Neighborhood Spotlight: Hancock Park

"Architects including Wallace Neff and Lloyd Wright built in a variety of styles while preserving the essential character of the neighborhood - an upscale charm that survives to this day. Every popular style of the 1920s can be found in Hancock Park, which makes it one of those magical L.A. places where movies that are set around the world can be filmed, all without leaving the 30-mile zone."

"Hancock Park has also become more inclusive: Where Nat King Cole was once shunned by his neighbors and Jews were barred by law, the neighborhood now boasts a thriving community of Orthodox Jews and is more diverse than many other posh L.A. neighborhoods."

"Not surprisingly, movie stars including Mae West, Ava Gardner and Clark Gable made the neighborhood a hot spot in Hollywood's Golden Age. More recently, well-to-do professionals have been drawn to the beautiful homes and large lots, and some of the stars who had moved west to Beverly Hills have returned as well."

Hancock Park originated as an oil field owned by the Hancock family over 100 years ago. After oil reserves depleted, G. Allan Hancock subdivided the land into residential lots. Renowned architects including Wallace Neff and Lloyd Wright designed homes in varied 1920s styles while maintaining neighborhood character. The area attracted Hollywood celebrities like Mae West, Ava Gardner, and Clark Gable during cinema's Golden Age. Today, the neighborhood draws affluent professionals and returning entertainment industry figures. Hancock Park has evolved significantly in inclusivity, now featuring a thriving Orthodox Jewish community and greater diversity, contrasting sharply with its historically exclusionary practices. The neighborhood offers central Los Angeles convenience with proximity to Larchmont Village, Hollywood, major avenues, and upcoming transit connections.

Read at Los Angeles Times