Last week we looked at the worst neighbourhoods on television. Today our Friday Five looks at the best TV neighbourhoods. If you could pick just one place to live from this list, where would it be? Maybe you can think of an even better onscreen neighbourhood. Let us know in the comment box below.
1. Beverly Hills 90210
Located in Los Angeles, California this affluent neighbourhood is the setting for the 90s TV show Beverly Hills 90210, which was revamped in 2008. It follows the shallow lives of wealthy teens that face frequent problems with their relationships while addressing serious topical issues that feature in many teen dramas. Many famous celebrities reside here and shopping on Rodeo Drive is one of the main attractions, aside from the constant good weather, fancy nightlife and great connections to the entertainment industry. For anyone interested in making a move here be prepared for average house prices of around $600,000 which would definately need the protection of good landlord insurance.
2. Ramsay Street
Unlike the TV drama neighbourhoods that made it onto our WORST list, Ramsay Street residents enjoy a more peaceful life down under. This, almost eternally sunny, cul-de-sac has been home to a range of families, with some individuals who just can’t seem to stay away (*ahem* Karl & Susan Kennedy). Most issues here stem from relationship problems between families, friends and spouses but the street has managed to stay free from the more catastrophic events experienced by its UK competitors. So provided you limit your exposure to neighbourhood drama and keep your social connections outside the cul-de-sac, Ramsay Street is a delightful neighbourhood.
3. Bel Air
Yet again another affluent neighbourhood, but this place had the charm and humour of a 90s Will Smith. During the show ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, the surrounding neighbourhood of the Banks family home was never seen. Instead the audience saw only the interior of various fictional locations in Bel Air such as the private high school Bel-Air academy, local restaurants and country clubs. The pompous and arrogant attitudes of local residents may be off putting to some, but the Fresh Prince proved they can be overcome and practically anyone can adapt to this neighbourhood and introduce their own ‘flavour’ to one third of the Platinum Triangle of LA.
4. Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
The lives of spoilt twenty-somethings gave us an inside look into the second wealthiest area in London. Properties here are worth around £2million and the finest of retail and culture can be found here, as well as fame hungry socialites. Now don’t be fooled by its upper class demographic, this neighbourhood has more going for it. Local attractions include natural history, decorative art and science museums, Kensington Palace, Portobello Market and the annual Notting Hill Carnival. So when finances are not an issue, living here can be guilt-free luxury but do not despair if this is not a feasible option. London transport makes it highly accessible for anyone located within a London fare zone.
5. Barry Island
If you chose to make roots here, Vanessa Shanessa Jenkins would consider that a ‘tidy’ decision. Home to Gavin & Stacey, life on the island is portrayed as simple and slow paced with a strong sense of community amongst residents. Stacey, her mother Gwen and uncle Bryn all lived on the same street and are proof that the simple things in life and on the island, can make you happy. Barry is a seaside resort with classic seaside attractions such as a theme park, arcade and beach. It appears to provide a comfortable and peaceful way of life, but if you ever craved the hustle and bustle of a city, ‘Dave Coaches’ will happily escort you to destinations further afield.