Tucked between the busy central Los Angeles neighborhoods of Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Koreatown is the diverse and steadily growing community of East Hollywood. In the past, due to the area’s lack of walkability and parking, many LA residents would simply drive through this neighborhood on their way to other destinations. However, in recent years, East Hollywood has become a cultural hotspot for small business entrepreneurs, diverse mom-and-pop restaurants, and colorful street art.

For anyone new to East Hollywood, here are six things you need to know about the neighborhood.

Pedestrian and Transit-Friendly

Hollywood/Vine metro station 

Like many parts of Los Angeles, the city has been working to make its neighborhoods more safe and walkable for residents. After the 1992 LA riots, many businesses were looted in East Hollywood which was a cause for worry among many homebuyers. However, 26 years later, the neighborhood has not only recovered from the devastation, it has become one of the most popular communities in LA with a walk score of 89. The neighborhood has several bus stops, three Metro stations, bike lanes, and walking paths at main intersections.

Central Location

Hollywood Walk of Fame photo by Shutterstock

With easy access to the 101 freeway, residents in East Hollywood can travel to other parts of Los Angeles and even other counties such as San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley without much of a problem. While Downtown Los Angeles is a 20-minute drive heading east, Beverly Hills and other westside neighborhoods are a 20-minute drive heading west. East Hollywood offers residents convenient access to many of LA’s most popular neighborhoods, and it’s close to tourist attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and even The Grove. It’s no wonder why East Hollywood is so popular among professionals who like being in the middle of all the action.

Diverse Ethnic Food

Thai food / Shutterstock

Home to Los Angeles’ quaint Thai Town and Little Armenia, East Hollywood features some of the city’s most diverse dining options. According to LA Eater, East Hollywood has emerged as the city’s “hottest dining hood.” Although Middle Eastern, Armenian, Filipino, and Mexican cuisine have been mainstay dining options in the community, new breakfast joints, burger spots, and coffee shops have popped up in recent years—attracting more residents to the area.

Affordable Housing Options

Aerial view of East Hollywood

Many parts of East Hollywood are still developing, and because the neighborhood is still transitioning, there are several pockets with very affordable housing options. Home prices get higher heading towards neighborhood borders near Silver Lake and Los Feliz. While most of the inventory in East Hollywood is dedicated to apartment rentals, there are homes for purchase in the area. These homes come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, with prices ranging from a low of $200s to nearly over $2 million. According to Neighborhoods.com, there are currently over 100 home listings in East Hollywood.

Barnsdall Art Park

Barnsdall Park photo courtesy of Junkyardsparkle

One of East Hollywood’s main draws when it comes to recreational areas is the Barnsdall Art Park, which is home to the landmarked Hollyhock House, designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. In fact, the park itself is actually a historic and cultural monument. Situated at the peak of Olive Hill, Barnsdall Art Park overlooks the city of Los Angeles as well as parts of Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. The park is also home to a theater, art gallery, and several studios.

A Youthful Community

Griffith Park photo by Shutterstock

With good food and bars available at inexpensive prices, East Hollywood is a magnet for millennials. Although there are a few families living in this neighborhood, most residents consist of young working professionals, transplants who just moved to the area, and entertainment creatives. Since East Hollywood is located next to the coveted neighborhood of Hollywood, which is filled with star-studded nightlife and restaurants, many people who live here are aspiring actors, musicians, models, and even comedians. Not to mention, the neighborhood’s location near popular hiking spots such as Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park also attracts outdoor enthusiasts to the area.