These places where stars have settled in California
By Stéphane Renard
On February 6, 2026
For a century, actors, singers, and producers in Hollywood have turned some neighborhoods into well-known places where wealth, privacy, and the Pacific sunlight come together.
Southern California has attracted movie stars, musicians, and entertainers since Hollywood began. These celebrities chose certain neighborhoods to settle in, creating residential areas that became known around the world. This collection brings together the most characteristic neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Malibu, Palm Springs, and their surroundings. Beverly Hills has palm-lined avenues, Hollywood Hills overlooks the city, Malibu offers private beaches with homes directly on the Pacific Ocean, and Palm Springs features modern estates at the foot of the mountains. Each area has its own character - from the quiet streets of Bel Air to the winding roads of Brentwood, from the beach towns of Santa Monica and Venice to hidden locations like Hidden Hills and Calabasas. Walking through these neighborhoods reveals striking architecture, well-tended gardens, and explains why so many performers chose to live here. Buildings like the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, the Sinatra House in Palm Springs, and Hearst Castle in San Simeon show the style and luxury that defines these areas. A walk along Mulholland Drive or the Bird Streets offers views of these homes and insight into American stardom's history. These places remain symbols of success and California glamour.
These places where stars have settled in California
By Stéphane Renard
On February 6, 2026
For a century, actors, singers, and producers in Hollywood have turned some neighborhoods into well-known places where wealth, privacy, and the Pacific sunlight come together.
Southern California has attracted movie stars, musicians, and entertainers since Hollywood began. These celebrities chose certain neighborhoods to settle in, creating residential areas that became known around the world. This collection brings together the most characteristic neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Malibu, Palm Springs, and their surroundings. Beverly Hills has palm-lined avenues, Hollywood Hills overlooks the city, Malibu offers private beaches with homes directly on the Pacific Ocean, and Palm Springs features modern estates at the foot of the mountains. Each area has its own character - from the quiet streets of Bel Air to the winding roads of Brentwood, from the beach towns of Santa Monica and Venice to hidden locations like Hidden Hills and Calabasas. Walking through these neighborhoods reveals striking architecture, well-tended gardens, and explains why so many performers chose to live here. Buildings like the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, the Sinatra House in Palm Springs, and Hearst Castle in San Simeon show the style and luxury that defines these areas. A walk along Mulholland Drive or the Bird Streets offers views of these homes and insight into American stardom's history. These places remain symbols of success and California glamour.
In this article
25 places to discover — Don't miss the last!
Los Angeles, United States
Pacific Palisades is a residential coastal neighborhood of Los Angeles set on green hills that slope toward the Pacific Ocean. The area features large houses surrounded by mature trees and well-maintained gardens. Actors, musicians, and film producers have chosen to settle here over the years. The neighborhood maintains a quiet character despite its wealth. Streets wind through the hills with ocean views, and a small village center offers restaurants and shops. Most residents value the privacy, and tree-lined streets create a separation from the rest of the city.
Where the cliffs drop into the Pacific and the eye wanders to the sea horizon, Point Dume forms a rocky headland that extends into the ocean.
Malibu, United States
Point Dume is a residential neighborhood in Malibu where homes sit directly above the Pacific Ocean. The properties here belong to actors, musicians, and other entertainment figures such as Chris Hemsworth and Cher. The area features modern architecture and spacious residences with private beach access. This neighborhood shows how celebrities choose to live when they want to escape the activity of the city.
Palm Springs, United States
The Palm Springs Movie Colony is a residential neighborhood where movie stars and entertainers have lived since the 1940s. The homes feature mid-century modern architecture with clean lines, large windows, and open living spaces that blend indoor and outdoor areas. Famous residents like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley made their homes here. Located at the base of the mountains in the desert, this neighborhood offered a retreat from Hollywood's bustle. Walking through the streets, you can see the carefully designed gardens and the distinctive homes that shaped an era of American residential design.
Rancho Mirage, United States
Rancho Mirage sits in the Coachella Valley and emerged as an exclusive residential destination for wealthy residents and American presidents starting in the 1960s. The villas display modernist architecture and spread across the flat desert landscape between golf courses and palm trees. Houses stand far apart from each other, offering their residents considerable privacy. Walking through the streets reveals well-maintained grounds despite the arid surroundings. This place represents wealth and quiet sophistication set against the desert.
