licinio’s goal is to provide each and every one of his clients with the best possible service.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
