Beverly Hills and Bel Air are two of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods located right next to each other. Tourists come to witness how the affluent and famous live, with their massive mansions, posh shops, and flashy automobiles. In reality, driving around looking at properties is one of the most popular hobbies here. But what if you want to become a resident of one of the two neighborhoods? How can you choose between the two? We decided to settle the debate between Bel Air vs Beverly Hills and help you choose where to live. So keep reading to see if you will buy your dream home in Beverly Hills or Bel Air.
Bel Air vs Beverly Hills locations
As previously stated, these neighborhoods are close to each other, just 5 to 6 miles apart. However, because Bel Air is in a mountainous region, traveling from one area to the other takes around 20 minutes. Bel Air is only one of the numerous communities that make up Los Angeles. The benefit of living in Bel Air is that you have the glamor of Los Angeles without having to cope with the drawbacks of city life, such as overcrowding and pollution. Even if you reside in Bel Air, you will probably work in Los Angeles. Because of the small distance, you will have a shorter commute, allowing you to spend more time at home. After you explore the city streets for business or to enjoy the spectacular nightlife, you can return to the calm slopes of Bel Air.
Beverly Hills, six miles northeast of Santa Monica and nine miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, is in the heart of some of Southern California's most coveted communities! Beverly Hills is bordered on the west by Westwood, home to the University of California, and on the east by West Hollywood. It has been considered one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country, and it is home to some of the country's most notable citizens, including established professionals, celebrities, and even former presidents. There aren't many reasons for people to leave the community, with beautiful California weather, award-winning food, and many luxury or vintage retail options.
Bel Air vs Beverly Hills safety
It would be best if you always considered safety while deciding where to live between Bel Air vs Beverly Hills. Therefore, take a look at some statistics on the matter:
As one might expect, crime, particularly violent crime, is uncommon in Bel Air. In reality, according to a recent study, the crime index (violent and property) in Bel Air is 60% lower than in Los Angeles. Bel Air is, therefore, safer than 85% of Los Angeles communities.
Beverly Hills has one of the highest crime rates in America, with a crime rate of 42 per thousand people. However, compared to 2021, the total crime rate in Beverley was 78 offenses per 1,000 people, so the crime rate dropped considerably. At the same time, the odds of being a victim of crime in Beverly Hills depend on the region where you reside. For instance, it can range from one in ten in the center to one in 35 towards the northwest. Therefore, some parts of Beverly Hills are safer than others.
When compared, both locations offer advantages and disadvantages in terms of safety. However, if you are planning a long-distance move to either of the two destinations, you might want to consider hiring movers to have experts at your side. Professional movers can help you relocate safely and with all your items intact to Bel Air or Beverly Hills. All you need to do is give them a call, and they will handle all the hard work.
Bel Air vs Beverly Hills living costs
Bel Air has caught up to the rest of Los Angeles. You'll spend the same as other Los Angeles residents on goods and services, public transportation, and healthcare. Of course, because LA is so pricey, these are all more expensive than the national average. After housing, transport is the most costly in Bel Air, costing 26% more than the national average. And if you want to purchase a property in Bel Air, you should expect to pay between $2 and $10 million, with some properties selling for even more than that! Of course, you get what you pay for in Bel Air. The homes here are beautiful, ranging from ranch-style estates to contemporary mansions with stunning views, gorgeous lawns, and gated entry.
When living in Beverly Hills, the average living cost is $1800, placing it in the top 21% of the world's most expensive cities. It ranks 1952nd out of 9294 on a worldwide list, 1780th out of 2202 in the United States, and 310th out of 319 in California. The average after-tax salary is $6500, which covers living costs for three and a half months. Beverly Hills is listed as the 732nd best location to live in the world, the 122nd best city to live in the United States, and the 20th most liveable city in California. Beverly Hills is the 1335th biggest city in the United States, with a population of around 33.8K. The median listed property price in Bel Air in July 2022 was $6.3M, up 14.5% since last year. The listing price per square foot was $1.2K, and the median sales price was $4.1M.
Bel Air vs Beverly Hills things to do
Bel Air is beautiful, but it is a residential area. Therefore, there aren't many activities there. At the same time, some say that the positioning of Bel Air is a blessing because of the privacy it provides. People choose to live here just because they don't want to be surrounded by shops and restaurants. Fortunately, Bel Air is also in a good position near downtown Los Angeles, where there is always something exciting to do. You'll never run out of interesting things to do in LA, from fantastic shopping to restaurants that cater to every diet and include delicacies from dozens of nationalities.
Beverly Hills is full of facilities and entertainment venues. However, many of these attractions are only available during the day. Out-of-town visitors, for example, enjoy exploring, dining, and shopping at Rodeo Drive's premium stores and cafés. There are certainly lots of sightseeing alternatives as well. Visitors are encouraged to photograph one of the city's numerous must-see attractions, such as Greystone Mansion, Mulholland Drive, or The Golden Triangle. At night, you can visit the magnificent, top-rated restaurants and some of the nation's best and most exclusive nightclubs that you can find along the Sunset Strip.
Want to move to Bel Air or Beverly Hills?
Both of these places could be your next hometown if you can afford the housing prices and the living costs. How come? Well, as you can see, there isn't a clear winner in the battle of Bel Air vs Beverly Hills - where to live. Therefore, you need to take a good look at your new home's location and the area's crime rate. If both suit your needs, you will have a clear winner. However, don't forget to follow the advice of Family Affair Moving experts and hire professional movers whenever you need to relocate. You'll be in your new house faster, safer, and without breaking a sweat.
Deciding where you want to live is an important life choice. Therefore, you should take your time and weigh all the pros and cons of Bel Air vs Beverly Hills. Take the time to evaluate why you are moving, your needs, and your budget – and the answer will be clear. Both are excellent places to live, so you won't make a mistake either way!