Deciding to call North Hollywood home means entering a dynamic neighborhoods that embodies the variegated and all-embracing nature of Los Angeles.

Affectionately referred to as “NoHo,” this part of town combines a small community atmosphere with the conveniences of urban life, which makes it attractive to artists, young professionals, and families alike. People can expect to join a culturally diverse and artistically inclined society when residing in North Hollywood.

North Hollywood is more than just housing, it is an experience. Where most people visit for its thriving arts district at the heart of this city, living here provides endless opportunities to participate in local or internationally acclaimed artworks, musical pieces, or theater performances.

The neighborhood has many different types of restaurants, from casual cafés and bistros to upscale dining establishments, that reflect the culinary diversity of the area. Furthermore, its access via public transportation links to greater Los Angeles makes it convenient for commuters.

History

North Hollywood was formerly known as “Lankershim” before being called “Toluca.” This region had been referred to as “The Home of the Peach” in 1903 because Bonner Fruit Company, which canned over a million tons of peaches and other fruits grown in the valley, was its largest employer when it became part of Los Angeles City during 1919–1923 and renamed itself North Hollywood in 1927.

Lifestyle

  • What to do: North Hollywood has much on offer for visitors and residents alike, thanks to recent expansions in the NoHo Arts District, where planners are trying to establish a pedestrian-friendly ‘urban village’. Not only does North Hollywood host the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, but Universal Studios is also located at the southern edge of NoHo. Living in the Arts District means being part of a vibrant bohemian community that boasts dining, shopping, and plenty of theaters, all within walking distance. The San Fernando Valley is just a quick trip up on the Orange Line, while downtown L.A. and Hollywood are both served by the Red Line.
  • Where to Eat and Drink: NoHo’s residents indulge in historic shopping and quirky local restaurants and bars. Mi Ranchito Veracruz serves delicious Mexican dishes, while Tatang offers a taste of Filipino soups. Feeling healthy but still want something yummy? HealthyCA is a place for you, this salad chain will always be fine for lunch. The Fat Dog is an eatery popular with locals due to its extensive menu of craft beers as well as some exceptional Swedish meatballs.

Moving to the North of Hollywood

NoHo, as it is commonly known, has its vibe, which is set apart from the rest of Hollywood, yet it is a stone’s throw away from downtown. L.A. Weekly calls it “the best neighborhood in L.A.” and this may be attributed partly to the fact that it still has long-term inhabitants, recent migrants, plus others who come there as writers, artists, actors, or other talented professionals.

A Quick Look at Real Estate

In recent years, larger apartment complexes have sprouted up alongside small bungalow homes that used to dominate the neighborhood as a result of the growth of the NoHo Arts District. The average rent asked for apartments in Northern Hollywood is about $1,874, which is less than what Los Angeles goes for. You will find anything from old buildings with histories to new modern-style apartments and condo complexes built right in the middle of the NoHo Arts District.

Transportation

North Hollywood has never been more accessible than today, with Bob Hope Airport located along its northeastern boundaries and new metro stations being added on the Red and Orange Line, transforming it into a regional hub for the entire valley. With nearby freeways surrounding North Hollywood, getting anywhere fast becomes easy.

Education

North Hollywood forms part of LAUSD’s Local District Northeast, including San Fernando and Van Nuys, among others. For public school choices mixed with charter schools, there are several areas in North Hollywood. Proximity matters when choosing schools like Colfax Charter Elementary School, which ranks among the top region’s schools, while Lankershim Elementary School offers parents the convenience of being closer to the arts district where they reside. Older children can study either at Reed Middle School, highly performing in the south, or further down to North Hollywood High School.

Safety

With North Hollywood in mind, a prospective resident should consider recent data showing mixed signals about safety. A safety grade of 32% is below average, notwithstanding that the crime rate is higher than the national average. When it comes to its crime rate per 1,000 residents per year, New York City has a rate of 53.59.

Moreover, the nature of crimes committed within North Hollywood is also different. Violent crimes like rape, murder, assault, and robbery are more frequent, with about 5.296 incidents per 1000 residents, which makes it different from most other cities in that region. For instance, here, annual property crime averages around 20.57 burglaries or thefts out of every 1,000 residents. This can be seen in the C-grade given to violent crimes in this area and D+ for property-related ones.

Pros of Living in North Hollywood

  • Many Jobs and High Wages: North Hollywood provides access to numerous well-paying jobs because it is located within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Software development pays an average salary of around $110k p.a., whereas registered nursing remuneration is roughly $94k each year.
  • Several Neighborhoods to Go To: There are many different types of communities within North Hollywood, ranging from the NoHo Arts District, which never stops bustling, to Valley Village, which is said to be “family-friendly.”. There’s something for everyone when it comes to living in this place since NoHo boasts several street art galleries and live theaters, whereas Valley Village’s tree-lined streets and parks feel more suburban.
  • A Multitude of Things to Do: In terms of enjoying life, North Hollywood is the place to be. The Verdugo Mountains are nearby for walking or cycling, alternatively, go to North Hollywood Park’s fifty-three-acre sports facilities and picnic sites. In addition to this, Woodley Lakes Golf Course has a challenging 18-hole course. Furthermore, there are several theaters on Lankershim Boulevard, including El Portal Theatre, where you can catch up with history while having a great time at night.

 

The Cons of Living in North Hollywood

Despite the numerous advantages of living in North Hollywood, this large city has its cons just like any other. Some are as follows:

Expensive living conditions

North Hollywood is known for being expensive to live in. No matter whether you are renting or buying a house, real estate prices within this district are above the national average. According to recent figures from Zillow, the median value of homes in North Hollywood stands at $846000, while the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2400. With high utility bills and food costs, life can be hard for some families.

Traffic Problems

Just like many other big cities, there are always traffic jams in North Hollywood, especially during rush hour. This central location and proximity to major freeways and highways can result in gridlock that makes people’s office or school commute tedious. The intersection of the 170 and 101 freeways is famous for being congested most of the time, while surface streets such as Lankershim Boulevard and Vineland Avenue are also notorious during peak periods.

Is North Hollywood a good place to live?

Determining if you should move to North Hollywood depends on finding a balance between what you want and your lifestyle. Moreover, there are so many advantages around, including the availability of various job opportunities, diversified neighborhoods like West Hills, San Diego, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Poway, Pasadena, Burbank, Irvine, Chula Vista, and Oceanside to choose from, and a dynamic cultural scene with a booming film industry.

On the flip side, though it has its strengths too, living here also means encountering quite a high cost of living, along with crime issues that cannot go unnoticed and heavy traffic jams that make moving around Los Angeles difficult. All these must be taken seriously before making any decisions about coming down here in California. This explains why many people love the great vibe only found in North Hollywood, thus, they prefer shifting there to anywhere else. 

In case you decide to relocate, it may be useful to engage reliable local movers, such as Best California Movers, who could assist you in making the move smooth and reducing the stress that comes with major life changes.