Palm Springs, United States
The Sinatra House is the historic residence of Frank Sinatra in Palm Springs. The house shows the architecture and lifestyle of the mid-20th century. Visitors can explore the property on guided tours and learn more about the life of the legendary singer. The rooms preserve the spirit of that era and provide insight into how Sinatra and his guests lived here. This residence reflects the glamour and refinement that defined Palm Springs during that time.
San Simeon, California, United States
Hearst Castle in San Simeon was the residence of publisher William Randolph Hearst and is now open to visitors as a museum. The building mixes European architectural styles with Californian influences. This property shows how wealthy people lived in California during the 20th century. With its many rooms, art collections, and grounds, Hearst Castle lets visitors see the luxury of a past era.
Palm Springs, United States
The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway is a historic home in Palm Springs that served as Elvis Presley's honeymoon retreat. This residence displays mid-20th century architecture and style, allowing visitors to see how the music legend lived. The rooms keep their original furnishings and decorations, offering a glimpse into Elvis' private world. Today, the house welcomes visitors who want to discover this important place in entertainment history.
Malibu, United States
This historic waterfront section of Malibu contains homes that once belonged to legendary Hollywood stars, including Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart. The houses line the Pacific Ocean, protected behind gates and hedges, reflecting the golden age of American cinema when actors sought refuge away from the studios.
Beverly Hills, United States
Trousdale Estates sits in the hills of Beverly Hills, a residential neighborhood that has drawn major figures from American entertainment since the 1960s. Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Jane Fonda all owned homes in this area, shaping its history and reputation. The houses often feature modernist design with large windows and clean architectural lines that reflect the California style of that era. Streets wind between the properties, offering views of the city below and revealing architecture that shows why celebrities chose these sunny hillside locations.
Beverly Hills, California, United States
The Beverly Hills Flats is a residential neighborhood south of Sunset Boulevard where generations of film and music stars have made their homes. As you walk through the wide, tree-lined streets, you can spot the houses of Jennifer Aniston, Adele, and Katy Perry, among many other entertainment figures. This area represents the glamour and appeal that California holds for creative talent.
Holmby Hills, United States
Holmby Hills is one of the most secluded neighborhoods in Los Angeles, where villas belonging to several generations of celebrities are located. Marilyn Monroe, Hugh Hefner, and more recently Kylie Jenner have lived in this district where properties are protected behind high walls and imposing gates. Tree-lined streets cross estates that can span several acres, and the houses themselves remain hidden from public view.
Los Angeles, United States
Laurel Canyon is a neighborhood of wooded hills that drew musicians to Los Angeles during the 1960s and 1970s. The winding streets housed the homes of Jim Morrison, Joni Mitchell and Jared Leto, along with many other artists who found a creative refuge away from the bustle of the city. This neighborhood is part of California's music history and represents the artistic spirit that attracted stars.
Los Angeles, United States
Bel Air in Los Angeles stretches across hills north of the city, with winding roads that climb through dense vegetation where gates mark the entrances to sprawling estates. Here you can spot the residences of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and in Upper Bel Air, properties connected to Prince, Taylor Swift and other entertainment figures. The homes remain hidden behind tall hedges and walls, but the architecture visible from the street shows a mix of styles, from California modernism to villas with Mediterranean influence. The neighborhood stays quiet, with light traffic and green spaces that create a sense of retreat from the rest of the city.
Palm Springs, USA
The Marilyn Monroe House Museum in Palm Springs is a house dedicated to the legendary actress. It tells her life story and career through exhibitions and personal objects. Visitors can walk through rooms that show the life of one of Hollywood's greatest stars. The building is part of Palm Springs architecture, a place where many celebrities chose to live.
Los Angeles, United States
Mulholland Drive is a panoramic road that winds through the Hollywood Hills above Los Angeles. From this ridge, you can see the entire city and the valley spreading below. The road became famous because many celebrities and entertainment industry figures built their homes here. As you drive along it, you see large villas behind walls and gates, modern buildings, and well-maintained gardens. This is a place where you can directly feel the history of Hollywood and the wealth of California's entertainment industry.
