Living in Hollywood, FL 

Are you moving to Hollywood, FL? Make sure you know these seven things before living in Hollywood, FL. 

Hollywood, FL, is a beachfront community between Miami and Fort Lauderdale in southeastern Broward County. It was named one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine and is home to more than 60 parks, seven golf courses, and seven miles of pristine beaches. Hollywood offers beautiful real estate, warm weather, shopping opportunities, delicious dining, arts, diversity, and fun experiences for all ages. 

As of the 2020 census, Hollywood, FL, they had a population of 153,061, which is only expected to rise as more and more people move to the area. Since 2000, Hollywood has grown 8.8%, and the population in 2023 is expected to be 154,389. Since tourism is the number one industry in the state, Broward County saw 118 million visitors in 2021.

Considered one of the best places to live in Florida, people visit the area for its unique hotels, various dining & shopping options, sandy beaches, and world-class resorts. A great place to live for families and retirees, Hollywood offers an "old school Florida" feel, which provides a charming and quiet way of life just outside of the hustle and bustle of Miami. 

If you're considering moving to Hollywood, FL, and are looking for more information, you're in the right place. When you're new to an area, there are certain things you need to know, such as the cost of living, the history, education opportunities, the real estate market, and information on the cost of living. Fortunately, you can find the answers to all your questions in this moving guide. 

Here are the top things you should know about life in Hollywood 

History 

The history of Hollywood, FL, begins with its incorporation on November 28, 1925. It began as an undeveloped tract of pine forests, palmetto plants, and tangled undergrowth but quickly transformed. It has become the second most populated city in Broward County and the ninth largest in Florida. 

Hollywood was founded by Joseph Wesley Young, who arrived in January 1920. He took the time to survey several available parcels of land in hopes of finding his "Dream City in Florida."  His original plan included a wide boulevard extending from the ocean westward to the edge of the Everglades, with artificial lakes paralleling each side of the roadway. He also envisioned separating Hollywood into different districts and creating "a city for everyone - from the opulent at the top of the industrial and social ladder to the most humble of working people." In his plan, he also included the creation of three large circles of land that eventually became the ten-acre park, Young Circle, the City Hall complex, and a military academy circle.

It wasn't until 1921 that Joseph Young bought the first parcel of land to become present-day Hollywood. This parcel of land now amounts to over 28.87 square miles, with a gross taxable value of real and personal property in 1998 of over $5,408,266,000.

After he purchased the land, growth began in the area, starting with the formation of the Hollywood Land and Water Company, the building of the Hollywood Boulevard Bridge, apartment buildings, dwellings, businesses, hotels, and more. Then, disaster struck. On September 18, 1926, a gruesome hurricane hit the South Florida Atlantic coast, with Hollywood being one of its targets. The storm was responsible for the lives of 37 people, significant damage to buildings, the loss of electrical wires and trees, etc.

After the natural disaster, Hollywood, Florida, saw massive growth, changes in "power," new developments, increased population, and more. Hollywood is now a beautiful city that brings in thousands of visitors annually. It is known as the Diamond of the Gold Coast and will continue to thrive and flourish. 

Cost of Living 

To budget for a move to Hollywood, FL, you should know the overall cost of living. It is always different, so you must do your due diligence and determine if Hollywood, FL, is a city you can afford to live in. 

According to Livingcost, Hollywood is one of the most expensive cities in the world. It was ranked 173rd out of 9294 in the global list, 143rd out of 2202 in the United States, and 13th out of 125 in Florida. The cost of living in Hollywood is in the top 2% of the most expensive cities in the world, which makes this vibrant city not one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. 

The overall cost of living is 12% higher than the national average, while housing costs are 15% higher, utilities are 6% higher, groceries are 19% higher, and transportation is 4% higher. Over the last year, Hollywood saw the most significant cost increase in transportation, food, and housing. This could mainly be due to the economy. 

Housing costs are high, and we will investigate average prices later. For now, let's focus on rent. The average cost of living with rent in Hollywood, Florida, is $2,513 per person. The average rent in Hollywood is 69% higher than the national average, and apartments in City Center can be as high as $4,000 per month. It can be expensive, so consider your everyday expenses, lifestyle, career, income, etc. 

Here are a few costs you should be familiar with before moving to Hollywood: 

*Data Sourced from Payscale. 

Real Estate 

According to our site, the median list price of homes in Hollywood is $940,215, averaging $499 per square foot. Compared to the U.S., the median price of an existing home in the United States was $392,000 as of the third quarter of 2022. That said, housing is one of the most important factors to consider and get situated before planning a big move. It's essential to end up with a home you can afford. 

Hollywood, FL, is experiencing a buyer's market shifting towards a neutral market. A buyer's market means that the supply of homes has exceeded the demand. When this happens, home prices tend to be lower, and homes stay on the market longer. Compared to last year, home prices were up 0% in February 2023, and the market is somewhat competitive. 

Although the median list price was relatively high, nearing one million, the median sales price for all home types was $425,000 as of February 2023. 

Hollywood, FL, offers residents an urban feel with various neighborhoods and housing options. On our website, there are currently 241 homes listed for sale, averaging 70 days on the market.

