Real Estate, Recreationand Parks in LA’s Eagle Rock Neighborhood

The Eagle Rock area of Northeast Los Angeles has recently made national news as “the Second Hottest Neighborhood” in the continental United States. That means homes for sale in Eagle Rock are on the top of many homebuyers’ wish lists.

Furthermore, Eagle Rock is the recent winner of Redfin’s Hottest Neighborhood Award.Eagle Rock is a gentrified family city with a slue of impressive schools for children. This safe, classy neighborhood has a unique community of classic homes, original shops, trendy cafes, restaurants and parks.

Part of what makes Eagle Rock “family friendly” is the number of opportunities for recreation for families, athletes and fitness buffs. Below is a list of parks in the area for those to enjoy the beautiful outdoors Eagle Rock has to offer.

Eagle Rock Recreation Center
110 Eagle Vista Dr.

The Eagle Rock Recreation Center is more than a park; it’s a community gathering spot where residents meet to hold matches for sport leagues or recreational games. The indoor basketball gymnasium, outdoor tennis courts and baseball fields often sport games for players of all ages. This center is a simple place to throw parties with barbeque grills and playgrounds for the kids. The center also offers recreational programs for youth and adults that include: afterschool care, classes, sports clinics, pre-school, sports leagues, and seasonal holiday celebrations. This center is a Historic-Cultural Monument and is preserved under protection of Eagle Rock citizens because they recognize the center as an essential place for community development.

Eagle Rockdale Community Garden and Art Park
1003 Rockdale Ave.

The Eagle Rockdale Community Garden and Art Park is a result of a community that practices love. Eagle Rock citizens have dedicated this park to the cultivation and fostering of nature and organic food. The community voluntarily works together to grow and manage a garden with the help of donated facets and equipment. Eagle Rockdale contains small garden plots, communal plots, plots grown with rainwater, and a plot dedicated to California native plants. It also features a COB oven for healthy baking and original art pieces installed by local artists. This garden is a decade old and is supervised by the Los Angeles Community Garden Council. The council supports the garden in hopes that residents are impassioned to grow their own organic food. Eagle Rockdale hosts fun events to spread their soil and fundraise finances like Seedling Sales. These sales are like mini-carnivals and offer guests refreshments, raffles, tours of the garden and live music.

Lanark, Shelby Mini Park
Lanard Street & Shelby Place, Los Angeles

Lanark, Shelby Mini Park is located a couple of blocks away from the Eagle Rockdale Community Garden. This mini park is a hidden treasure and perfect for a quiet afternoon or a romantic evening. Lanark, Shelby Mini Park is in the works to receive a pollinator garden to help aid the life of butterflies, bees, birds and bats.

Eagle Rock Hillside Park
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Eagle Rock Hillside Park is an idyllic park for families of Eagle Rock.This park features a grand play set, comfortable benches, open grass spaces and large trees.It’s hillside location makes it a common site for cool breezes. Hillside Park also has courts and fields available for various recreational sports games.

Yosemite Recreation Center
1840 Yosemite Dr.

Yosemite Recreation Center is a perfect location for sporting events with its seasonal pool, gym, indoor/outdoor sports courts and two auditoriums. The smaller auditorium has a capacity of 150 people and the larger auditorium can hold up to 250 people. Either space can be used for performances and speeches. The sports courts available include: basketball, handball, and tennis. The Yosemite Recreation Center holds seasonal holiday celebrations like carnivals and fairs for Halloween, Easter, and Christmas.

Of course, good schools, character homes and excellent parks and recreation isn’t the only reason to consider purchasing Eagle Rock real estate. In an area quickly gentrifying, it is best to consult with an experienced Eagle Rock realtor in order to be as informed as one should be before making a home purchase.

Real Estate, Recreation and Parks in LA’s Mount Washington Neighborhood

Mount Washington (or “Mt. Washington”), a neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles, has been making headlines recently as a magnet for investors looking to profit from the area’s offbeat, rustic, progressive lifestyle. Mt. Washington real estate is a hot investment and has been for years. Not only for successful families and professionals looking for digs close to downtown LA with a Topanga Canyon feel, but also for house flippers.

Mount Washington is a unique, rural community that resides in the hills of Northeast Los Angeles. With truly spectacular views of Downtown Los Angeles, residents of Mount Washington enjoy homes of distinct architecture with Mother Nature roosting on their doorstep. This mountainous terrain is filled with a plethora of parks that residents of all walks of life do enjoy.

