Hollywood, FL

Located on the Atlantic seaboard, just north of the Miami metropolitan area, Hollywood, Florida, encompasses 30 square miles and is home to more than 142,000 people. The city is also the location of the Seminole Indian Reservation, a politically independent entity. Nicknamed the "Diamond of the Gold Coast," the city actively pursues preservation of surrounding wildlife and nature habitats and strongly supports the arts and cultural communities of South Florida.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

All of the population in Hollywood is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Hollywood accommodate more than 68,000 houses, out of which more than 59,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 37,000 are owner-occupied while renters occupy around 22,000 houses. The median home price in Hollywood is a little higher than the statewide median.

The walkability of the city is very good as most of the amenities are located near the center of the city.

The City of Hollywood divides its residential neighborhoods into eight separate regions:

• The US 441/SR 7 Corridor includes the residential neighborhoods of Beverly Park, LawnAcres and Washington Park as well as the undefined residential areas east and west ofUS 441/SR 7 north of Hollywood Boulevard.
• East Hollywood includes the residential neighborhood of the Lakes, West Lakeand the ill-defined residential areas between Federal and Dixie Highways.
• East Central Hollywood includes the residential neighborhoods of Liberia/Oakwood Hills, North Central and South Central.
• Hollywood Beach is comprised of three very distinct areas: North Beach, Central Beach and South Beach.
• The Port Everglades area is comprised of Port Everglades, West Lake Park and John Lloyd State Park.
• The West-Central Hollywood area is comprised of the residential neighborhoods of HollywoodHills, Park East and Hillcrest.
• The North Hollywood area includes the residential areas of Emerald Hills, Oakridge and theindustrial/office area of Port 95 Commerce Park.
• West Hollywood includes the residential neighborhoods of Boulevard Heights and Driftwood and is adjacent to the Seminole Indian Reservation.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Hollywood provides easy access to Port Everglades, the second busiest cruise port in the world, as well as the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The business community is dominated by service industries and retail trade. The city has more employment than the national average in the retail and wholesale trades, but less than half the employment in manufacturing industries than the national average. With more than 15 linear miles of commercial corridors, business opportunities abound. The city has undertaken ambitious land use and zoning changes to accommodate future growth while preserving its historic character.

The major employers are City of Hollywood, Memorial Healthcare Systems, Weston Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood Diagnostics Center, Brandsmart USA, Laboratory Corporation of America, HIP Administrators, FedEx, St. Ives, Toyota of Hollywood, HEICO Corporation, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

SHOPPING

• Downtown Hollywood Art and Design District: Home to popular boutiques and bistros, the Downtown Hollywood District has brick-paved streets that give the area a small-town feel, blended with a variety of specialty artisan shops and art deco exhibit galleries.
• Aventura Mall: An upscale mall anchored by Nordstroms and Macy's, the Aventura Mall is the fifth-largest shopping center in the United States, covering more than 2,400,000 square feet and housing some 250 department and specialty stores.
• Seminole Paradise: With a blend of trendy shops, themed restaurants, and popular nightclubs, the Seminole Paradise is located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood and draws visitors from around southern Florida to special events, performances, and concerts.
• Oakwood Plaza: A popular outdoor mall, anchored by a number of popular national retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Regal Cinema. Oakwood Plaza remains a favorite local shopping destination.

BEST BETS

• Hollywood Beach Broadwalk: More than two miles long, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk draws outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers to its broad pedestrian promenade. Recognized as among the nation's top nostalgic promenades, the Broadwalk is lined with shops, cafés, and hotels.
• ArtsPark at Young Circle: Located in Downtown Hollywood, ArtsPark is a ten-acre park with children's play areas and a pedestrian promenade, as well as a number of locations for resting, picnicking, and refreshing. The park often serves as the location for local cultural events.
• Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Museum: The museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Seminole people, with historical films, rare artifacts, nature trails, and living exhibits. The museum is located amid the swamplands of the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation.
• Billie Swamp Safari and Everglades Adventures: Hosted by the Seminole Reservation, the Billie Swamp Safari offers daily tours of more than 2,000 acres of reservation wetlands, hardwood groves, and natural sloughs. Guests will spot a variety of native wildlife.
• Historic Downtown: Hollywood's historic downtown remains one of its most popular tourist, as well as shopping and cultural, destinations. Much of the area reflects art deco design, and guests can enjoy six blocks of brick-lined streets with distinctive cafés, shops, and galleries.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

In addition to shopping and tourist attractions, Hollywood has a thriving arts and cultural scene, including theater and music, as well as the performing and visual arts.

• Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers exhibitions, performances, and plays.
• Hollywood Beach Theatre hosts live concerts and plays in a seaside venue.
• Hollywood Philharmonic Orchestra performs a full season of concerts.
• Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center offers a variety of performances, exhibits, and educational programs.
• Hollywood Playhouse produces Broadway and Off-Broadway favorites.
• Hollywood area art galleries include the Ansu Gallery, the Lowe Gallery, the Mosaica, and the New Star Art Gallery.

EVENTS

The city of Hollywood draws a number of events every year, including ones hosted by local performing arts organizations and by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Other popular events include the following:

• Brazil on the Beach: This event is an annual three-day celebration of Brazilian music and sports, including samba and footvolley.
• Vintage South Florida: This annual celebration of south Florida history and culture includes outdoor exhibits, vintage cars, live entertainment, and family activities.
• Mardi Gras Fiesta Tropicale: Every year thousands attend the weeklong Mardi Gras festival that features elaborate parades, live entertainment, and authentic cuisine.
• Groundhog Day on Hollywood Beach: Every spring the Hollywood Beach Lifeguard Team hosts a Groundhog Day event complete with a traditional dip into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Seaside Craft Fair: Newly inaugurated, the Seaside Craft Fair draws more than 100 artisans displaying jewelry, clothing, paintings, pottery, and more along the Broadwalk.

EDUCATION

Romanian Theological Institute: A small, private, not-for-profit college with programs in theology, management, literature, and social work, the Romanian Theological Institute is affiliated with the Romanian Adventist Church and enrolls more than 500 students annually.

Other degree-granting institutions of higher education in the Greater Miami metropolitan area include:

• Nova Southeastern University
• Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton
• Barry University
• Broward Community College
• Miami-Dade Community College
• Keiser College
• Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale