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.
1/2
Photography Contributed By
Sherri Johnson
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Victoria Massengale,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Classic Spanish Retreat with Sweeping Views! Tucked in one of LA's most coveted neighborhoods, this stunning 4-bed, 3-bath Spanish retreat perfectly blends timeless charm with modern comfort. Classic features like a terracotta roof, wrought-iron details, and a vibrant patio welcome you in. Once inside you'll notice the exposed beams, hardwood floors, and stained glass that set a warm,
Looking for paradise in Silver Lake? You've found it. Built in 2024, this Mediterranean-style gem spans 3,508 sq ft and offers breathtaking views of the Silver Lake Reservoir. With 5 spacious bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow with balconies all around, this home has everything you need to live comfortably, host elegantly, and unwind in your ultimate urban sanctuary. As you
Welcome to 1832 Redcliff Street, a stunning property nestled in the vibrant Silverlake area of Los Angeles. Although the exterior curb appeal is modest, the interior of the home is large, open and inviting. As you step inside, you are greeted by an abundance of natural light that fills the spacious 2,756 SF floor plan. The main level features a well-appointed living room with very high
David NixonBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Town Center
Charming 1950 Traditional Home in Moreno Highlands, Silver Lake. Nestled in the desirable Moreno Highlands of Silver Lake, this classic 1950s traditional home presents a rare opportunity for homeowners looking to remodel their dream home, as well as investors and renovators. Located near the picturesque Silver Lake Reservoir, the residence boasts breathtaking views from the front entry and
3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,107 Sq. Ft. | Built in 2013This beautifully maintained three-story attached single-family home was built in 2013 and offers three bedroomsand two-and-a-half bathrooms. One bedroom is used as an office. The main level includes a versatile flex room that can be used as a home office,gym, or guest space, along with a tandem two-car garage equipped with
R3 ZONED SILVER LAKE GEM – SIX UNITS + DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL!!! Unlock exceptional value and future opportunity with this rare income-generating 6-unit property in the heart of Silver Lake, one of Los Angeles’ most coveted and vibrant neighborhoods! Just a short stroll from the scenic Silver Lake Reservoir, lush meadows, and the community-favorite dog park, this property delivers the perfect
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
Conveniently located where Echo Park and Silver Lake meet, 2206 Fox Ln. is a newer construction home offering 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and over 1,400 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space in one of LA's most sought-after neighborhoods. Soaring ceilings and expansive windows flood the home with natural light, highlighting the open floor plan, upgraded finishes, and custom details throughout. A
Welcome to The Stanley Off Sunset a contemporary multi-family residence located in the vibrant heart of Silver Lake. This thoughtfully designed community offers 21 apartments, each offering spacious floor plans and breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. Experience elevated living in one of Los Angeles' most dynamic and sought-after neighborhoods. The Stanley Off Sunset
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
