The name itself inspires grand images of an exclusive and fancy life, and certainly, that is the Beverly Hills brand, however, residents will tell you that it can also feel like a friendly and livable small town. While you can choose to live in relative seclusion up in the hills, you can also live down in the flats or further south and walk to all the wonderful shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions in The Triangle and down on South Beverly Drive. Large homes on iconic palm tree-lined streets evoke imagery of old movies and epitomize the wonderful quality of life here, and it’s no exaggeration.

Beautiful examples of Spanish revival and other colonial architectural styles abound, as well as modern condominiums and full-service residential hotels. The schools are considered top-notch, the public library is one of my favorites, and the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts hosts fantastic shows. The beautiful police station made famous in Beverly Hills Cop is just across from a stretch of public park spaces that run the length of Santa Monica Blvd from Wilshire to Doheney, and is dotted with public art projects, forming a wonderful green backdrop for a nice walk with your dog or favorite friend.

Go old school with lunch at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, or high tea at the Peninsula, or enjoy a more casual meal by the pool at Vivienne at the Avalon Hotel. Hang like a local at Roxbury Park, enjoy a bagel at Nate N Al’s, and gather with friends to taste wine and cheese at Wally’s. Beverly Hills is walkable, elegant, and a very comfortable place to live.