When looking for a new home in Los Angeles, it's always smart to consider buying in an up-and-coming neighborhood. The cost of a house will be lower, and it will only be a matter of time before the area is bustling with new restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, thus driving up your home's resale value.
If you're in the market for a place to live or an investment rental property, East Hollywood is the perfect area to look at for these reasons. Not only is the neighborhood growing rapidly, it's also in a great location. You're only moments away from entrances to the 101, about 10 minutes to West Hollywood or Glendale, and you can get away with telling people you live in "Silver Lake adjacent."
Need more proof that this is a great place to call home? Then read on to check out our neighborhood guide to East Hollywood.
Things to Do
Between the Thai Town and Little Armenia areas of East Hollywood, there's plenty to do and explore. Plus, much of these activities are very affordable or even free.
Insight LA
Located near LA City College, at Insight LA you can chill out by taking a variety of different guided meditation classes and other workshops. Suggested donations for each event are usually $15, but no one is turned away for lack of funds.
Barnsdall Art Park
For a beautiful view of East Hollywood, spend an afternoon at Barnsdall Art Park. Home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, you can take a tour of the property or participate in one of the many events held there including live performances and art classes. Outside the house is a sprawling lawn perfect for picnicking.
During the summer months, you can participate in the Friday Wine Tastings which have become their signature fundraising event. You can watch the sunset while enjoying artisan wines, gourmet food truck offerings, and great music by popular Los Angeles DJ’s.
Junior High
On Hollywood Blvd, Junior High is a non-profit organization that serves as an art and performance venue that showcases marginalized voices in the community. Here you can see comedy shows, art exhibits, take a workshop, and more.
Farmers Market
Buy your fresh produce for the week at the East Hollywood farmers market located on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Western. Check them out on Monday's and Thursday's from 3:30 to 7:30 PM.
Upright Citizens Brigade
One of the founders of this comedy school and theater is none other than Amy Poehler. Most nights of the week there’s a variety of improv and sketch comedy shows that are affordable and laid back. The campus also includes a cafe open to the public where you can do some work or grab a bite and a beer before you see a show.
Restaurants
Everyone knows that Thai Town has tons of great restaurants for when you're craving papaya salad and tom kha soup. But in the last few years, a wider array of great establishments have been popping up.
Sqirl
Despite opening all the way back in 2012, you’ll still usually find a line down the block of people waiting to order Sqirl’s famous breakfast or lunch offerings. If you don’t have the patience to wait long be sure to visit on a weekday because the food is a must-try. They’re known for their Ricotta and jam brioche toast, but their rice bowls and sandwiches are delicious as well.
Bolt EaHo
You've heard of WeHo and NoHo, but Bolt in Thai Town is trying to make “EaHo” happen. As the breakfast and lunch spot says on their website, the “classic and engaging design [of the restaurant] reflects the vibrant and artistic vibe of its EaHo location.” On the weekends, it’s a bustling brunch spot, and during the week there’s plenty of space to do some work while you enjoy their breakfast pasta or a BOLT Benedict.
Found Oyster
For a taste of New England in Los Angeles, check out Found Oyster on Fountain Ave, down the street from the classic brunch spot Square One. It’s a tiny space with lots of charm, where you can find classics like lobster rolls, steamers, and clam chowder.
Boo’s
In 2018, Chrissy Teigen tweeted about her love for this Philly Cheesesteak restaurant who, as she says, always delivers their sandwiches “piping hot”. She also suggests getting an original steak with Cheez-Wiz, or if you’re really feeling wild, Cheez-Wiz and American.
Desano Pizza Bakery
Desano’s is an unassuming pizza place in Little Armenia, yet Tom Brady and Mindy Kaling both count the restaurant as providing their favorite pie in Los Angeles. The seat-yourself dining room is sprawling and open so it’s the perfect venue to watch the game with a bunch of friends. They sell wine and beer, but you can also BYOB.
Nightlife
You don't have to venture out to the Hollywood and Highland area just to have something to do on a Saturday night. Instead, check out these places and avoid the greased-up bottle service bros.
The Virgil
The Virgil is part cocktail bar, part event space, and part dance club all in one. One side of the venue is a dark and moody bar area perfect for a date night. The other side includes a stage with another bar where some of the best comedians in the business put on regular shows. On weekends, they clear out the audience chairs and DJ’s put on a huge dance party.
Tabula Rasa
The wine and beer bar Tabula Rasa was a welcome addition to the Thai Town neighborhood when it opened in 2016. The place is laid back and well decorated, and the bartenders are friendly and helpful. There’s usually a full slate of events every week including food pop ups, live Jazz on Sundays, and semi-educational wine tastings on Thursdays.
Lolo
This wine bar also has a full food menu, so you can either sit down for dinner in the main dining room or relax on their comfortable couches by the bar. Their by the glass prices can run a little high, but luckily they have happy hour from 5-7 daily with $9 wine, $5 beer, and snacks from $5-10.
Shopping
Within East Hollywood there’s plenty of nearby super markets and places to shop. Just outside of the neighborhood border is easy access to additional shopping including Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, PetCo and more. Since rent is cheaper in this part of town, more and more privately owned shops with lots of character are starting to pop up. Here’s a list of a few stand outs:
Broken Dishes
Home decor and design shop
Hours: “By appointment or happenstance”, but on Yelp it says it's open from 10-5.
4912 Fountain Avenue, Suite B
Diehl Marcus
Antiques, Gifts, and Art. Plus, you can use their beautiful shop as a private event space.
Monday - Thursday : By Appointment Only
Friday-Saturday : 1pm - 8pm
Sunday : 12pm - 6pm
4707 Fountain Ave.
Desperate Los Angeles
Boutique clothing store featuring independent designers from around the world.
http://desperatelosangeles.com
Tuesday - Friday: 11-5
Saturday & Sunday: 11-6
Monday: Closed
4851 Fountain Ave.
Housing Market
East Hollywood is quickly becoming a new up and coming area, so while you can still get a house for a good deal, prices have risen over the last year and will surely continue to. The average sale price for a home in this area is 925k, and generally go for around 3.8% under listing price.
According to Redfin, the market isn’t very competitive compared to other neighborhoods. Multiple offers on a home are rare, and they spend around 77 days on the market.
Your Neighborhood Guide to East Hollywood
While neighborhoods like Larchmont and Silver Lake are lovely with lots to do and great walkability, buying a house there means not getting much bang for your buck. In East Hollywood, you can still find an affordable house that will likely be worth a lot more in only a few years.
Are you ready to start looking for your new home in EaHo? Let us help you with your search. Contact us at 310-874-1278 or email bnicolas@ietrealestate.com.
Posted by Ben Nicolas on
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