Have you ever watched The ‘Burbs and thought, “I need to know where that street is”? I get it.
There’s something about that too-perfect suburban neighborhood that sticks with you long after the movie ends.
The film is set in a fictional town called Hinkley Hills, but those houses and that eerie cul-de-sac aren’t just movie magic.
They’re real places you could actually visit. If you’re a die-hard Tom Hanks fan or just love classic comedies, let me show you exactly where this cult favorite was filmed.
The Main Filming Location: Colonial Street, Universal Studios
Colonial Street at Universal Studios served as the primary set, offering filmmakers complete control over the suburban neighborhood’s look and feel.
What Is Colonial Street?
The main filming location for The ‘Burbs is Colonial Street at Universal Studios in California. This backlot has been around since the 1940s.
You’ve probably seen it in other shows without realizing it. Colonial Street was home to the Munsters’ spooky house and the Cleaver family’s place in Leave It to Beaver.
Why the Production Chose Colonial Street
Why did the filmmakers pick this location? Colonial Street gave them total control.
When you’re shooting on a studio backlot, you can build whatever you need without worrying about real neighbors or permits.
The crew could adjust the houses and modify the street layout however they wanted.
Plus, filming on a backlot means you control the lighting no matter what time of day.
Rain or shine, the shoot goes on. For a movie that needed that specific creepy suburban vibe, this level of control made all the difference.
Key Filming Spots Used in The ‘Burbs
The movie featured several memorable houses and locations, each playing a specific role in creating that unsettling suburban atmosphere fans still talk about today.
Mayfield Place – The Cul-de-Sac Seen in the Movie
The famous cul-de-sac you see in the film was specially constructed for The ‘Burbs. The production team built it in 1988 to give the neighborhood that closed-off, isolated feeling.
This wasn’t just any random street setup. They designed it to make viewers feel trapped right alongside the characters, watching everything unfold in this tiny pocket of suburbia.
The Klopek House
This was the creepy home at the center of all the paranoia. The Klopek house was the focal point of the entire story, with its dark windows and overgrown yard.
Here’s the catch though: it doesn’t exist anymore. The structure was taken down after filming wrapped. Interestingly, parts of it were later reused for Desperate Housewives.
If you watched that show, you might recognize some elements in Bree Van de Kamp’s house.
The Peterson House (Tom Hanks & Carrie Fisher)
Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher’s characters lived in this house on Colonial Street. Like many movie sets, it eventually got demolished and replaced with something new.
The original structure served its purpose for the film, but studio backlots are always changing based on what productions need next.
Walter’s House – The Most Recognizable Today
Out of all the houses from the movie, Walter’s place is one of the few you can still spot today. It looks pretty similar to how it did back in 1988, though there have been some small updates over the years.
The paint color changed, the stairs got modified, and the facade received a few tweaks. But overall, if you visit Colonial Street, this one will feel the most familiar.
Ricky Butler’s House (Corey Feldman)
Here’s a fun fact: Corey Feldman’s character lived in what used to be the famous Munsters house.
The production team had to redesign it heavily because they didn’t want people making constant comparisons to that iconic TV show.
That’s why you only see close-up shots of this house in the movie. They kept the camera angles tight to avoid showing too much of the exterior and triggering those Munsters memories in viewers’ minds.
Visiting the Filming Location Today
If you’re planning to visit Colonial Street today, manage your expectations. The street has gone through major redesigns over the years and doesn’t look much like it did in 1989.
The biggest change came when Desperate Housewives took over. They transformed Colonial Street into Wisteria Lane, which meant repainting houses, adding new facades, and completely changing the vibe.
You can still visit through the Universal Studios Hollywood tour. Keep an eye out for Walter’s house since it’s the most recognizable.
Just remember, it won’t feel exactly like stepping into The ‘Burbs anymore.
Exact Location of The ‘Burbs Filming Site
Colonial Street sits at Universal Studios Hollywood in California, accessible through studio tours that offer fans photo opportunities and nostalgic movie memories.
Address & Visitor Information
You’ll find Colonial Street at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. The best way to see it is through the Universal Studios Hollywood tour.
Book your tickets ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. Bring your camera because you’ll want photos of Walter’s house and the cul-de-sac area.
The tour moves quickly, so know which spots you want to capture beforehand. It’s worth the trip if you’re a true fan of the movie.
Why Colonial Street Remains Iconic
Colonial Street’s impact on Hollywood continues today, while The ‘Burbs remains a beloved cult classic that draws fans to its filming location.
The Legacy of Filming on Backlot Streets
Colonial Street holds a special place in Hollywood history. Backlot streets like this one have shaped how we see suburban life on screen.
Even today, Colonial Street gets used for movies, TV series, and commercials. It’s a go-to spot when productions need an instantly recognizable suburban backdrop.
The ‘Burbs as a Cult Classic
The ‘Burbs became a cult classic over the years. Fans still hunt down the filming locations because the movie hit a nerve. It took something ordinary, like a quiet cul-de-sac, and made it feel sinister.
For many viewers, visiting Colonial Street isn’t just about seeing where a movie was shot. It’s about connecting with a film that perfectly captured the weird tension hiding behind white picket fences and manicured lawns.
Conclusion
Colonial Street has come a long way since 1989. The houses have been repainted, redesigned, and repurposed for countless other productions.
Some structures are gone completely, while others barely resemble what you saw in The ‘Burbs.
But here’s what hasn’t changed: fans still care about this place. They still want to see where Tom Hanks stood, where that creepy Klopek house used to be, and what’s left of Mayfield Place.
That says something about the movie’s lasting impact. Even as Colonial Street keeps changing, The ‘Burbs remains frozen in time for everyone who loves it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The ‘Burbs filmed?
The ‘Burbs was filmed at Colonial Street on the Universal Studios backlot in Universal City, California. The entire movie was shot on this famous studio set, not in a real neighborhood.
Can you visit the filming location today?
Yes, you can visit Colonial Street through the Universal Studios Hollywood tour. The street looks different now due to changes made for other productions like Desperate Housewives.
Is the Klopek house still standing?
No, the Klopek house was demolished after filming ended. Parts of it were later reused for other productions, including Desperate Housewives.
Which house from the movie still exists?
Walter’s house is one of the few structures that still resembles its appearance in the film. It has minor changes like updated paint and facade modifications, but it’s the most recognizable today.
Was The ‘Burbs filmed in a real neighborhood?
No, the entire movie was shot on a studio backlot at Universal Studios. The fictional town of Hinkley Hills and Mayfield Place were created specifically for the film using existing sets.
