When you think of Los Angeles, two of the first places that probably come to mind are Bel Air and Beverly Hills. And it’s no wonder – these two neighborhoods are synonymous with luxury, wealth, and celebrity. But what exactly is the difference between these two LA powerhouses? Keep reading to find out!
1. What are Bel Air and Beverly Hills
Bel Air and Beverly Hills are two of the most prestigious and well-known neighborhoods in Los Angeles, California. Bel Air is located on the west side of the city, while Beverly Hills is located on the east side.
Both neighborhoods are home to many celebrities, business leaders, and other affluent individuals. Bel Air is known for its large estates and luxurious lifestyle, while Beverly Hills is known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
In addition to being home to many famous residents, both Bel Air and Beverly Hills are also popular tourist destinations. Visitors to these neighborhoods can enjoy a variety of activities, including shopping, sightseeing, and dining.
Whether you’re looking for a taste of the high life or just want to enjoy some of the best that Los Angeles has to offer, Bel Air and Beverly Hills are sure to please.
2. Location
Bel Air and Beverly Hills are two of the most well-known and prestigious communities in Los Angeles. Both neighborhoods are home to celebrities, luxury homes, and upscale shopping.
So what’s the difference between the two? Location is one key factor. Bel Air is located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, while Beverly Hills is situated flat on land that was once part of Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas.
This gives Bel Air a more rural feel, while Beverly Hills has a more urban vibe. Additionally, Bel Air is larger in size than Beverly Hills and has more green space. Whether you’re looking for a secluded retreat or a bustling city center, you’ll find it in either of these iconic Los Angeles neighborhoods.
3. History
Bel Air and Beverly Hills are two of the most famous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Both are home to celebrities, luxury homes, and high-end shops. But what’s the difference between these two iconic neighborhoods?
Bel Air is a neighborhood in the west side of Los Angeles, bordered by Beverly Hills to the east, Mulholland Drive to the north, and Sunset Boulevard to the south. The area was originally developed in the 1920s as a residential community for Hollywood celebrities. Today, Bel Air remains an exclusive enclave, with some of the most expensive real estate in the city.
Beverly Hills is a separate city located within Los Angeles County. It is surrounded by Bel Air to the west, Hollywood to the east, and Mid-Wilshire to the south. Beverly Hills was originally founded as a rural community in 1914.
However, it soon became a desirable destination for Hollywood celebrities, who built lavish estates in the area. Today, Beverly Hills is known for its high-end shopping and dining, as well as its many upscale hotels.
While both Bel Air and Beverly Hills are home to some of the wealthiest people in Los Angeles, they each have their own unique history and identity. Bel Air is a classic example of Old Hollywood glamour, while Beverly Hills is a modern city with a star-studded reputation.
4. Population
The two adjacent cities of Bel Air and Beverly Hills are often lumped together, but there are actually significant differences between the two. One of the most notable is their population.
Beverly Hills has a population of just over 34,000, while Bel Air’s population is less than half that, at just under 16,000. This difference is largely due to Bel Air’s smaller size; at just over 5 square miles, it is less than half the size of Beverly Hills.
As a result, Bel Air has a much higher population density than Beverly Hills, with nearly 3,000 people per square mile compared to Beverly Hills’ density of just over 1,600 people per square mile. Though they are both home to many celebrities and wealthy individuals, Bel Air and Beverly Hills offer different lifestyles and experiences for their residents.
5. Weather
The weather in Bel Air and Beverly Hills is quite different. Beverly Hills has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it experiences warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In contrast, Bel Air has a more continental climate, characterized by colder winters and hotter summers.
The average temperature in Beverly Hills is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average temperature in Bel Air is about 10 degrees cooler. The difference in temperature is due to the fact that Beverly Hills is located at a lower elevation than Bel Air.
Additionally, Beverly Hills is located closer to the coast, where the ocean air helps to moderate temperatures. As a result, residents of Beverly Hills can enjoy relatively mild weather year-round. However, they must also contend with occasional smog and haze due to the heat and humidity.
In contrast, residents of Bel Air enjoy cooler temperatures but may experience more extreme weather conditions such as winter storms and summer heat waves.
6. Housing
When it comes to high-end real estate, few names are as synonymous with luxury and opulence as Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Though these two adjacent neighborhoods are often lumped together, they actually have quite a bit of difference in terms of their history, population, and housing.
Beverly Hills is a relatively young city, having been incorporated in 1914. In contrast, Bel Air is an unincorporated area that was annexed by the City of Los Angeles in 1923. Beverly Hills is home to roughly 35,000 residents, while Bel Air has a population of just over 5,000.
One of the most significant differences between these two areas is the type of housing that is available. Beverly Hills is primarily made up of single-family homes, while Bel Air has a higher concentration of luxury apartment complexes and condominiums.
