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#LoveWhereYouLive
Why Hollywood Santa Monica is Britt Lopez's (REALTOR®) favorite neighborhood.
A Conservation District Like No Other
Tucked away in the East Dallas lies a neighborhood unlike any other— Hollywood Santa Monica. Home to over 700 residences, it boasts the largest collection of stone-embellished Tudor homes in the country. But this neighborhood is more than just architectural beauty—it's a tight-knit community that has taken extraordinary steps to preserve its unique character.
Neighborhood Rooted in History
The land was originally platted in the early 1920s by two brothers who came from California. They began building homes inspired by the romantic Tudor style, and construction flourished until World War II. Once the war began, the brothers halted building and sold off the remaining lots. This left Hollywood Santa Monica with a rich blend of pre-war Tudor style homes and post war traditional homes.
In 1993, the neighborhood earned its Conservation District designation. This preservation has paid off—both in home values, which have soared over the past two decades, and in maintaining the warm, welcoming character that defines the neighborhood.
Today, even newer homes built since 2016 blend seamlessly into the neighborhood thanks to strict conservation guidelines. In fact, even if a non-Tudor home is torn down or destroyed, the new construction must follow the Tudor aesthetic—part of the charm and commitment that sets this are apart.
Where is Hollywood Santa Monica?
The Hollywood/Santa Monica Conservation District is bordered by the Santa Fe Trail to the north and west, East Grand Avenue to the east, and Valencia/Sarasota to the south. This prime location offers convenient access to Lakewood Shopping Center, Lakewood Country Club, and is zoned to Lakewood Elementary School—one of the most sought after schools in East Dallas.
Community Events
Beyond its charming homes, Hollywood Santa Monica has a great community that celebrates together. When asked to describe her neighborhood, Britt responds with "Hollywood Heights is home to an eclectic arrangement of people who are united by their love of old houses and the idea of preserving the past. They are a fun group who host many social events during the year".
The Hollywood/Santa Monica Neighborhood Association is voluntary, with dues of $60 per person per year, and offers a full calendar of events. There is quarterly meetings with free wine and food at Times Ten Too and block captains who personally welcome new residents. New neighbors are welcomed right away and encouraged to get involved. There are plenty of things to participate in and help organize. Listed below are just a few of the events in the community!
Easter Parade - Started by beloved neighbor Liz Simmons, the tradition features homemade floats, live music, and a street party on Newell Avenue. This silly event has crazy types of floats and ironically has nothing to do with the actual Easter holiday. It is now over a decade old and draws more than 2,000 attendees every year.
Annual Home Tour - A springtime tradition for over 30 years, the tour raises $40-$60K annually for neighborhood improvements and local charities. Some of the improvements over the years have been maintaining the community gardens, building the Lindsley Park Pavilion (designed by a neighbor), installing street sign toppers, planting over 100 trees and funding year-round social events.
Margarita Contest - A lively event in May with margaritas (for the adults) and activities (for the kids).
Halloween Spooktacular - Features costume contests for kids/dogs, a cake walk, chili cook-off, and endless festive fun.
Electric Lizzlyand - Liz Simmons' legendary Christmas light display and party is a must-see holiday tradition.
Left Bank Studio Tour - Now in its third year, this neighborhood art tour showcases local talent.
First Thursday Happy Hours - A casual, recurring event to mingle with neighbors.
4th of July Fireworks - Many residents will gather on the Monte Vista Bridge to watch fireworks from the country club.
The community spirit here is undeniable! There are also active moms' groups, kids' play groups and street-specific meetups—so there's truly something for everyone.
"It isn't just a place—it's a front yard neighborhood, where people sit on porches, chat with neighbors, and care deeply about preserving the beauty/history around them"
If you are interested in getting a home in East Dallas, give Britt a call! Cell: 214-538-7575