In early 2016, homes in Mt. Washington jumped in cost and value by more than 20%. The median home price in the 90065 zip code is $710,000. The wide range of house styles, its close proximity to Los Angeles, Pasadena and Hollywood and it’s excellent school isn’t the only reason for its surging popularity. Mount Washington is a great place for families and couples who appreciate the outdoors and recreation.

Miles of hiking trails are available, as well as places to enjoy the scenery and picnic, play basketball, bird watch and even view the wildlife that Mt. Washington is known for. Bobcats, coyotes, owls, skunks and more are frequently seen in the parks and recreation areas as well as in and around the hillside properties.

Recreation and parks add to the allure – and to the value – of neighborhoods like Mt. Washington and this particular neighborhood for its size has plenty of such space. For those seeking homes for sale in Mount Washington, here is a complete list of parks and park-like places to enjoy.

Heidelberg Park
San Rafael Ave.

This is the second largest natural park under control of the Mount Washington Conservancy. The slopes and trails are steep and theunique terrain is perfect for the rare California black walnut woodlands. This land houses over 100 species of birds and is an endangered ecological community.

Moon Canyon Park
911 N Museum Dr.

Moon Canyon Park is a 4.5-acre lot next door to Heidelberg Park. Moon Canyon’s short trails are popular amongst dog walkers, joggers and nature lovers. The trails flourish with greenery and the hillside is an idyllic spot for picnics. This un-staffed park is home to wildlife including: coyotes, skunks, raccoons and various birds.

Cleland Secret Park
4788-4798 Cleland Ave.

Cleland Secret Park is a tranquil small park with lush grass that is popular for picnics, playing fetch, or throwingFrisbees. It is located in the middle of a neighborhood with large trees to provide ample shade. There is no parking lot, but plenty of available spots out on the street.

Carlin G. Smith Recreation Center
511 W. Ave. 46

The Carlin G. Smith Recreation Center includes an auditorium, an outdoor lit-up basketball court, a children’s jungle gym and a picnic area. This two-acre center sits on a piece of land donated to the city in 1929 by the developer, Carlin G. Smith. Over time it became neglected and run down, but in 1970 a group of Mount Washington residents restored the center to what it is today.

Greayer’s Oak Park
N. Figueroa & Marmion Way

Greayer’s Oak is a street-side pocket park that is unstaffed, unlocked and open as long as the sun is out. This maintained park sports a well kempt lawn and mature trees to enjoy the sun or the shade. The park is located near the main roadway and a bus stop, making it accessible to many people.

Cleland Ave Bicentennial Park
4800 Cleland Ave.

Cleland Ave Bicentennial is a fenced park and a top favorite amongst many Mt. Washington native children. The newly restored playground is the source of laughter and adventure for kids. A large grass field is perfect for canines and the ample large trees provide shade options for book reading, picnics, or catching up with friends.

Elyria Canyon Park
1550 Bridgeport Dr.

This 35-acre nature park is located in southwestern Mount Washington and is one of the largest pieces of native habitat that still exist today. Fragrant flowers, shady trees and a mixture of wildlife populate the park. There are a variety of trails that are ideal for jogging, hiking and walking dogs.

Jessica Triangle
Jessica Dr.

This unique “park” is a tiny lot dedicated to drought tolerant, native plants and trees. In 2007 the City slated this land for demolition to aid a sewer line project. However, the Department of Public Works fought and declared the piece an official patch of real estate.

Self Realization Fellowship
3880 San Rafael Ave.

This is one of the most spectacular, tranquil, picturesque locations in all of Los Angeles. Old magical trees, bubbling ponds, lush bushes and vibrant flowers make up the “garden” with many pockets, nooks and crannies to meditate, reflect on life and bond with loved ones.

Mt. Washington remains a perfect example of modernity and development meeting nature and wilderness. There are plenty of open spaces – and so close to Downtown Los Angeles – for residents and families to enjoy the outdoors and exercise. That isn’t the case in all Los Angeles communities.

It is important to remember that areas such as Mt. Washington – where small, modest turn of the century style homes nest next to million dollar mid-century homes and mansions – is a tricky place to buy and sell real estate. Parks and schools are important as well as many other factors. It is worth taking to a Mt. Washington real estate agent to get all questions answered before signing on the line that is dotted.

Real Estate, Recreation and Parksin LA’s Highland Park Neighborhood

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 Park
4702 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 Park
4956 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 Culebra
240 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 Parklet
5040 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 Park
6150 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 Garden
115 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.