For one of the oldest settled neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Highland Park feels youthful.
One resident captures the neighborhood perfectly by describing it as “… (having) just enough grit to give it that New York in the late 80s, early 90s excitement. You feel like you are part of a movement of creativity living here.” And with a steady stream of boutiques, foodie attracting restaurants, and décor driven store fronts it’s no surprise it was crowned LA’s greatest neighborhood.
Modern Homes & Real Estate
Thanks to the Arts and Crafts movement the tree lined streets of zip code 90042 are filled with craftsman style architecture and CA bungalows. And much like its neighbor, Eagle Rock, mid-century modern homes are few and far between.
According to KCET, “the creation of the Arroyo Seco Parkway and the channelization of the Arroyo Seco changed the character of the neighborhood. The era of the automobiles, along with “white flight,” brought forth a demographic shift whose long term arc is still unfolding today. Now, the DIY, bohemian ethos that grew out of the neighborhood’s early days is alive in the area again ….”
Ironically, the financial crisis of 2007-2008 helped bring it back to life.
Real estate in the area seemed like a steal at the time. Able to scoop up properties for cheap, companies like Better Shelter, ModOp, and Extraordinary Real Estate attracted house hunters out-priced in Silver Lake and Echo Park by remodeling distressed, character filled, properties.
Today some streets command as much as a million dollars for a single family residence.
Your Neighbors
Highland Park is considered somewhat diverse for the city and county of Los Angeles. Latinos make up 72.4% of the population in the area. Asian and Whites make up 11.2% and 11.3% followed by “other” at 2.6%. African Americans make up 2.4% of the area.
Local Grub & Things To Do
The restaurant, bar, and boutique scene is blossoming in Highland Park. Here are a few local faves.
The York | 5018 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042 | (323) 255-9675
This bar on York Blvd may be responsible for starting the neighborhood’s rebirth of cool. Expat bartenders of Edendale Grill in Silver Lake purchased this former dive bar and transformed this space into the neighborhood’s favorite gastropub hangout.
Café De Leche | 5000 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042 | (323) 551-6828
I’m yet to see an “up and coming” neighborhood take off without a coffee shop. And while owners Matt and Anya Schodorf don’t like to think of themselves as gentrifiers, like The York, they were among the first store fronts that signaled change was happening. The coffee here ranges from your big mug, fill-it-up, drip coffee to Agave Mochas. And Horchata Chai Teas to horchata con espresso (their most popular beverage.)
Highland Park Bowl | 5621 N Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90042 | (323) 257-2695
1933 Group is doing their “damnedest to change the face of the LA bar scene.” Their latest project is the restoration of this 1927 bowling alley. Revamping of this space not only brings fun and nostalgia back to the neighborhood it also marks a continuing trend to revitalize Figueroa Street.
Forever 21 | 5637 N Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90042 | (323) 257-2584
This is a fun fact. In a space measuring less than a 1,000 square feet the fast fashion retail store Forever 21 started, right here, in this hood. The store is still standing on Figueroa Street.
On The Map
Highland Park is located along the Arroyo Seco. It is surrounded by Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Lincoln Heights, Montecito Heights, Mount Washington, Pasadena and South Pasadena. The zip code is 90042.