The Telltale Signs of Gentrification in NELA: Mt. Washington and Highland Park

Since in the late 2000’s, the hillside enclave of Mount Washington has become the most affluent neighborhood in North East Los Angeles (NELA). It is also known as the affordable Laurel Canyon of the East, featuring a high achieving elementary school located within its borders. This fashionable “offbeat” neighborhood in the San Rafael hills is also home of the Southwest Museum and the Self-Realization Fellowship Center. Make no mistake, though. While it might be affordable compared to the Hollywood Hills, homes in Mt. Washington are not cheap and Mt. Washington real estate has become a hot commodity.

The area has attracted such notable residents as a world famous Yogi and former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The architecture on the mountain is a pleasing potpourri of everything from grand Craftsman to mid-century and postmodern boxes to rustic cottages. There is something for everyone. In keeping with the free-spirited vibe of the Hollywood Hills, many successful artists have made their homes on this steep (among the steepest streets in L.A.) hillside.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti once described San Francisco as a city that has turned into “an artistic theme park without artists”. Try as it might, it has not been possible for the gentrification process in NELA to entirely erase the deeply engrained Hispanic history of the area. While the influx of hipsters with disposable incomes has had a negative effect on longtime Latino residents, the movement has also proven to be a benefit to the struggling culture.

But like it or not, this is how gentrification works and what gentrification does. Money has been pumped into the area, transforming what was a neglected region in the eighties and nineties, to a cleaner and more rejuvenated upper middle-class community where children can safely play. The once-neglected garbage-strewn streets with cars up on jacks in neighboring Highland Park have received a massive makeover.

Gentrification is further evident in the Los Angeles district of Highland Park, not only with the appearance of new cafés, restaurants, and retail boutiques popping up all over York Boulevard but with the ever-rising value of homes for sale in Highland Park. Real estate in Highland Park is much sought after by younger, progressive professionals and artists. Hipster bars like “Footsies” are a hop, skip and a jump away, if the nightlife appeals. North East Los Angeles exhibits elements of “neo-bohemian” and “green” gentrification, as oppose to the corporate “super gentrification” seen downtown.

There is a kind of small-town intimacy retained on the Northeast L.A. boulevards around Highland Park and Mt. Washington that has been lost in the Staples Center-Figueroa Corridor. A blend of cultures exists in Highland Park that could be described as upscale-Latino meets Americana. The residents on the “hill” tend to be educated and lean toward progressive thinking, welcoming all walks of life. You find activists involved with local city, state and national politics.

The hot properties on the “hill” of Mount Washington – as well as in Highland Park and neighboring Glassell Park – have exquisite awe-inspiring views and exceptionally large lots with mature trees. Many of the historic houses are in pristine condition and the yards are well cared for. On a clear day up on sea view Drive; one can see a hint of the shimmering pacific in the distance. The majestic San Gabriels are a breathtaking vista to the north. This hilly green oasis located a mere fifteen minutes from the gray urban landscape of downtown, truly remains one of L.A.’s best-kept secrets.

For buyers and sellers of real estate in gentrifying areas such as Mt. Washington and Highland Park, contacting an experienced real estate agent with proven success helping buyers and sellers is strongly recommended.

The Telltale Signs of Gentrification in NELA: Garvanza and Hermon

The rapidly developing area of North East Los Angeles (NELA) lends new meaning to the name “Boomtown”. Following in the footsteps of Highland Park, their neighbor to the West, the picturesque communities of Hermon and Garvanza have been undergoing a major facelift since the nineties. That’s been good news for homeowners who have seen homes in Garvanza and Hermon spike in value as real estate in these areas become highly coveted.

The once neglected Craftsman-style residence has taken-on a new pride of ownership, making the region one of NEL.A.’s most hidden treasures. The ornate architecture of Garvanza encompass nearly every style popular from the 1880’s through the 1940’s including, Queen Anne, Shingle, Mission Revival, and Tudor Revival. The charm of this unique enclave, overflowing with historic buildings, is reminiscent of small towns in Northern California.

The ginger bread homes of Chico come to mind. These dilapidated beauties from yesteryear are being restored back to their original splendor with the ginormous wave of gentrification sweeping across NELA. The rejuvenation of these sad old buildings has helped to launch the local real estate market into the stratosphere. If to gentrify is to make a house or district more attractive to the up and coming “gentry”, then the dramatic improvement of Garvanza and has come to exemplify this very process.

Garvanza is generally considered to be the birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement in Southern California, and many of these houses have been recognized as official historic landmarks. For the architecture enthusiast and tourist alike, these spectacular structures are a treasure trove of gems to behold. As the area has become more and more fashionable among prosperous hipsters, the local economies have grown as well.

Evidence of gentrification is apparent when hip organic restaurants spring up, able to accommodate all of your dietary needs. It wasn’t that long ago that you would be hard pressed to find a meal outside of what might be available from the street taco vendor, or pedestrian fare served at mediocre restaurants. In present day Garvanza, the gay couple on the go can delight to poached eggs, avocado toast and espresso after Pilates class. There is even a new café custom made for the cycling culture, taking shape on York Boulevard, of course, peddling cycling gear along with lattés and vegan scones to its athletic neighbors. Starbucks is perhaps the most obvious telltale sign of gentrification and York Boulevard is now bookended by the famous green lady logo.

Adjacent to Garvanza, lies the hilly hamlet of Hermon. This ever so quint residential district is known for its sycamore-lined streets and gorgeous period homes. In the not so distant past, you might find people wrenching on the old family car, parked haphazardly on the front lawn. Fences and walls of commercial buildings were “decorated” with gang graffiti. Legions of homeless folk set up camp under the freeway.

Today Hermon real estate is booming and homes for sale in Hermon are handsome and immaculate, the yards well groomed. There are only so many places to go around, in these parts, which make this cozy bedroom community difficult to get into. The limited supply of homes and the ever-growing demand makes Hermon all the more chic among the groovy people. The small town feel, and close proximity to the L.A. metropolis gives you the best of both worlds.

Altadena, CA is a City on the Rise

In close proximity to the highly successful City of Pasadena, Altadena is gaining some well-earned respect reflected in its home values.

With the region north east of Downtown Los Angeles – the most western area of what is termed the San Gabriel Valley – neighborhoods and entire cities are on the rise. Nowhere is this clearer today than in Altadena, CA. Homes in Altadena are being restored to their original luster and Altadena real estate is through the roof when it comes to home values.

A friend of mine owned one of those 1920’s storybook Mediterranean-style homes with a red tile roof up in Altadena. It was perched on top of a knoll and nestled among mature trees. Rainbow colored bougainvillea vines spilled off the rooftop. Sitting in the breakfast nook, one could marvel at the San Gabriel mountain range from its French windows. The house had plaster walls that met the ceiling in a curve. The floors were constructed of large wooden planks, giving the place a kind of Greek Island art studio feel. An idyllic setting for those looking to get away from it all, the neighborhood of Altadena is located just North of its big city sister, Pasadena.

Just being in close proximity to gorgeous Pasadena – of Rose Parade fame – has never been enough to create the real estate buzz that Altadena has longed for until now. After all, Pasadena homes for sale have always been in great demand and the Pasadena real estate market is always booming. Now it’s Altadena’s turn and home sellers are giddy while homebuyers are gnashing their teeth for waiting too long to enter the Altadena real estate market.

John and Fred Woodbury launched the first subdivision, naming it Altadena in 1887. Recognizing the awesome scenic beauty of the foothills below the Angeles Crest mountain range, millionaires from the east erected the first mansions along Mariposa Street. This became known as millionaire’s row. Now let’s fast-forward to the civil rights era, a generation later. When the public schools were desegregated a phenomenon known as “White Flight” occurred in this once desirable spot. The Caucasian people pulled out and headed to the west side and the African American population doubled in size overnight. Sadly, the properties fell into disrepair and the area turned into a far less desirable neighborhood than it is today.

Thirty years later the gentrification of North East Los Angeles began to take shape. The rundown and neglected homes were purchased cheap and renovated, then flipped. North East Los Angeles became a prime target for the real estate investor and buyers of modest means scouting for their first house.

Before long the community was thriving once again and the curb appeal of these older neighborhoods improved. The ongoing restorative movement in Altadena, which began in the nineties, has helped to increase property values. As things get spruced up and the area becomes more attractive and expensive, the buyer naturally becomes more discriminating and sophisticated. Like it or not, right or wrong, he rich get richer, and those of a lower socio-economic status are often driven out. Some call it gentrification. Some call it progress. Once considered to be a common working class neighborhood, Altadena now has a private country club with tennis courts and swimming pools. A remarkable contrast to what was “the other side of the tracks” during the 1980s.

For foodies with a sweet tooth and taste for authentic Italian Gelato, take a drive down East Altadena Drive and find Leo Bulgarini’s gelateria. The Rome-born ex-sommelier chose this hot spot to open his gourmet gelato shop and that says it all. The new generation of “Hipsteropolis” bars is also finding its way to this side of town. If you have a good pallet and get a hankering for good French wine, Altadena Ale and Wine House is right around the corner. These specialty shops cater to the elite, which is of course a good sign that the community of Altadena is definitely on the rise.

You can still find a single family home in this glorious horse country for less than half a million. In California’s booming real estate market, that is unheard of. It won’t be long before the middle class will be priced out so its time for homebuyers to make their move. Start by hiring a real estate agent who specializes in the area and who has proven success assisting buyers and sellers alike in Altadena.