BOUNDARIES

The City of West Hollywood has odd geographical boundaries due to forming from what was an unincorporated area of Los Angeles. To the west is the very affluent Beverly Hills while to the east is the historical lower class Hollywood neighborhood. Upon entering the city, we feel an immediate sense of pride emanating from the small, approximately two square mile city. The atmosphere of West Hollywood transforms from rainbow pride flags in the west of the city to rundown strip malls lettered in Russian store signs in the east.

To the west, West Hollywood appears vibrant and lively with cafes, bars and clubs:



To the east, West Hollywood is primarily a Russian community and is mostly made up of strip malls with small shops:


The city has two very different cultures, one of a strong LGBT community and the other of former USSR immigrants. In the past, the residents were also the same people employed in the community. However as housing prices skyrocket, more and more of the former residents are forced to move east to Hollywood while commuting to their West Hollywood workplaces. The trend appears to be that second generation immigrants move out of West Hollywood to the Valley, leaving behind their elderly parents who then rely heavily on the social services provided by the city.

* Boundaries identified by people who live in West Hollywood
- Doheny to the west, La Brea to the east and Sunset to the north with a bizarre spattering in the south.
- Gay friendly community vs. not as gay friendly community.
- Russian speaking community vs. non-Russian speaking community.

* Boundaries identified by people who do not live in West Hollywood
- Colorful, flashy nightclubs
- Very affluent area
- High end retail shops
- Sex shops
- Lack of awareness to the prevalent Russian community

A map of West Hollywood: