About Silver Lake / Echo Park
A walkable enclave just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, this eclectic neighborhood
is prized for its hillside properties. A mere few miles to Hollywood and within
an easy drive to beaches, this unique community is also a neighbor to famous Dodger
Stadium.
Echo Park grew in the 1880's when oil barons called it home and silent film and
real estate took hold. From rock legends to war veterans, it is alive with history.
The diversity doesn't end there. Its current denizens represent a wide berth of
ethnic and economic diversity.
The assortment of history and citizens is reflected in Echo Park real estate. Queen
Anne Victorian homes, Mid-Century specialties, California Bungalows, and Craftsman-style
houses line the well-kept streets. The suburb that is Echo Park encompasses a number
of identifiable subdivisions including:
• Angelo Heights
• Belmont Heights
• Edendale
• Elysian Heights
• Filipino Town
• Sunset Heights
• Temple Beauty
Back before the first World War, the L.A. film industry was centered in Echo Park.
Throughout the silent film era a large number of movies were shot in the area. Such
classics as Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and the Three Stooges shot their
movies here. It was also the setting for Gilligan's Island and Michael Jackson's
Thriller video. That tradition continues today; films such as Chinatown and Columbus
Day were filmed in Echo Park.
Considering that history, it is no surprise that this charming area is a haven to
creatives today. From famous actors like Shia LaBeouf and Leonardo DiCaprio to blossoming
artists, the welcoming and artsy vibe is appealing to the bohemian crowd.
Once considered the younger sister of its wealthier neighbor Silver Lake, Echo Park
is quickly joining the esteemed ranks of one of the most diverse populations in
the United States. In fact, it is one of the Top 10 growing neighborhoods in the
country.
One of Echo Park's attractions is its reservoir. The neighborhood was named Echo
Park because the workers who built the reservoir would hear their voices echoing
off the surrounding hills.
What began as a natural path of water from a stream is now a celebrated park. Based
off an English garden, this park spans 26 acres and includes a lake with paddle-boats.
It is also the site of the famous Lotus Festival, an Asian celebration with Chinese
dragon boat races.
Echo Park offers myriad of popular attractions. Plenty of live music can be found
every night of the week at several nearby venues. You could embark on a venerable
food adventure, tasting provincial french cuisine, savoring a slice of Chiacgo-style
pizza, visiting a gastropub, and indulging in freshly-baked pastry from a local
bakery for dessert.
Along with young creatives, families are drawn to Echo Park for its many housing
choices, great schools, plentiful parks, and libraries. The close-knit community
vibe is also appealing to families and singles alike.
Undulating hills and steep bluffs enhance the wonderful community of Echo Park.
Prime location, spectacular views, and affordable real estate make this neighborhood
well worth considering calling it home.
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