:: Neighborhoods :: Bel Air

 

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Bel Air is a neighborhood in west Los Angeles. The faux-gated community was founded by Alphonzo E. Bell, Sr. in 1923 and is part of the so-called "Golden Triangle" of Bel-Air, Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills. About 12 miles west of downtown, it includes some of the most beautiful and desirable homes in Los Angeles. 

It lies within the 11th city council district, represented (as of 2004) by Cindy Miscikowski, and it is located in the 90077 ZIP Code.

Of several entrances, there are two main ones: The East Gate at Bel Air Drive (accessible from Sepulveda Boulevard), and the West Gate at Bellagio Drive, right before UCLA on Sunset Boulevard.

Residences in Bel Air range from mansions to modest ranch and story and half configurations. Many homes in Bel-Air seem quite modest from the outside, often only six feet from the street, however they tend to have large grounds and an estate feeling. In general, the higher up the mountain, the smaller the lot size and more modest the homes; however those residences along roads such as Stradella Road have magnificent views of the Los Angeles valley and Catalina Island. The most desirable homes are right off the main entrances of Bel-Air and the country club entrance for these homes have both the views of the Bel-Air country club and the rest of Los Angeles.
 
The quaint hotel Bel-Air is home to many celebrity weddings. The hotel does not share the views most of the homes share, but it does have extensive gardens and keeps swans in its pond.

Popular television shows and movies have been filmed in Bel Air, or are said to take place in the community. Exterior shots for the Beverly Hillbillies were shot in and around the 1930's era.  Exterior scenes from movies such as Get Shorty have also been filmed in the area. The popular television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was said to have taken place in the neighborhood.

Former President Ronald Reagan lived at 668 St. Cloud Drive (formerly 666 St. Cloud Drive) in Bel-Air from his retirement as President in 1989 until his death in 2004, and Nancy Reagan continues to live there.