The median sale price for a home in Beverly Hills is $5.6 million, while the median rental price is $30,000 per month. In Bel Air, the median sale price for a home is $7.7 million and the median rental price is $37,500 per month.
Though both Beverly Hills and Bel Air are known for their exclusivity and high cost of living, they each have their own unique offerings that appeal to different types of buyers and renters. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious single-family home or a posh condo with easy access to all the best amenities, one of these neighborhoods is sure to have what you’re looking for.
7. Schools
Located within the city of Los Angeles, Bel Air and Beverly Hills are two of the most affluent communities in California. While both neighborhoods offer luxurious homes and access to high-end amenities, they have distinct personalities.
Beverly Hills is perhaps best known for its successful movie industry executives. In contrast, Bel Air has a more relaxed atmosphere and is home to many of Hollywood’s biggest stars. When it comes to schools, both communities offer excellent educational opportunities.
Beverly Hills is home to several private schools, including the prestigious Harvard-Westlake School. Bel Air is served by the highly regarded Los Angeles Unified School District. As a result, families in both communities can be confident that their children will receive a top-notch education.
8. Economy
There are many differences between the economy of Bel Air and Beverly Hills. For one, Beverly Hills has a much higher median household income than Bel Air. In addition, the unemployment rate in Beverly Hills is significantly lower than in Bel Air.
The cost of living is also higher in Beverly Hills, as are the property values. Finally, Beverly Hills attracts a lot more tourists than Bel Air, which can provide a boost to the local economy. All of these factors contribute to the distinct economic profiles of these two cities.
9. Entertainment and Culture
Though both Bel Air and Beverly Hills are famous for their luxury and wealth, the two communities offer different experiences to residents and visitors. Bel Air is known for its sprawling estates and tranquil setting, while Beverly Hills is more vibrant and urban.
When it comes to entertainment and culture, Beverly Hills offers more options. The city is home to world-renowned shopping districts, art galleries, and theaters, as well as a variety of restaurants and nightclubs.
Bel Air, on the other hand, is largely residential, though there are a few notable attractions, such as the Getty Center and the UCLA campus. For those looking for an upscale community with plenty of things to do, Beverly Hills is the better choice. But those who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle will find that Bel Air is a better fit.
10. Transportation
Bel Air and Beverly Hills are two of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. If you’re lucky enough to live in either of these communities, you’re probably wondering what sets them apart. Here’s a look at the key differences between Bel Air and Beverly Hills, specifically when it comes to transportation.
Bel Air is known for its winding roads and secluded mansions. While this makes it a great place to live if you want privacy, it can also make it difficult to get around. There are no major highways running through Bel Air, so traffic can be a challenge during rush hour. In addition, parking can be hard to come by, especially near popular attractions like The Grove.
Beverly Hills, on the other hand, is much more pedestrian-friendly. The main drag, Rodeo Drive, is lined with upscale shops and restaurants. And while parking can be difficult in certain areas, there are several public parking structures that make it easy to find a spot. Beverly Hills is also served by multiple bus lines and the Metro Rail, so getting around town is a breeze.
So what’s the bottom line? If you want to live in an exclusive community that’s close to all the action, Beverly Hills is the place for you. But if you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle, Bel Air might be a better fit. Either way, you’ll be living in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in LA!
11. Healthcare and Public Services
Bel Air and Beverly Hills are two of the most exclusive and well-known neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Though they are often lumped together, these two areas actually have quite different characters.
Bel Air is known for its sprawling mansions and lush green spaces, while Beverly Hills is home to chic boutiques and trendy restaurants. When it comes to Healthcare and Public Services, Beverly Hills definitely has the edge.
The city is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, as well as a variety of top-rated public schools. In contrast, Bel Air is largely residential, with few public services available.
If you’re looking for the best Healthcare and public Services, Beverly Hills is a clear choice.
12. Comparison of Bel Air and Beverly Hills
Though both Bel Air and Beverly Hills are well-known for luxury and wealth, there are several key differences between the two neighborhoods. Beverly Hills is located within the city limits of Los Angeles, while Bel Air is an unincorporated section of the city.
As a result, Bel Air residents are not subject to the same property taxes as those living in Beverly Hills. Furthermore, Bel Air has larger lots and more extensive grounds than Beverly Hills, giving residents more privacy.
Additionally, Bel Air is known for its scenic views and rolling hills, while Beverly Hills is home to Rodeo Drive and other upscale shopping destinations. Overall, though both neighborhoods offer a high standard of living, they each have their own unique character.
In conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line? Both Bel Air and Beverly Hills offer a luxurious lifestyle, but they each have their own unique character. If you’re looking for privacy and scenic views, Bel Air is a great choice. But if you prefer to be closer to the action, Beverly Hills is the place for you. No matter which neighborhood you choose, you’ll be living in one of the most desirable parts of Los Angeles!