Anyone who has been paying attention to real estate trends in Northeast Los Angeles – realtors, homebuyers and home sellers – can agree on one thing: Highland Park real estate is in great demand. Homes in Highland Park have been going up in value for several years and there seems to be no end in sight.
Homebuyers priced out of Silver Lake and Eagle Rock – many of them families – are drawn to Highland Park because of the many and varied styles of homes that dot the hilly, artistic streets. Many are attracted to the family-friendly feel of Highland Park and the many cultural and recreational resources there.
In the last several years, Highland Park has transformed due to the successful, young people who have gentrified and modernized this Bohemian community. Along with new shops, cafes, apartment buildings and refurnished homes, Highland Park has developed and refurbished a series of parks that have strengthened the community.
Sycamore Grove Park4702 N Figueroa St.
Sycamore Grove Park was established in 1905 when the city of Los Angeles purchased the land and transformed it into a recreational area with tended grass, picnic tables and a bandshell for concerts. This 15-acre park is located along the bank of the Arroyo Seco River. This rich environment provides water and life to the grove of sycamore trees that thrive throughout the park. Today, the park now includes a playground for children and tennis courts. There is also an area of outdoor gym equipment where guests can work out for free below the grand trees.
York Park4956 York Blvd.
York Park is a result of gentrification and was built on the lot of an old, abandoned gas station. This unorthodox park focuses less on the luxury of green grass and more on the adventures of being a child. This 1/3-acre lot has $3 million dollars invested in its small amphitheater, shock absorbent ground andreal musical equipment. The park was designed by residents’aged 11 and up from the neighborhood that allcontributed various ideas for the park including the above mentioned plus a community library, a mini-rock wall, a giant snake slide and water misters for hot summer days.
Tierra de la Culebra240 S. Ave. 57
Tierra de la Culebra or “Land of the Snake” is a park created by the artist Tricia Ward in response to the civil uprisings of LA in 1992. It all began when Ward developed a community arts workshop for local youth. ARTSCorp LA teamed up with Ward to recruit volunteers and find a safe space where youth had the freedom to explore all styles and niches of artistic expression. During the first session the group built a 500-foot serpent sculpture from stone rubble that connects all sections of the park. Today, the park is continually used for workshops in music, art and Hispanic culture. This two-acre park also contains mural panels, an urban forest, gardens, a pond and sculptural landscapes.
York Boulevard Parklet5040 York Blvd.
The York Boulevard Parklet is a micro-park that was built over old parking spots to give pedestrians a “public gathering space” to enjoy their community. This Parklet was developed by the city and community members in response to the gentrification of Highland Park. The unique parklet features comfortable seating and custom mural tile work by local artist, Cathi Milligan.
Highland Recreational Center Park6150 Piedmont Ave.
The Highland Recreational Center Park has manyfeatures including: an indoor gymnasium, a pool, an outdoor lit up basketball court, a dining room, air hockey tables, a baseball and t-ball diamond, ping pong tables and a children’s play area. This center was built with the intent of providing residents with a safe, affordable facility where residents of all ages may enjoy activities to be healthy and build a sense of community.
Milagro Allegro Community Garden115 Ave. 56
This successful community project contains 10,000 square feet of land where residents can hold workshops and grow flowers, fruits and vegetables. This opportunity allows residents to explore urban farming, art and education while pursuing a healthy diet and a new hobby.
Residents in Highland Park are fortunate to have so much open space available for the public, such as the parks mentioned above. Not all areas of Los Angeles are so fortunate.
Older areas being gentrified in North East Los Angeles, offering the wide range of styles of homes with an equally wide range of prices, should be sure to consult an experienced Highland Park realtor for insight and advice.