Perceptions of Silver Lake have changed dramatically over time. The Los Angeles neighborhood was once a hub for people who felt on the margins of the mainstream, including artists, activists and a Latino LGBTQ+ community. Today, Silver Lake stands in the national spotlight as one of the trendiest, most sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles, sitting on the cusp of East LA between Los Feliz and Echo Park. "Silver Lake is a little bit more laid-back, greener and hip," says Samira Tapia, a Realtor with Compass named a Los Angeles Magazine Real Estate All Star. "A lot of younger folks move from the Westside and see opportunities here." More recently, she says, Silver Lake has attracted buyers from across the country. “We've gotten a lot of people moving out from San Francisco and New York who are asking about the area.”
Silver Lake meadows is the perfect place for a picnic.
Silver Lake is a very dog friendly neighborhood.
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Shopping and socializing at Sunset Junction
The neighborhood’s Sunset Junction is a highly trafficked strip of coffee shops, upscale boutiques, vintage stores and celebrated restaurants. Intelligentsia is a Silver Lake staple for high-quality coffee and a vibrant, tiled patio where locals meet friends or plug away on a laptop.
Locals can get a glimpse into neighborhood history at The Black Cat across the street, the site of the first documented LGBTQ+ protest in the country. In 2023, the bar and restaurant was named a California historical landmark. Another holdout from 1960s Silver Lake is Casita del Campo on Hyperion Avenue, a Mexican restaurant and historic haven for artists and the local LGBTQ+ community, including closeted Hollywood actors such as Rock Hudson. "Casita del Campo has stood its ground since our opening in 1962," says Robert del Campo, who runs the restaurant with his family. "We welcome all with open arms, respect and love. We are a safe space to be yourself without judgment or prejudice."
For daily necessities, the neighborhood has Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and LA chain Erewhon.
There are tons of coffee options in Silver Lake including Intelligentsia.
Enjoy the outside dining at The Black Cat in Silver Lake.
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Morning or night on Sunset Boulevard
The Silver Lake Farmers’ Market operates Tuesdays and Saturdays just off of Sunset Boulevard. Visitors will find all the hallmarks of a classic farmers market—locally grown produce, baked goods, etc.—alongside vintage clothing vendors, used books and vinyl and spiritual wares such as crystals and sage. For a deeper dive into vintage, locals flock to the weekend Silverlake Flea behind Taix French Restaurant.
Nights out are easy to plan with many bars along Sunset Boulevard and Hyperion and Glendale Avenues. Locals can catch a comedy or a drag show at The Lyric Hyperion or see indie rock acts as they’re meant to be seen, in a dive-bar setting at the Silverlake Lounge.
Have fun and meet interesting people at Silver Lake Flea Market.
The Silver Lake Lounge hosts live music many of nights.
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Sunny hangs at Silver Lake Meadows
Silver Lake’s namesake is a central reservoir with surrounding parkland and walking trails. The reservoir is currently fenced, so locals head to the grassy Silver Lake Meadows for picnics with views of the calm reserve. The lakeside dog park is a consistently busy spot for canines – and their humans – to bond. In 2023, Los Angeles City Council approved a plan to expand the park to allow for water access and more diverse opportunities for recreation.
Silver Lake is known for an extensive network of stairs connecting homes throughout the hilly neighborhood. Locals use the stairs for exercise, though they may need to dodge photoshoots on some of the painted staircases. The Micheltorena Heart Stairs are especially popular.
Silver Lake Meadows has a huge open field perfect for all kinds of activities.
Have a conversation with your friend while resting on the grass at Silver Lake Meadows.
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Historic hillside homes
The winding hills of Silver Lake are filled with eclectic architecture reflecting the neighborhood’s artistic vibe. Here, Mediterranean-style homes with terra cotta roofs neighbor anything from Craftsman and Tudor Revival to modern minimalist. Most homes were built in the 1920s and 30s, and some homes date back even further. For hillside properties, a peak over palm trees and eucalyptus can reveal stunning views of the city below. Single-family homes below $1 million are typically investment properties with two bedrooms. Most updated builds with three or more bedrooms range between $1.2 million and $3 million.