Hidden Hills, United States
Hidden Hills is a gated community northwest of Los Angeles, hidden behind gates and hedges. This residential area has long attracted musicians and entertainment figures seeking privacy. Among the residents are The Weeknd, Kendall Jenner and other well-known personalities who have chosen to make their homes there.
Los Angeles, United States
The Bird Streets are located in Hollywood Hills West and home to villas owned by numerous celebrities including Drake and Jodie Foster. The streets bear bird names and climb along the hillsides, offering open views of Los Angeles and the surrounding basin. The properties are often hidden behind hedges and gates in a quiet setting, despite being near downtown.
Los Angeles, United States
Brentwood is a residential neighborhood on the West Side of Los Angeles where many celebrities and athletes own homes. Tree-lined streets slope upward into the hills, where houses sit hidden behind gates and hedges. The area feels quiet and private, with few shops and a gentle flow of traffic that stands in contrast to the bustle elsewhere in the city. In the higher elevations, you find homes that once belonged to prominent figures from entertainment and sports. The neighborhood reflects a discreet lifestyle typical of this part of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, United States
Encino Hills is a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles that attracts wealthy television producers and celebrities. Situated north of Sunset Boulevard, this area features spacious properties scattered across gently rolling hills. Large contemporary homes stand amid lush gardens and private streets. These quiet, tree-lined streets offer a retreat for entertainment industry professionals. Encino Hills maintains an exclusive character while remaining closer to downtown than other celebrity neighborhoods. The combination of privacy and proximity to the heart of the entertainment industry makes it a sought-after residence for people working in the business.
Los Angeles, United States
Sunset Strip Hills is a residential area in the hills of Los Angeles that rises above Sunset Boulevard. Homes of well-known figures such as Rihanna and Keanu Reeves sit on steep slopes with clear views over the city. Narrow streets wind between residences, protected by gates and dense vegetation. This location offers residents privacy and security within the busy city of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, California, United States
Sunset Plaza Drive winds through the hills of Los Angeles and is home to residences of film stars and entertainment figures. This street has drawn successful actors and musicians for decades with its exclusive addresses. The homes here offer views of the city and sit in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. Walking through this area, you see architecture from different periods and well-maintained properties that explain why so many celebrities have chosen to live here.
Los Angeles, United States
Studio City Hills is a residential neighborhood in the hills of Los Angeles near Warner and Universal Studios. This area was shaped by film stars and entertainment personalities who built their homes here. The streets wind through the heights, revealing large villas with spacious grounds surrounded by trees and gardens. The neighborhood combines proximity to the film industry with a quiet residential character, making it a sought-after location for entertainment professionals.
Toluca Lake, United States
Toluca Lake is a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles where Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope lived for many years. Their presence later attracted other famous musicians and actors who helped shape this quiet area of the city. The neighborhood features spacious homes lined with mature trees and maintains a family-oriented character. The streets are less hectic than other well-known areas, and the residences are set back from the road, providing privacy and a sense of calm that has endured over time.
Los Angeles, United States
Sherman Oaks Hills is a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles that has drawn many television and film professionals. Located north of the Hollywood center, this area offers spacious lots, tree-lined streets, and a quieter feel than Beverly Hills. Houses range from contemporary designs to older classic villas with character. Residents appreciate the proximity to studios and production facilities as well as a more discreet alternative to better-known Hollywood neighborhoods. Families and entertainment industry professionals have settled here, creating a reserved community behind hedges and gates, where privacy is protected while remaining near workplaces.
Calabasas, United States
Calabasas is a residential community in Los Angeles County that is home to several gated enclaves where celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner reside. These secured neighborhoods attract entertainment industry figures who seek a degree of privacy while remaining close to Hollywood studios.
Pacific Palisades is a residential coastal neighborhood of Los Angeles set on green hills that slope toward the Pacific Ocean. The area features large houses surrounded by mature trees and well-maintained gardens. Actors, musicians, and film producers have chosen to settle here over the years. The neighborhood maintains a quiet character despite its wealth. Streets wind through the hills with ocean views, and a small village center offers restaurants and shops. Most residents value the privacy, and tree-lined streets create a separation from the rest of the city.
Point Dume is a residential neighborhood in Malibu where homes sit directly above the Pacific Ocean. The properties here belong to actors, musicians, and other entertainment figures such as Chris Hemsworth and Cher. The area features modern architecture and spacious residences with private beach access. This neighborhood shows how celebrities choose to live when they want to escape the activity of the city.
