The apartment from New Girl is located at the real-life Colonial Street set, a backlot street at Universal Studios Hollywood. This iconic neighborhood has appeared in many shows and films, making it one of the most recognizable sitcom locations in television history.
Fans often ask where exactly the exterior shots were filmed and how the address translates to a visitable location. Understanding the studio setup and neighborhood details helps explain how the show created its charming residential blocks.
| Location Type | Specific Site | Use in New Girl | Visitor Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backlot Street | Colonial Street, Universal Studios Hollywood | Exterior shots of the apartment building and neighboring houses | Open to studio tour guests; sometimes used for active filming |
| Neighborhood | Holmby Hills block on Colonial Street | Represents the fictional West Los Angeles area where the characters live | Visible from the studio tram tour; not a public residential street |
| Unit Reference | 51 Colonial Street | The apartment building shown in establishing shots and scenes | Part of the studio layout; exact door used for interior sets may differ |
| Production Context | Built and modified on a controlled backlot | Allows flexible camera angles and repeated shooting of the same facade | Changes between seasons and episodes for continuity and staging |
How New Girl Uses Colonial Street
New Girl relies heavily on Colonial Street to represent the everyday, walkable neighborhood where the characters live and socialize. The production team adjusts the street’s look to match different episodes, using consistent landmarks so viewers feel oriented even when the camera cuts between units.
By dressing the same set with different porch furniture, lighting, and seasonal props, the show creates the illusion of multiple nearby homes. Establishing shots often linger on 51 Colonial Street, giving audiences a clear reference point whenever the friends head out to bars, work, or random adventures around Los Angeles.
Real Studio Location Details
Colonial Street is a permanent backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood, meaning the apartment facade and surrounding houses are permanent structures rather than temporary facades. This allows directors to stage longer exterior shots and repeat specific angles across multiple seasons without rebuilding.
When you visit the studio, the street appears much as it does on screen, with the same house numbers and layout. However, because interiors are shot on separate soundstages, the actual apartment interiors used in close-ups are not located on this street.
Neighborhood and Setting Context
Although the show presents the apartment as part of a casual West Los Angeles vibe, Colonial Street sits inside the studio perimeter rather than in a real residential enclave. The producers lean into this illusion by referencing nearby gyms, rooftop bars, and fictional walk-to spots that match the characters’ lifestyle.
This setup lets the writing staff focus on character-driven humor and relationship beats without worrying about matching real traffic patterns or city ordinances. The neighborhood is a storytelling tool, giving the audience a cohesive backdrop for the friends’ daily routines.
Planning a Visit to the Filming Location
If you want to see where the apartment from New Girl lives on screen, you can book a Universal Studios Hollywood tour. From the tram, you will recognize Colonial Street by its mix of houses and the prominent address 51 Colonial Street near the corner entrance area.
Keep in mind that the studio may close sections of the street for active filming, so checking the tour map and show schedule before your visit increases your chances of seeing the exterior clearly and getting great photos.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Visitors
- The apartment is filmed on Colonial Street at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- 51 Colonial Street is the on-screen address used in establishing shots.
- Interior sets are located on separate soundstages, not on the street.
- You can see the building on the Universal Studios tram tour, depending on production access.
- Small changes to props and facades allow the same street to represent many episodes.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is the apartment from New Girl a real place you can visit?
The exterior is a permanent set at Universal Studios Hollywood, so you can visit it on a studio tour, but the interior apartment sets are on soundstages and not publicly accessible.
What is the address used for the apartment in the show?
The show uses 51 Colonial Street as the building’s address in establishing shots on Colonial Street.
Can you take photos in front of the apartment building at Universal Studios?
Yes, guests can photograph the Colonial Street facade while on the studio tram tour, subject to any active production restrictions.
Has the look of the apartment building changed over the seasons?
The producers have modified porch details, paint, and landscaping to match different episode needs while keeping the overall Colonial Street identity consistent.