Hollywood Lakes, Hollywood’s oldest neighborhood, located east of U.S. 1 between Washington and Johnson Streets, is desirable not only for its charming historic houses but also for its pedestrian friendly environment. Homes occupy 50’ frontage lots clustered around green public spaces that include Hollywood Golf and Country Club, Young Circle, North and South Lakes and Jefferson Park. The historic neighborhood of Hollywood Lakes maintains its 1920s character, even while offering a more modern vibe to potential new residents. The Hollywood community was developed as a luxury-living neighborhood, catering to wealthy yacht owners drawn to the manmade twin lakes’ easy access to the Intercoastal Waterway. The number of condominiums and high-rise apartments has risen steadily since the neighborhood was developed. Now, potential residents can choose dozens of high floor condominiums, some with stunning views of the North Ocean Drive and the ocean.
Mid-to-large-sized homes were built along tree-lined streets in Mediterranean, Art Deco, Mission and Spanish Colonial styes. The most grandiose homes lined the main boulevard, providing visitors their first impression. Some of those homes still exist and have undergone renovations. On some streets, Mediterranean Revival-style homes made of limestone and terra cotta dominate. The homes are characterized by gabled roofs covered with barrel tiles, doors and windows highlighted with spiral columns, stone carvings or tile, balconies and porches that flow from inside. Homes vary from 2-9 bedrooms and range from 1,390 square feet to 12,845 square feet in living area.
Many of the houses built in the 1920’s were designed to capture the southeast breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. Hollywood Lakes was planned as a large residential section of expensive homes with twin manmade lakes flanking Hollywood Boulevard as focal points for beauty, symmetry, and aquatic activities. Open porches served as venues for entertainment and garages were built at the rear of the lots and alleys for easy maintenance and the alleys were to be used as walking paths.
One of the defining features of Hollywood Lakes is its close proximity to beautiful sandy beaches. Hollywood Beach and South Florida’s beautiful coastline is less than 5 miles. Like most of Florida’s east coast, Hollywood has miles of sunny beaches, charming boardwalks and interesting sites from jogging on the beach to chartering a boat for deep sea fishing. Recreational and leisure activities range from the lush greens of public golf courses dotting the area and parks hosting local events to iconic destinations like Hard Rock Casino. In the heart of Hollywood Hills, vibrant amenities are within easy reach, from the shopping to a myriad of diverse dining options. Fitness and wellness are also well catered to in Hollywood Hills with popular health clubs. It is Home to Memorial /Joe Di Maggio Children's Hospital and other healthcare facilities.
Open green spaces include the Hollywood Golf and Country Club, Young Circle, Jefferson Park and North and South Lakes which are popular spots for water-skiers. Several parks are in and around Hollywood Lakes, including neighborhood favorite West Lake Park. In addition to athletic amenities and biking and jogging paths, the 15-acre urban park has a boat ramp, a busy marina, fishing areas and shrub- and tree-filled wetlands.
The Hollywood Lakes neighborhood enjoys easy access to highways and thoroughfares, including I95 and the Florida Turnpike, allowing easy traveling to nearby cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami. There is convenient accessibility to the train station and Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Shopping, dining options and entertainment are all near by.