1. You Better Bet Gambling Is Huge Here
Just follow the billboards and sparkly lights to the casinos. There are plenty of spots to blow all your money, but the favorite spot in Hollywood is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Grab your friends and a room for a couple of nights and party to your heart’s content. But once the trip is over, that doesn’t mean the fun has to be. After all...
2. Hollywood Parties On...And On
If dancing and partying is your thing, you’re going to love Hollywood. Choose from the bars and nightclubs based on what music and crowd you like, and if you’d prefer a less hectic scene Hollywood has an incredible amount of restaurants with late-night dancing, live music and other events. When do these people work? Because they do. Trust me...
3. Your Neighbors Are All Movers And Shakers
Be forewarned: People don’t sit around in Hollywood. They’re always on the go and always making something happen, whether it’s planning an event, raising money for a charity, networking, or simply coming up with the hottest new idea, they’re on the go. The people of Hollywood make sh&% happen. And they’ll probably be able to convince you to get up and go too, since...
4. Everybody In Hollywood Is Pushing Something
Not that kind of pushing. But it’s going to be a challenge to figure out if people in Hollywood really like you or whether they want to sell you real estate, give you a Mary Kay facial, set you up to sell Arbonne, recruit you into their Rodan & Fields team, or make you a ‘get rich quick’ marketer with Empower Network.
Everybody’s pushing an agenda and if you’ve said "hello" to them, you’re now fair game. You were warned.
5. All Of Hollywood Heads To The Broadwalk On Weekends
Head to the Broadwalk in Hollywood on the weekends to people watch, grab lunch, or just walk, bike, rollerblade (yes, they still do that) or soak up the sun while playing in the surf. The Broadwalk is always busy with activity, but weekends are when it’s really happening. And even if it’s raining, don’t despair, because...
6. The Weather Is Kind Of Drunk
When it comes to rain in Hollywood, you can definitely feel like the weather gods are a little drunk. It can be an absolutely gorgeous day—seriously, 85 degrees and not a cloud in the sky—and two minutes later you’ll be caught in a raging downpour.
Of course, 15 minutes later you can lie on the beach in the sun. Carry an umbrella on you at all times.
7. And Hot Is An Understatement...
I’m going to assume that if you are moving anywhere in Florida, you know that it’s hot. What you might not know is how freaking hot, sticky and humid it is. Don’t get leather seats in your car unless you want second degree burns, don’t plan on taking your poor dog anywhere, and do not pack your winter coats.
Bathing suits, flip-flops and sunscreen are the uniform in your new home.
8. … That Applies To The People Too
Maybe it’s more noticeable since they rarely wear too much clothing. The people in Hollywood are extremely body and style conscious, so if you have them, bring your all brand name stuff with you—you’re going to need them to fit in here.
9. Then Again, Everyone’s Getting Work Done Anyway
If this is your first foray into South Florida, you might be shocked at some of the faces (and chests) you see. It’s so common to get injected with something to make you firmer, tighter or flatter that you can get them almost anywhere. Most beauty salons and even dentists have the option!
10. You’ll See Fancy Cars Everywhere
Hollywood has some of the hottest cars you’ve ever seen. There’s a lot of money here and people love to show it off by shining it up and driving it around. I guess it makes sense, because the residents of Hollywood DO spend so much time in their cars…
11. And They All End Up On I-95
No matter where you live in Hollywood or what you do for work and fun, you’re going to spend a lot of time on I-95. Sometimes it’s an accident or more likely it’s just because people just don’t drive very well. Regardless, it will probably drive you nuts at times. So just sit back and enjoy that sunny Florida weather. Until it rains.
12. You’re Entering A Melting Pot...
This might be a huge change for you depending on where you’re moving from, but it’s a change worth having. In Hollywood you really will meet people from all over the globe, but there’s a distinct sexy, Latin vibe that consistently runs throughout the city. Get all gussied up and go out and enjoy your new home!
13. … And A City Full Of Artists
From art galleries and street graffiti to live performance art of every kind, Hollywood is a city of art. Just take a walk downtown at night to see the many street performers and all the local color. And everyone is welcome to add their own creativity to the scene.
14. The Seafood Is Stupendous
South Florida has excellent seafood (unsurprisingly), but Hollywood has some of the best. Lobster, crab, fresh caught tuna and a variety of others are staples on almost every menu. Try Billy’s Stone Crab, Council Oak, and GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill for a perfect sampling.
15. And The Food Truck Invasion Is Amazeballs
Every Monday night at ArtsPark in Young Circle the ‘Food Truck Invasion’ literally invades. Just go. It took me a long time before I even knew this was a thing, so don’t make my mistake. More than 20 food trucks all with super creative and diverse food that’s beyond amazing. Talk about the way to make a Monday way better. Of course you could always just go shopping. After all...
16. Shopping Is Considered Exercise
Shopping is more than a pastime in Hollywood. It’s an all day affair and usually involves friends, brunch and wine. Don’t be surprised if you hear, “I’m going to add a few thousand miles to my Fitbit steps today, because I’m going shopping.” Seriously. And clothes aren’t the only thing these people blow money on...
17. There’s Plenty Of Fun For Your Pooch
In case you were wondering, Hollywood has four dog parks for your pooch, and the ‘Dog Beach of Hollywood’ is open on weekends—although your best friend probably won’t ever want to leave. And plenty of restaurants and bars around town will let your dog in too.
18. The Best Farmer’s Market Is Yellow Green
There are quite a few farmer’s markets in Hollywood, but the biggest and best is Yellow Green Farmer’s Market. You’ll find everything from bananas and freshly caught fish to eco-friendly mattresses and local art. You can try an organic raw juice or slice of pizza dripping in cheese, or even grab a cold one and dance to live music. It’s more like a festival than a farmer’s market. You’ll be back.
19. All The Cool Kids Hang Out At ArtsPark
ArtsPark in Young Circle in downtown Hollywood, is the place where it’s all happening. You’re sure to find yourself here pretty quickly. From cultural events, festivals and art walks, to the Hollywood Food Truck Invasion and great concerts—this is where everyone goes to relax, chill out, have fun and party outdoors right by the beach. And I mean everyone, because...
20. Hollywood Retirees Are Cooler Than Yours
Before you move to Hollywood, you should know that there’s a huge population of retirees here. While that might make some people pause, you should also know that they aren’t sitting at home in their gated communities watching “The Price Is Right.” They’re out and about enjoying all Hollywood has to offer just like everyone else. You’ll see them dancing in the streets, wearing funny outfits and having a blast.
21. Your Hoagie Cravings Are Covered
Bet you didn’t think you could find a true hoagie all the way down here. Well Sonny’s Famous Steak Hoagies has been a staple of the Hollywood food scene for nearly 60 years, so if you meet someone who’s a fan, it’s pretty likely their parents were fans too. Sonny’s was even featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2009. Television can’t be wrong, right? 