The Palm Springs Movie Colony is a residential neighborhood where movie stars and entertainers have lived since the 1940s. The homes feature mid-century modern architecture with clean lines, large windows, and open living spaces that blend indoor and outdoor areas. Famous residents like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley made their homes here. Located at the base of the mountains in the desert, this neighborhood offered a retreat from Hollywood's bustle. Walking through the streets, you can see the carefully designed gardens and the distinctive homes that shaped an era of American residential design.
Rancho Mirage sits in the Coachella Valley and emerged as an exclusive residential destination for wealthy residents and American presidents starting in the 1960s. The villas display modernist architecture and spread across the flat desert landscape between golf courses and palm trees. Houses stand far apart from each other, offering their residents considerable privacy. Walking through the streets reveals well-maintained grounds despite the arid surroundings. This place represents wealth and quiet sophistication set against the desert.
The Sinatra House is the historic residence of Frank Sinatra in Palm Springs. The house shows the architecture and lifestyle of the mid-20th century. Visitors can explore the property on guided tours and learn more about the life of the legendary singer. The rooms preserve the spirit of that era and provide insight into how Sinatra and his guests lived here. This residence reflects the glamour and refinement that defined Palm Springs during that time.
Hearst Castle in San Simeon was the residence of publisher William Randolph Hearst and is now open to visitors as a museum. The building mixes European architectural styles with Californian influences. This property shows how wealthy people lived in California during the 20th century. With its many rooms, art collections, and grounds, Hearst Castle lets visitors see the luxury of a past era.
The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway is a historic home in Palm Springs that served as Elvis Presley's honeymoon retreat. This residence displays mid-20th century architecture and style, allowing visitors to see how the music legend lived. The rooms keep their original furnishings and decorations, offering a glimpse into Elvis' private world. Today, the house welcomes visitors who want to discover this important place in entertainment history.
This historic waterfront section of Malibu contains homes that once belonged to legendary Hollywood stars, including Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart. The houses line the Pacific Ocean, protected behind gates and hedges, reflecting the golden age of American cinema when actors sought refuge away from the studios.
Trousdale Estates sits in the hills of Beverly Hills, a residential neighborhood that has drawn major figures from American entertainment since the 1960s. Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Jane Fonda all owned homes in this area, shaping its history and reputation. The houses often feature modernist design with large windows and clean architectural lines that reflect the California style of that era. Streets wind between the properties, offering views of the city below and revealing architecture that shows why celebrities chose these sunny hillside locations.
The Beverly Hills Flats is a residential neighborhood south of Sunset Boulevard where generations of film and music stars have made their homes. As you walk through the wide, tree-lined streets, you can spot the houses of Jennifer Aniston, Adele, and Katy Perry, among many other entertainment figures. This area represents the glamour and appeal that California holds for creative talent.
Holmby Hills is one of the most secluded neighborhoods in Los Angeles, where villas belonging to several generations of celebrities are located. Marilyn Monroe, Hugh Hefner, and more recently Kylie Jenner have lived in this district where properties are protected behind high walls and imposing gates. Tree-lined streets cross estates that can span several acres, and the houses themselves remain hidden from public view.
Laurel Canyon is a neighborhood of wooded hills that drew musicians to Los Angeles during the 1960s and 1970s. The winding streets housed the homes of Jim Morrison, Joni Mitchell and Jared Leto, along with many other artists who found a creative refuge away from the bustle of the city. This neighborhood is part of California's music history and represents the artistic spirit that attracted stars.
Bel Air in Los Angeles stretches across hills north of the city, with winding roads that climb through dense vegetation where gates mark the entrances to sprawling estates. Here you can spot the residences of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and in Upper Bel Air, properties connected to Prince, Taylor Swift and other entertainment figures. The homes remain hidden behind tall hedges and walls, but the architecture visible from the street shows a mix of styles, from California modernism to villas with Mediterranean influence. The neighborhood stays quiet, with light traffic and green spaces that create a sense of retreat from the rest of the city.
The Marilyn Monroe House Museum in Palm Springs is a house dedicated to the legendary actress. It tells her life story and career through exhibitions and personal objects. Visitors can walk through rooms that show the life of one of Hollywood's greatest stars. The building is part of Palm Springs architecture, a place where many celebrities chose to live.
