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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
On average, homes in Silver Lake, CA sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Silver Lake, CA over the last 12 months is $1,570,200, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$1,499,000
Median Sale Price
$1,570,200
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,740,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,332,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$938,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
199
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$7
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$950
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
43
Months of Supply
2.60
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Silver Lake, CA
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Franklin Avenue Elementary
A-
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Ivanhoe Elementary
A-
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#3 Allesandro Elementary
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#4 Dr. Sammy Lee Medical And Health Science Magnet Elementary
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#5 Los Feliz STEMM Magnet
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#6 Clifford Street Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#7 Dayton Heights Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#8 Micheltorena Street Elementary School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#9 Commonwealth Avenue Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Irving STEAM Magnet School
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 Thomas Starr King Middle School Film and Media Magnet
B+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#3 Virgil Middle School
B-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 John Marshall Senior High
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Ramón C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#3 Academic Leadership Community Miguel Contreras Learning Complex
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
