Hancock Park is bounded by Rossmore Avenue on the east, Melrose Avenue on the north, Highland Avenue on the west, and Wilshire Boulevard on the south.

Hancock Park takes its name from the Hancock family, who made their money drilling for oil in the former Rancho La Brea,  It was developed in the 1920's and stands out in sharp contrast to many neighborhoods in Los Angeles with houses often set well back from the street and telephone and power lines buried from view.