Universal Studios Hollywood is a well-known amusement park and film studio in the San Fernando Valley. The park, which dates back to the early 1900s, is one of LA County’s oldest film studios still in use. Many people might recognize this park as home to popular attractions, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Jurassic Park Ride, and the World-Famous Studio Tour.

Thanks to these renowned attractions, millions of visitors come to the area every year. While visitors can easily stay at a nearby hotel in Universal City, there aren’t as many options when it comes to residing in Universal City itself. However, there are several surrounding neighborhoods that are conveniently close to both the park as well as local amenities.

Below is a list of the best neighborhoods if you want to live near Universal Studios.

North Hollywood

Colorful Condos in NOHO

Located a 12-minute drive from Universal Studios is the eclectic neighborhood of North Hollywood. For those who don’t want to drive to Universal City, simply hop onto the Metro at the Lankershim/Victory station and take it directly to the Universal/Studio City stop. The commute typically takes about 40 minutes.

There are several reasons to live in North Hollywood, but one of the city’s main draws is its growing cultural center known as NoHo Arts District. Since NoHo consists of many offbeat restaurants, independent performance theaters, and several reputable art galleries, many creatives and artists live in the area.

Studio City

Homes in the Studio City Neighborhood

Studio Citysits directly west of Universal Studios, putting it only 10 minutes away from the park and Universal CityWalk. This tree-lined residential neighborhood is not just popular among tourists, it’s also home to many of Hollywood’s elite, including entertainment professionals and celebrities. As the name suggests, Studio City is full of studios, including CBS Studios, Studio City Sound, and of course, Universal Studios. 

Many homes in this neighborhood have a rich history, especially since many of them were built in the early 1900s. Individuals looking to purchase in this neighborhood can find a range of homes available, ranging from townhomes to luxury condos to expansive estates.

Glendale

Welcome to Glendale!

For those who want to live east of Universal, Glendale is 18 minutes away. It’s well-known for The Americana at Brand, its famous outdoor shopping center, which offers locals and visitors a premier destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and residences. In fact, many of the restaurants in this neighborhood are not just diverse, they’re also world-famous. These popular restaurants include Adana for Middle Eastern cuisine, Din Tai Fung for traditional Asian-style items, and family-owned Porto’s Bakery, which is known for Cuban pastries. Since the city is along several county borders, Glendale is a central area for those who wish to stay close to Los Angeles County, the San Fernando Valley, and even the San Gabriel Valley.

Toluca Lake

Aerial view of Toluca Lake and Universal City / Shutterstock

Directly north of the famous amusement park is the inviting neighborhood of Toluca Lake. A city filled with charming mom-and-pop shops and boutique stores as well as affluent and close-knit residents, Toluca Lake is comparable to other upscale areas such as Calabasas and Marina del Rey. True to its name, there is indeed a historic body of natural water that sits towards the southeastern edge of the city. However, since the lake is owned by the area’s surrounding landowners, public access is limited. Toluca Lake has been home to several notable individuals, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Viola Davis, and Miley Cyrus.

Hollywood Hills

Restaurant and homes in Hollywood Hills

Homeowners who want to stay close to the city of Los Angeles, while being able to access Universal Studios, can head south towards Hollywood Hills. This hillside enclave is only a 10-minute drive away from the park, and it’s ideal for active homeowners who enjoy living in an area with plenty of greenspace and hiking trails. Like many neighborhoods in LA County, there are some things to learn about buying a home in the area. However, this particular San Fernando Valley neighborhood is highly desirable to potential buyers thanks to its overall privacy, upscale estates, proximity to nature, and easy access to many of LA’s attractions.