Need a house, but don’t want to spend a fortune for a little box? Then you should definitely cross the 5 freeway and check out an area commonly referred to as Northeast LA. These are GREAT communities to invest in. Why? Because they are receiving a massive influx of newcomers fleeing the over-priced Westwide; they are close to Hollywood and Downtown; they are very close to the new goldline metro (as traffic continues to worsen, this is a HUGE selling point); and some parts are going though a massive gentrification process that you can profit from in the future.
Mt. Washington is closest to Downtown and boasts one of the top elementary schools in LA – many families move here for this school alone. Featuring winding streets and lush landscaping, this area is very similar to the Hollywood Hills – only more quiet, and best of all, a lot less expensive!
Eagle Rock and Highland Park are just north of Mt. Washington and have gone through many changes in the past few years. Highland Park is considered the “new Silver Lake” because it is very similar to the way Silver Lake was ten years ago – with artists/professionals moving in, restaurants and galleries starting to pop up on York Blvd., and many newcomers fixing up historic old bungalows. Highland Park is the least expensive area here and offers hilly neighborhoods with views for a fraction of what you would pay west of the 5 freeway.
Eagle Rock, just north of Highland Park, has changed from a sleepy community of retirees to a thriving community of newcomers. On Colorado Blvd., there is an abundance of coffee houses, restaurants, and small boutiques. Less hilly than Highland Park, many families with young children love Eagle Rock because it’s easy to cycle or walk around this charming area. And Eagle Rock has a Trader Joe’s – what else does one need?!
Los Feliz and Atwater are just west of Mt. Washington and east of Hollywood. They are more sedate than their easterly neighbor and very family friendly. Vermont Ave. is the “Melrose-like” street in the area, while Hillhurst is more upscale – both streets have many top restaurants/cafes, boutiques, vintage stores and bookstores. Los Feliz is home to many important artists, actors, and politicians; yet it’s still a real neighborhood where you can wander the quiet streets on a Sunday afternoon, stop and enjoy a coffee and scone in the charming Alcove Café patio and see friendly, familiar faces.
Properties in Silver Lake and Echo Park (just east of Los Feliz) are a bit less expensive than Los Feliz, while still offering great neighborhood charm in an urban environment. Silver Lake has the bustling Sunset Junction, an enclave of stores and cafes and host to one of LA’s biggest art and music festivals every year. Echo Park has had many new clubs/wine bars/antique stores open on Sunset Blvd. in the last few years, making it a close cousin to Silver Lake’s eclectic Sunset Junction area.
Take a look below at what’s available in these thriving (and affordable!) areas.
 Eagle Rock / Highland Park |
 Silver Lake / Echo Park |
 Glassell Park / Elysian Valley |
 Mount Washington |
 Los Feliz / Atwater Village |
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