Nestled atop lush hillsides in the eastern reaches of Huntington, West Virginia, the Beverly Hills neighborhood radiates a charm all its own—a blend of storied history, elegant homes, and generations of proud residents who call its tree-lined streets home. While its name might conjure images of sun-drenched California, Huntington’s Beverly Hills boasts a rich, distinctive heritage shaped by Appalachian roots, community spirit, and decades of careful growth.
Origins: From Rural Hillside to Dream Neighborhood
In the early 20th century, what would become Beverly Hills was still a patchwork of rolling farmland and dense woodland on the city’s eastern edge. Huntington was booming thanks to the railroad and river trade, and neighborhoods, from Guyandotte southward, began to creep ever closer to the hills that now define Beverly Hills. The land itself captured imaginations—it offered stunning Ohio River views, fresh air, and a tranquil escape from Huntington’s busy center.
Development began in earnest in the 1920s and 1930s, as more Huntington families sought a picturesque suburban lifestyle. In a clever nod to both the area's dramatic elevation and the era’s penchant for sophisticated marketing, developers christened it “Beverly Hills,” echoing the glamourous neighborhood out west but infusing it with local Appalachian pride and community values.
How Beverly Hills Got Its Name
There’s an oft-shared legend among longtime residents: the earliest developers, enamored by the panoramic vistas from what is now Walker Road and Washington Boulevard, could think of only one name grand enough—Beverly Hills. The name stuck, reflecting both the literal geography of the steep, winding hills and a hopeful vision for an elegant, aspirational neighborhood. It captured the town’s upward momentum during these formative years.
Key Historical Milestones
Beverly Hills evolved through several distinct phases:
- 1920s–1930s: The first stately homes rose along Washington Boulevard and Staunton Road. These were often stone or brick, boasting wide lawns and gracious porches. Early ad campaigns touted Beverly Hills as “the city’s healthiest living,” due to its higher elevation above the Kanawha floodplain.
- 1940s–1950s: Homebuilding accelerated after World War II, as Huntington grew and returning veterans sought suburban comfort. Mid-century designs joined the earlier tudors and colonials, especially on Walnut Road and Oney Avenue.
- 1960s–1980s: The focus turned to community amenities. The establishment of Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church as a social and spiritual cornerstone, and the gradual extension of streets like Altamont Road, signaled a maturing, welcoming neighborhood.
- Recent decades: Beverly Hills is now a blend of well-preserved historic houses and carefully maintained modern homes. The area’s civic association remains active, sponsoring neighborhood safety programs, beautification efforts, and annual traditions like the spring garden tour.
Landmarks and Signature Spots
Beverly Hills has always prided itself on its distinctive architecture and a few beloved community landmarks:
- Beverly Hills United Methodist Church: A beacon at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Norway Avenue, this church has served as a hub for faith, outreach, and community events since the mid-20th century.
- The “Twin Columns” Gate: Standing sentry at the bottom of Washington Boulevard, these stone pillars mark the historic entrance to the neighborhood, a cherished symbol for residents returning home.
- Beverly Hills School (now part of Huntington East Middle School): Generations of children crowded its halls, forging memories on the playgrounds that hug the hillside.
- Woodland Cemeteries and Green Spaces: Edging the neighborhood toward Altamont Road, these quiet places evoke Beverly Hills’ older, rural roots and offer peaceful walks among ancient trees.
Notable Streets and Institutions
Walking through Beverly Hills, you’ll find each street tells a story:
- Washington Boulevard: The neighborhood’s grandest avenue, home to some of Huntington’s most admired homes and, in springtime, a glorious tunnel of blooming dogwoods.
- Staunton Road: A quieter stretch lined with mature magnolias and oaks, ideal for evening strolls.
- Walker Road & Oney Avenue: These winding hills pay homage to the neighborhood’s namesake, offering sweeping views toward the Ohio River and downtown lights.
- Norway Avenue: Thriving with local churches, small businesses, and the pulse of daily activity.
The Community Spirit: Then and Now
Beverly Hills’ beauty runs deeper than its elegant facades. From its earliest days, neighbors have banded together—first through garden clubs and PTAs, now through civic groups and social media—to strengthen bonds and enhance quality of life. Block parties, holiday parades, and the much-loved home and garden tours connect new and longtime residents.
While much has changed since those first Beverly Hills advertisements, the neighborhood remains a place where people wave from porches, children ride bikes until the streetlights flicker on, and front yards burst with bright azaleas each April.
Modern Beverly Hills: Preserving Heritage, Embracing the Future
As Huntington has changed, so has Beverly Hills—adapting while remaining ever-proud of its heritage. Historic preservation efforts champion the protection of signature homes along Washington Boulevard and Staunton Road. New families settle in, drawn by the area’s walkability, stately trees, and the welcoming neighborly vibe.
Institutions like Guyandotte Elementary and Huntington East Middle School, along with revitalized parks and gardens, keep Beverly Hills vibrant for the next generation. And though the city around it buzzes and grows, the quiet dignity and spirit of Beverly Hills endure, much as it always has.
Why Beverly Hills is Special
Ask any longtime resident, and they’ll tell you: Beverly Hills is special because it marries Huntington history with neighborly warmth, panoramic beauty, and a deep sense of belonging. Whether you grew up here, moved here, or simply stroll its leafy lanes, you’re part of a proud hilltop heritage—a legacy that, like the hills themselves, stands strong through the decades.