Education

Hollywood, FL, has an excellent education system with 32 public and charter elementary, middle, and high schools. The school board of Broward County Public Schools operates all of the public schools within Hollywood. There are award-winning magnet programs, 13 private schools, career schools, and universities. The Cambridge Advances International Certificate (A.I.C.E.), Communication and Broadcasting, Military Academy, Health and Wellness, and Montessori are a few of the best S.T.E.M. opportunities. 

Top-rated public schools in Hollywood, FL: 

• Beachside Montessori Village (PK-8)
• Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science (K-5)
• Ben Gamla Charter School (K-8)
• Hollywood Park Elementary School (PK_5)
• Charter School of Excellence at Davie (K-5)

For higher education, City College-Hollywood is a fantastic option. It is a private, not-for-profit institution with a total enrollment of 243. The highest degree you can receive is an associate degree, and popular programs include: 

• Health professions and related programs 
• Business
• Management
• Marketing

Broward College is another higher education opportunity that serves over 56,000 students and has over 4,000 full-time and part-time faculty and staff. They have the second-largest enrollment within the Florida College System and offer programs across eight career-related pathways. 

Weather 

The best time to visit Hollywood is during the warm-weather months, from early November to late April. However, only some months are as warm. Over the year, the temperature varies from 61 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely below 48 or above 92. 

The "hot season" lasts four months, with an average daily temperature of 87 degrees. The hottest month is August, but the hot season lasts from June 2 to October 1. 

The "cold season" lasts 2.9 months, with an average daily high of below 78. The coldest month of the year is January, and the cold season lasts from December 8 to March 6. 

Contrary to popular belief, the state of Florida is only sometimes sunny. The cloudiest month of the year is July, and the sky is overcast 66% of the time. Unfortunately, the dirtier part of the year begins in May and lasts for roughly four months until October. 

You will also experience rain throughout the year in Hollywood, Florida. June sees the most rain, with an average rainfall of 6.4 inches, and December sees the least at 1.4 inches. 

Job Market 

If you plan on moving to Hollywood, you would be pleased to know that the unemployment rate is lower than the national average. Hollywood has an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and the national average is 6%. The most common employment sectors are:

• Retail Trade (11,282 people) 
• Health Care & Social Assistance (10,238 people) 
• Accommodation & Food Services (7,289 people) 

The economy employs over 80.9K people, with the highest paying industries being Management of Companies & Enterprises, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. From 2019 to 2020, employment grew at a rate of 4.39%, from 77.5K to now 80.9K.  

When it comes to occupations, the most popular groups are 

• Sales & Related Occupations
• Office &Administrative Support Occupations 
• Management Occupations 

Men in Hollywood, FL, make a median of $35,319, and women make a median of 30,329. The best median earnings are in the construction and public administration industries. 

Crime Rate 

Unfortunately, the crime rate in Hollywood is considerably higher than the national average. Hollywood is not one of the safest cities in Florida, so it's essential to stay alert, protect yourself, and research the areas. Hollywood's crime rate exceeds 74% of Florida's cities and towns. 

The chance that a person will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 291. Violent crimes include armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder. Regarding vehicle theft, arson, robbery, and burglary, your chance of becoming a victim is one in 48. 

The safest neighborhoods in Hollywood are: 

1. North Beach 
2. Hollywood Hills
3. Hollywood Lakes South 
4. Hollywood Hills North 
5. Emerald Hills East 
6. Hollywood Lakes 
7. Fillmore St/N.W. 70th Ave 
8. Boulevard Heights East 
9. Playland Estates/Sunshine Park 
10. Highland Garden East 

Pros and Cons of Living in Hollywood, FL

Pros 

• Above-average schools and education systems 
• Great job market 
• Beautiful neighborhoods 
• Beaches 
• Various activities
• No state income tax

Cons 

• Cost of living 
• Weather 
• Traffic
• Abundance of tourism 

F.A.Q.s 

Here are some common questions about life in Hollywood, FL. 

Is Hollywood, FL, an excellent place to live?

Hollywood, Florida, is a great place to live for its miles of pristine beaches, fun things to do throughout the year, and abundant parks and sought-after amenities. 

What's it like to live in Hollywood, Florida? 

Hollywood, Florida, is a fantastic place to call home, offering its residents an urban feel with many delicious restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and family-friendly parks. 

Is it expensive to live in Hollywood, FL? 

Considered to be one of the most expensive cities in Florida and the country, Hollywood, Florida, is a costly place to live. 

Why do people go to Hollywood, Florida? 

Many people love to move to and visit Hollywood, Florida, for its exciting events, warm weather, vibrant arts scene, and public parks and beaches. 

Moving to Hollywood, FL - Final Thoughts 

The beautiful beachfront city of Hollywood, Florida, is best known for its miles of beaches, unique things to do, award-winning golf courses, and family-friendly atmosphere along the Atlantic Ocean. If you are moving to Florida and are ready to call Hollywood home, contact one of our knowledgeable Real Estate Specialists to kick-start your home search. Our team at UpHomes is prepared to help. Please feel free to contact us today.