While celebrities like the Beckhams and the Kardashians are so wealthy they could buy property almost anywhere in the world, there are a select few neighbourhoods across the UK and US that appear to have a special appeal to celebrities, and have earned reputations as some of the most star-studded places to live. We've rounded up 12 of the neighbourhoods celebrities can't get enough of - who knows who you might bump into on the street!
1. Holland Park, London
© Photo: InstagramThis affluent area of west London is a magnet for entertainers and business moguls alike, with an incredible array of famous residents. The Beckhams own a lavish family home here, while Simon Cowell and his new X Factor judges Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field also have properties in the area. The couple own a 47-room grade II-listed home named Woodland House, which is next door to the castle Led Zeppelin rocker Jimmy Page calls home. Meanwhile, David and Victoria Beckham's close friends Elton John and David Furnish also own a townhouse in Holland Park, and divide their time between the London residence and their homes in Windsor, Nice and Los Angeles.
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2. Brooklyn, New York
© Photo: iStockA number of famous faces have escaped the bustling streets of Manhattan for the more laid-back charm of Brooklyn, New York. Matt Damon reportedly owns a penthouse in Brooklyn Heights with views of the Manhattan skyline, while Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz also own property there. Other celebrities who call Brooklyn home include Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, and Michelle Williams, whose husband Phil Elverum recently relocated from Washington to live with her and daughter Matilda.
3. Calabasas, Los Angeles
© Photo: InstagramWhen you hear the name Calabasas, the Kardashians no doubt spring to mind. Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian and her sisters Kourtney and Khloé have all owned homes here, as do Drake, Katie Holmes and Britney Spears. Part of its appeal is that there is a gated community - The Oaks Calabasas - which offer 24-hour security and complete privacy to famous residents, away from paparazzi and fans.
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4. Richmond, London
© Photo: iStockWith its idyllic location in south London, it's no surprise celebrities including Fearne Cotton, Tom Hardy and David Attenborough have all opted to settle down in Richmond. Fearne, 37, owns a period property in the area with her husband Jesse Wood, and often shares photos as she runs or walks around nearby Richmond Park.
5. Tribeca, New York
This neighbourhood in downtown Manhattan has long been a favourite among celebrities, and one building in particular seems to have a particular charm. A converted book bindery has become a luxury apartment building that is home to Harry Styles, Jake Gyllenhaal, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, while Jennifer Lawrence rents out her own property. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift also owns a home nearby.
6. Malibu, California
© Photo: iStockMalibu is one of the most sought-after locations in California, and for good reason. With its amazing weather, beautiful beaches and luxury homes that can often only be accessed by private roads not open to the public, it's a win-win. No wonder Ellen DeGeneres, Halle Berry, Caitlyn Jenner and Angelina Jolie have all owned homes here.
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7. Brentwood, Los Angeles
Known as one of Los Angeles' wealthiest areas, head to Brentwood, Los Angeles, and you may see anyone from Reese Witherspoon to James Corden. The Late, Late Show host became Brentwood's latest famous resident when he bought a lavish family home in the area ahead of the birth of his third child, daughter Charlotte, in 2017.
8. Chigwell, Essex
© Photo: InstagramA surprising number of celebrities have settled down in Chigwell, including Lord Alan Sugar, Bradley Walsh, and Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan. The Our Girl actress moved down to Essex from her hometown of Manchester to live with her husband, but the pair now divide their time between Chigwell and Los Angeles, where Mark works as a reporter on entertainment show Extra.
9. Cotswolds
© Photo: InstagramThe picturesque and peaceful Cotswolds appear to have a strong allure for celebrities. The Beckhams and Amanda Holden are among the stars who own second homes here, while Kate Moss, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet and Lily Allen also own Cotswolds properties.
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10. Hampstead, London
© Photo: InstagramThis North London suburb has had a long list of famous residents, including Jools and Jamie Oliver, who own a £10million home close to Hampstead Heath. Other celebrities who own homes in the area include Harry Styles, Boy George and Ricky Gervais - all no doubt love the privacy that the village allows them.
11. Hidden Hills, California
The Hidden Hills area of Los Angeles would be the place to go for celeb spotting - if you could get past security, that is. Some 95 per cent of this town is tucked away behind gates, making it popular among stars including Kim Kardashian, her sister Kylie Jenner, Drake, Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, who sold her Hidden Hills compound to musician French Montana.
12. Beverly Hills, California
© Photo: iStockNearby Beverly Hills is also a popular choice for celebrities; Leonardo DiCaprio, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Simon Cowell and Jennifer Lopez are all among the stars who have lived here. And with its prime location in Los Angeles, luxurious home and privacy it affords its residents, it's easy to see its appeal.
