In the foothills of the Angeles National Forest, this artistic area full of creative people is a place where you can get a little more land for your dollar while enjoying the amazing farmers market and cool community garden. It’s convenient to all the offerings of Pasadena, with quick access to beautiful hiking trails and great charter schools.

Neighborhood pride is strong in Atwater where you’ll see lots of I [HEART] Atwater stickers. Walk or bike to any of the plentiful independent shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the best brunch in town at Canelé—get the French toast! This is a small town inside a big place, offering quick surface-street access to Silver Lake, Glendale or Burbank.

The land of Disney, ABC, NBC, and Warner Brothers, Burbank promises great schools, vintage shops, and cool eateries. From the oldest Bob’s Big Boy in America to the lines-out-the-door at Porto’s Bakery it’s not just for those in the entertainment business anymore. 

Tucked away just west of downtown Los Angeles around a charming lake, this revitalized area is changing rapidly for the better. Great spots like the local organic grocers - Cookbook, and the chill coffeehouse FIX - point to the artistic bent here, while it still offers a taste of historic LA in its beautiful Victorians on Carroll Place. Echo Park is perfect for young professionals who want a quick commute to downtown.

An easy place to live, this charming and incredibly walkable area has lots to offer adults and kids. The indoor playground, Peekaboo Playland, is a kid favorite, and the annual music festival is fun for everyone. With a very active community council, people take pride in Eagle Rock. It’s also a fun place for a curious palette: Four Café offers ingredients from local farmers markets and Little Beast Restaurant serves craft beer and wine in a charming craftsman bungalow.

This up-and-coming spot just south of Mt. Washington is affordable, close enough to everything, has some beautiful new builds, a nice community pool, and the LA River Center. Do not miss the delicious breakfast place, Lemon Poppy!  

Glendale’s not just the valley, it’s very much part of Northeast LA. With especially good schools—there are so many different language immersion programs—a lot of people are moving to Glendale. Look at Adams Hills or go up into the canyons for some beautiful finds. 

This dynamic spot is changing faster than you can say mid-century modern. Considered the fastest gentrifying neighborhood in LA, look away for just a moment and you’ll miss a new bar, restaurant, shop, or yoga and exercise studio opening its doors. It offers newly flipped homes and affordable starter bungalows. From flea-market-style boutiques to a family-friendly indoor playground to Maximiliano’s Italian, this place has style with a bit of grit.

Nestled west of Silver Lake, east of Hollywood, and south of expansive Griffith Park, Los Feliz is a beautiful spot with large homes. Enjoy a morning stroll to coffee on Vermont or to Trails Cafe in Griffith Park or to yoga on Hillhurst. Easily pop over to Silver Lake, Hollywood, mid-city, or downtown. Or be like the locals and stay in the neighborhood for Italian at Little Dom’s

The stunning views and mountain living in Mt. Washington make for homes that feel like peaceful vacation getaways. Family-friendly and a bit more off the grid than surrounding areas, there’s still quick access to everything Highland Park and Eagle Rock have to offer.

Offering beautiful homes (Bungalow Heaven, anyone?), unique gems like Kidspace Children’s Museum, a plethora of sub-neighborhoods, and an old town center with every store you’d ever need, Pasadena is an upscale spot. There are still bargains to be found: the Rose Bowl Flea Market and the Pasadena City College Flea Market are a mecca for interior design lovers all over town.

It’s actually a reservoir! For a small place, there’s so much to do. Silver Lake is full of parks, farmers markets, amazing cafés, and shopping. With the super-hip Sunset Junction, Intelligentsia Coffee, Black Cat Gastro pub, Cliff Edge’s restaurant patio, Edendale Grill on Rowena, and more spots on Silver Lake Blvd. and on Hyperion, there is always somewhere new to try. Silver Lake has an eclectic feel and so much energy; it’s a place where anyone can live. Easily get downtown or go out in Hollywood.

East of Highland Park and south of Pasadena proper, South Pasadena has incredible schools, gorgeous homes, a great library, lots of cafes, and lots of spots for kids. With its charming Mission Street and small-town feel, South Pasadena is a sweet place for families.