About Sunset Strip – A Slice
of History
The Sunset Strip is a small section of Sunset Boulevard. Only one and a half miles
long it is one of the most well known real estate names in the world. It begins
at the eastern border of West Hollywood and ends at Sierra Drive in Beverly Hills.
When driving down Sunset Boulevard it is easy to recognize The Strip by the colorful
billboards, boutiques, rock clubs, nightclubs, and possibly even a celebrity walking
by. These venues are clustered on the strip but with the variety of stops along
the way allow plenty of time for a walk down this famous lane.
There are lovely and eclectic housing areas both on the Strip and on the streets
surrounding the strip. Options include pleasant single-family neighborhoods with
manicured lawns and lush landscaping, attractive and well appointed townhouse and
condominium communities, and yes, mansions and estates as well. While you can find
homes on Sunset Strip listed at over $25 million dollars there are many affordable
housing choices
Shopping here is an experience. Sometimes the area is referred to as “Guitar Row”
because there are so many guitar stores and music related business on the street.
You will also find unique shops, boutiques, and emporiums that are fun to browse.
Practical needs are not forgotten and there are grocery stores and drug stores as
well. Just take your time and appreciate the history and diversity of what you are
experiencing. Hungry shoppers will find an endless choice of options ranging from
fast food to fine dining to upscale fine dining in restaurants at some of the exclusive
hotels. Or for tired shoppers that just need a rest there are sidewalk cafes where
you can get off your feet, take a break, and people watch.
Nightlife is synonymous with Sunset Strip. The area is famous for coming alive at
night with bright neon lights and many nightclubs, theaters, and bars. The choices
accommodate a myriad of tastes. You can sip a drink and listen to some jazz, dance
the night way at a club, or go to see a rock and roll band. If you are looking for
a night on the town you have come to the right place.
When living here the shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities are within walking
distance and readily enjoyed. Located just below the Hollywood Hills the area also
offers residents easy access to the many nearby parks and recreation areas. Spend
the day hiking or biking along beautiful mountain trails that offer scenic views
of the city. Take the family for a picnic and enjoy the open green space while your
children romp in the playground and play Frisbee with the dog. Enjoy riding horseback
over secluded trails and observe the animals and plants native to the area.
The history of the area reads like a Who's Who of the entertainment industry. Visit
the venue where The Doors, The Who, and the Kinks (among others) got their start,
have a drink where Marilyn Monroe went on her first blind date with Joe DiMaggio,
or where Vincent Minnelli proposed to Judy Garland. The rich history of the area
begins in the 1930s when it was a favorite gathering place for the stars and the
power brokers that made their careers. When the scene lost its luster for the movie
folk in the early 1960s it became a haven for the counterculture and a popular spot
for musicians and the bands of the time. In the 1990s increased real estate prices
and industry sponsored venues that required musicians to pay to play weakened the
appeal of the area. However the clubs, restaurants, and colorful lifestyle remain
to be enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.
Sunset Strip uniquely combines the glamor of movie legends and music stars with
welcoming neighborhoods and quaint lushly landscaped living complexes. Residents
and visitors alike can enjoy the magic of a walk down the Strip, the convenience
of daily necessities, and a visit to nearby picturesque parks for exercising or
relaxation. The area is a wonderful mix of the southern California lifestyle.
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