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Moving to Hollywood

Hollywood, Florida — not to be confused with its Californian namesake — is a beach city with serious character wedged between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Founded in 1925 by a developer from Hollywood, California (hence the name), it was planned from the start as a resort destination. A century later, it's evolved into something more interesting: a genuinely diverse, mid-priced coastal city with one of the best boardwalks in South Florida, a historic downtown with real personality, and neighborhoods that range from beachfront to working-class to quietly upscale.

Here's what we'll cover:

Why is Everyone Moving to Hollywood, FL?

Things to Know Before Moving to Hollywood, FL

The Pros and Cons of Living in Hollywood, FL

Moving to Hollywood, FL FAQ's

Thinking About Moving to Hollywood, FL?

Things to Know Before Moving to Hollywood

Before moving to Hollywood, FL, know that the city's personality centers on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — a 2.5-mile paved promenade along the ocean that's one of the most beloved public spaces in South Florida. Unlike Miami's flashy scene, the Broadwalk has a laid-back, multigenerational vibe: grandparents on evening strolls, families on bikes, street musicians, and oceanfront restaurants where you can eat grouper with sand between your toes. Downtown Hollywood, centered on Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, has been revitalizing with new restaurants, murals, and a monthly ArtWalk that draws crowds.

Housing in Hollywood offers genuine range. Beachside condos and apartments near the Broadwalk run $1,700 to $2,400, while the western neighborhoods and areas around the Seminole Hard Rock offer one-bedrooms for $1,400 to $1,800. Roommate shares average $800 to $1,300 — quite reasonable for a city with direct ocean access.

The local economy is anchored by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino — a massive entertainment complex that's one of the largest employers in Broward County. Memorial Healthcare System (headquartered here), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (partially in Hollywood), and a mix of hospitality and retail round out the job market. Most professional workers commute to Fort Lauderdale or Miami. The drive to Fort Lauderdale is 15-20 minutes; to Miami, 25-40 minutes via I-95.

Pros & Cons of Living in Hollywood

Hollywood, FL gives you direct beach access, the beloved Broadwalk, and a diverse community at prices well below Miami Beach. The downtown revival is adding real nightlife and cultural options. The trade-offs are an uneven feel between neighborhoods, traffic on I-95 and US-1, and a city that's still polishing its identity between Fort Lauderdale's shine and Miami's gravity. For beach lovers who want character over glitz and community over scene, Hollywood is a genuine find.

Pros of Living in Hollywood

The Broadwalk — South Florida's Best Boardwalk

The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is 2.5 miles of paved oceanfront promenade that feels like a European seaside passeggiata. Bikers, joggers, families, and street musicians share the space. Beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood at reasonable prices. It's less pretentious than South Beach and more vibrant than most Florida boardwalks — the kind of place that becomes your daily ritual.

Affordable Beach-City Living

Hollywood gives you direct ocean access at prices that Miami Beach and even Fort Lauderdale's beach areas can't match. Roommate shares near the Broadwalk run $1,000-$1,400, and western neighborhoods offer even lower options. For the price of a studio in South Beach, you can split a two-bedroom near the water.

Between Fort Lauderdale and Miami

Hollywood's central location is a genuine advantage. Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas and nightlife are 15-20 minutes north. Miami's Wynwood, Brickell, and South Beach are 25-40 minutes south. You get to tap into two major cities' amenities while living in a quieter, more affordable home base.

Downtown Hollywood Revival

Hollywood Boulevard and the surrounding downtown blocks have been coming alive with new restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and the monthly ArtWalk. The historic architecture gives it more character than typical Florida strip-mall corridors. It's not fully there yet, but the momentum is visible and the early-mover prices are appealing.

Genuine Cultural Diversity

Hollywood is home to large Latin American, Caribbean, and European communities. French-Canadian snowbirds have a long-established presence near the beach. The diversity shows up in the food — Haitian griot, Peruvian ceviche, and French-Canadian poutine can all be found within a few miles. It's an authentically mixed city, not a monoculture.

Cons of Moving to Hollywood

Neighborhood Quality Varies Widely

Hollywood's neighborhoods range from beachfront luxury to areas that need significant investment. The contrast between east and west, and even block to block, can be stark. Some pockets have higher crime and lower maintenance. Researching your specific neighborhood is essential before signing a lease.

I-95 and US-1 Traffic

I-95 through Hollywood is perpetually congested, and US-1 (Federal Highway) moves slowly during rush hours. The main east-west corridors like Hollywood Boulevard and Sheridan Street back up as well. If you commute to Fort Lauderdale or Miami, budget for traffic delays.

Limited Public Transit

Broward County Transit serves Hollywood but the routes are slow and infrequent. There's no rail connecting Hollywood to neighboring cities (Brightline doesn't stop here). A car is effectively required for commuting and most daily errands outside the immediate beach area.

Hurricane and Flood Exposure

Hollywood's low elevation and coastal location make it vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. Beach-area properties face storm surge risk, and even inland areas can flood during heavy rain events. Insurance costs are high and rising across South Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Hollywood

Is Hollywood, FL a good place to live?

What is Hollywood, FL known for?

What is the cost of living in Hollywood, FL?

Is Hollywood, FL safe?

Thinking About Moving to Hollywood?

For neighborhoods in Hollywood, the beachside east of the Intracoastal is premium territory with the Broadwalk, ocean views, and a vacation-town feel. Downtown Hollywood offers walkability and nightlife at more moderate prices. The Lakes section in central Hollywood is a middle-class residential area with parks and neighborhood character. Western Hollywood near the Hard Rock and Seminole reservation is more suburban and affordable. Using Roommates.com will help you connect with people already living in Hollywood and find a roommate who matches your lifestyle and budget.

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