Coyotes, the Strip and Houdini Are All Part of L.A.’s Hollywood Hills

There are more than a dozen diverse communities in Hollywood Hills, which is within the city of Los Angeles.

Here is a sampling of Hollywood Hills neighborhoods, from west to east:

* The Sunset Strip area (between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Boulevard):

Homes range from $700,000 to $7 million. Described as the “most exciting area of Hollywood Hills,” the Strip also has been termed “terribly urban with a ton of nightclub noise.”

Victor Kaminoff, director of architectural and unique properties for the Sunset office of Coldwell Banker, identified three areas within the Sunset Strip: Sunset Plaza, where modern and traditional homes are priced from $700,000; Doheny Estates, with large traditional homes priced from $1 million; and Kings and Queens roads, with an eclectic mix of homes from $700,000.

* Laurel Canyon:

“This was hippiedom in the ‘60s,” Kaminoff said. “It still has country retreats and rustic homes.

“A lot of young actors like it as a first place to live. It’s quiet and private, with rustic charm and some views.”

Charlie Chaplin and Houdini lived there. Homes sell from $300,000 to $1 million.

* Mount Olympus is an area of Laurel Canyon. It was a 1970s development that now has some custom homes.

“It has wide streets and great square footage and views,” said Kaminoff.

* Nichols Canyon:

Somewhat out of the way, the area has been described as suited to someone who likes to drive.

“There are a lot of Spanish homes up there designed by architect Fred Smathers. Houses have been built there from the ‘50s on,” said Kaminoff.

* Outpost Estates (between La Brea and Highland avenues):

Built in the ‘20s and ‘30s, its was developed by Charles Toberman, who had the foresight to bury the telephone lines.

Homes in the area, most of which feature Spanish architecture, have held their value well during the last 10 years, said Kaminoff.

“We’re seeing speculators fixing up and reselling in Outpost Estates now,” said Judy Ross of Coldwell Banker, Beverly Hills. “There’s a lot of consumer confidence.”

* Whitley Heights:

Many stars lived here in the ‘20s, including Jean Harlow. Values haven’t risen as quickly as in other areas because of noise from the 101 Freeway in some places, Realtors said.

But it has some of “the most authentic Spanish architecture in the city,” said Kaminoff. A 4,000-square-foot Spanish-style house can be purchased there for $500,000 to $600,000.

There are also a number of Art Deco houses in the neighborhood.

* Beachwood Canyon:

Best known for the Hollywood sign, it also has a little village that is considered charming. Prices range from $300,000 to more than $1.5 million. Roads are winding and lend the area a European feel. Homeowners like the privacy and views.

There is a mix of architecture, including Spanish and mid-century homes, according to Kaminoff.

* The Oaks (part of Los Feliz, between Beachwood Canyon and Griffith Park):

There are five entrances to Griffith Park through the Oaks, which has about 350 houses and underground power lines. The area is noted for attracting celebrities.

* Los Feliz:

Prices range from $600,000 to $5 million for homes north of Los Feliz Boulevard. The area has Spanish houses from the ‘20s and ‘30s and city views.

Shopping is popular on Hillhurst and Vermont avenues, which offer “young, cool Hollywood shops,” Kaminoff said.