Buyers can find townhomes and condos around $540,000 on the lowest end, and up to $1.5 million for greater square footage near Sunset Boulevard.
In Silver Lake there are homes on a Hill, Apartment Residence, Multi Unit and Tudor.
Spanish style housing can be seen throughout Silver Lake.
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Specialty programs at Silver Lake schools
Micheltorena Street Elementary offers a two-way Spanish immersion program and earns a B-plus from Niche. Silver Lake children are guaranteed placement into Thomas Starr King Middle, a film and media magnet school with an A-minus rating. Teens graduate from A-rated John Marshall Senior High. Los Angeles students can apply to other magnets and specialty programs within the district, though admission is not guaranteed.
John Marshall High School in Silver Lake is a sight to see.
Micheltorena Elementary is a great choice for students in Silver Lake.
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Five miles from downtown LA
Silver Lake’s hills hamper the neighborhood’s walkability, though bus stops are available along Glendale and Sunset Boulevards. Residents are less than 5 miles from downtown Los Angeles, though traffic backs up along the Glendale Freeway and U.S. Route 101, to the east and south of the neighborhood. Interstate 5 sits lines the northern border.
Hop on the Glendale Freeway 2 to the 5 from Silver Lake and Explore Los Angeles.
Public transit is made easy in Silver Lake via Metro.
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Displacement a top local issue
Displacement is a prominent issue in Silver Lake and across Los Angeles. The Silver Lake Neighborhood Council offers several committees for residents to organize around housing and tenant rights, local businesses and homelessness.
New Construction Includes Multifamily Townhomes Off Glendale freeway
Hop on the Glendale Freeway 2 to the 5 from Silver Lake and Explore Los Angeles.
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Photography Contributed By
Sherri Johnson
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bill Hays,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Perched on a sunlit corner lot in the heart of Sunset Junction, this enchanting 1920's Spanish bungalow offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern living. Just two blocks from Sunset Boulevard, the home captures sweeping views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills, creating a backdrop as vibrant as the neighborhood itself. Step inside to discover refinished original hardwood
Welcome to 3017 Fall Avenue, a true gem nestled in the heart of Silverlake, where spacious living meets hipster cool. This traditional 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home spans 1,950 square feet, providing just the right blend of comfort and style. Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors and an airy living area that opens up to a private patio, ideal for morning coffee or evening gatherings. With a
Welcome to 2616 Rokeby Street, a classic Spanish-style two-story home located in the heart of Silver Lake, just one block from the reservoir and nestled within the highly coveted Ivanhoe Elementary School district. Offered for the first time in over 30 years, this residence presents a rare opportunity to own a character-filled property in one of Los Angeles' most desirable and vibrant
Perched on a sunlit corner lot in the heart of Sunset Junction, this enchanting 1920's Spanish bungalow offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern living. Just two blocks from Sunset Boulevard, the home captures sweeping views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills, creating a backdrop as vibrant as the neighborhood itself. Step inside to discover refinished original hardwood
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Discover the unique allure of Los Angeles at M1 by CLG, a beacon of contemporary luxury in the pulsating heart of Silver Lake. Just a five-minute stroll from the eclectic shops and cafes at Sunset Junction and premier grocery store Erewhon, M1 by CLG offers a brand-new, awe-inspiring residential haven. Our meticulously crafted studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and co-living apartments
Welcome to your new home in the heart of Silver Lake that provides classic Craftsman charm with modern amenities. This stand-alone rear house of a duplex offers 2 bedrooms (one with a sun room/sitting area) and 1 bathroom. The home offers abundant natural light, its own private backyard (artificial turf), a detached garage shed for storage /work studio, etc., and two side-by-side parking
Welcome to Vica Silverlake Modern Living in the Heart of Silver LakeEach apartment has been newly renovated with contemporary finishes, premium appliances, and upscale touchesbringing a refreshed sense of urban elegance.Whether you're embracing the simplicity of a studio or the spaciousness of a three-bedroom, every floor plan provides a warm, welcoming retreat filled with natural light and
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