Mulholland Drive is a panoramic road that winds through the Hollywood Hills above Los Angeles. From this ridge, you can see the entire city and the valley spreading below. The road became famous because many celebrities and entertainment industry figures built their homes here. As you drive along it, you see large villas behind walls and gates, modern buildings, and well-maintained gardens. This is a place where you can directly feel the history of Hollywood and the wealth of California's entertainment industry.
Hidden Hills is a gated community northwest of Los Angeles, hidden behind gates and hedges. This residential area has long attracted musicians and entertainment figures seeking privacy. Among the residents are The Weeknd, Kendall Jenner and other well-known personalities who have chosen to make their homes there.
The Bird Streets are located in Hollywood Hills West and home to villas owned by numerous celebrities including Drake and Jodie Foster. The streets bear bird names and climb along the hillsides, offering open views of Los Angeles and the surrounding basin. The properties are often hidden behind hedges and gates in a quiet setting, despite being near downtown.
Brentwood is a residential neighborhood on the West Side of Los Angeles where many celebrities and athletes own homes. Tree-lined streets slope upward into the hills, where houses sit hidden behind gates and hedges. The area feels quiet and private, with few shops and a gentle flow of traffic that stands in contrast to the bustle elsewhere in the city. In the higher elevations, you find homes that once belonged to prominent figures from entertainment and sports. The neighborhood reflects a discreet lifestyle typical of this part of Los Angeles.
Encino Hills is a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles that attracts wealthy television producers and celebrities. Situated north of Sunset Boulevard, this area features spacious properties scattered across gently rolling hills. Large contemporary homes stand amid lush gardens and private streets. These quiet, tree-lined streets offer a retreat for entertainment industry professionals. Encino Hills maintains an exclusive character while remaining closer to downtown than other celebrity neighborhoods. The combination of privacy and proximity to the heart of the entertainment industry makes it a sought-after residence for people working in the business.
Sunset Strip Hills is a residential area in the hills of Los Angeles that rises above Sunset Boulevard. Homes of well-known figures such as Rihanna and Keanu Reeves sit on steep slopes with clear views over the city. Narrow streets wind between residences, protected by gates and dense vegetation. This location offers residents privacy and security within the busy city of Los Angeles.
Sunset Plaza Drive winds through the hills of Los Angeles and is home to residences of film stars and entertainment figures. This street has drawn successful actors and musicians for decades with its exclusive addresses. The homes here offer views of the city and sit in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. Walking through this area, you see architecture from different periods and well-maintained properties that explain why so many celebrities have chosen to live here.
Studio City Hills is a residential neighborhood in the hills of Los Angeles near Warner and Universal Studios. This area was shaped by film stars and entertainment personalities who built their homes here. The streets wind through the heights, revealing large villas with spacious grounds surrounded by trees and gardens. The neighborhood combines proximity to the film industry with a quiet residential character, making it a sought-after location for entertainment professionals.
Toluca Lake is a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles where Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope lived for many years. Their presence later attracted other famous musicians and actors who helped shape this quiet area of the city. The neighborhood features spacious homes lined with mature trees and maintains a family-oriented character. The streets are less hectic than other well-known areas, and the residences are set back from the road, providing privacy and a sense of calm that has endured over time.
Sherman Oaks Hills is a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles that has drawn many television and film professionals. Located north of the Hollywood center, this area offers spacious lots, tree-lined streets, and a quieter feel than Beverly Hills. Houses range from contemporary designs to older classic villas with character. Residents appreciate the proximity to studios and production facilities as well as a more discreet alternative to better-known Hollywood neighborhoods. Families and entertainment industry professionals have settled here, creating a reserved community behind hedges and gates, where privacy is protected while remaining near workplaces.
Calabasas is a residential community in Los Angeles County that is home to several gated enclaves where celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner reside. These secured neighborhoods attract entertainment industry figures who seek a degree of privacy while remaining close to Hollywood studios.
These neighborhoods tell a story beyond just the celebrities. They show how the California dream has shaped the landscape. Whether you drive through or stop to look at the details, these places speak of a time and way of living that still influences people. See for yourself: every street and every house has a story.