Huntington Park

Snug and densely residential Walnut Park offers a laid-back suburban pace, multicultural retailers, freeway proximity and a brand-new community green space — all within 7 miles of downtown Los Angeles. Neighbors gather for mariachi festivities in a commercial plaza and recently celebrated the opening of Nogales Park on Grand Avenue. Steven Padilla, Certified Probate and Trust Specialist, and Realtor with Century 21 who’s been helping families buy and sell in the area for 36 years, says, “I grew up in Walnut Park, which shares a ZIP code with Huntington Park, so a lot of folks here just say they live in Huntington Park, so that it’s not confused with Walnut Grove in Sacramento. It’s a very friendly and welcoming community, with a rich Hispanic heritage that’s continuing to diversify. First-time buyers or young families can find an affordable house here for much less than in downtown, and make it their home.” Walnut Park residences are primarily Spanish-style 1920s single-levels with clay tile roofs on small lots; however, an occasional two-story may feature Tudor flair. Says Padilla, “The open layouts of these vintage homes have such great flow. You’ll see interior archways between rooms, original Venetian plaster and sunrooms for morning coffee. Buyers can keep these original details and just upgrade the baths and kitchens and these homes really shine.” Pricing can range from $600,000 for a three-bedroom fixer-upper to $750,000 for a four-bedroom bungalow. Sidewalks along straight streets connect stucco homes painted in earthen or bright hues, and landscaped yards are sometimes fenced. Small porches or custom patios enhance the eclectic curb appeal. Many homes include garages and carports, and there’s plenty of on-street parking. Padilla adds, “Some homes are a move-up for residents coming from nearby communities, and for others, a chance to get in and revitalize.” Public schools are within the Los Angeles Unified School District, which gets a B-plus on Niche. Kids may start at one of several elementary schools, including Walnut Park, given a Niche C grade, or State Street, given a Niche C-plus, before moving on to Henry T. Gage Middle School, which gets a C on Niche. Older students advance to Huntington Park Senior High which earns a Niche B-minus and was one of several area schools seen in the blockbuster movie “Grease.” Students can also apply to a high school in the family’s zone of choice, including Linda Esperanza Marquez schools, offering career-interest programs and smaller student enrollment. The newest recreation gem is Nogales Park, dedicated in December 2023. Where a former lot stood empty, residents now enjoy a splash pad, play lawn, performance stage and exercise equipment. The pocket-size Walnut Nature Park, established in the late 1990s, is nestled next to Walnut Park Elementary, offering a playground, athletic fields and an amphitheater. Youth athletes practice and play football, soccer, baseball and basketball at the nearby 23-acre Salt Lake Park, which includes tennis courts, an indoor rec center and picnic pavilions with grills. Within the neighborhood, locals frequent Gloria’s Restaurant for authentic Puerto Rican and Colombian cuisine. A community staple for more than 25 years. Gloria’s is well-known for signature parrillada dishes and wide-screen TVs on the patio. Adds Padillo, “The original Avila’s El Ranchito started here, and now has locations throughout California. It’s a family-owned favorite that’s so Mexico, and the food is amazing.” For home cooking, Carniceria Guadalajara is a top choice for cuts of meat, and Mi Viejo San Juan Market stocks Central and South American grocery items. For larger grocery runs, Food 4 Less is just a couple blocks north. Small businesses within the community include florists, a fabric store, furniture store and automotive shops. Just a few blocks northwest, Plaza La Alameda gathers retailers such as Petco and Party City as well as Chuck E. Cheese. Neighbors come together for live music in the 240,000-square-foot Plaza La Alameda, or participate in annual events such as Esperanza, a celebration of Hispanic heritage and hope; Día de Los Muertos; and the Tree Lighting Festival. Several Metro stations offer public transit within Walnut Park. Plus, it’s only about 15 miles to Los Angeles International Airport, and 17 miles to Long Beach.