Hancock Park

Discover Hancock Park

Elegant, storied, and centrally located, Hancock Park is one of Los Angeles' most prestigious and architecturally significant neighborhoods. With grand homes dating to the 1920s and walkable access to Larchmont Village and Larchmont Boulevard, it blends timeless charm with everyday convenience.

The neighborhood sits between Wilshire Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, primarily within ZIP codes 90004 and 90020, with some areas extending into 90005 and 90036. It's nestled among Windsor Square, Koreatown, and Brookside, right in the cultural heart of Los Angeles and adjacent to the Miracle Mile.

Quick Snapshot

• ZIP Codes: 90004, 90020, 90005, 90036
  
  
• Vibe: Refined, walkable, architecturally rich
  
  
• Nearby: Larchmont Village, Windsor Square, Brookside, Fremont Place, Koreatown, Mid-Wilshire, Miracle Mile
  
  
• Boundaries: Wilshire Boulevard to the south, Melrose Avenue to the north, Highland Avenue to the west, Rossmore Avenue to the east
  
  
• Landmarks: Wilshire Country Club, LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits, The Grove, Paramount Studios
  
  

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Homes & Architectural Styles

Hancock Park is known for its elegant architecture and historically protected status. The Hancock Park HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone) ensures many homes retain their original detail and character, with 89% of structures identified as Historic Contributors in the Historic Resources Survey.

Master architects left their mark here, including Wallace Neff (Spanish Colonial Revival), Paul R. Williams (the trailblazing Black architect known for elegant symmetry), and Gordon B. Kaufmann (Tudor and Italian Renaissance specialist). The neighborhood showcases some of Los Angeles' finest examples of period revival architecture.

Popular architectural styles include:

• Spanish Colonial Revival & Mediterranean
• English Tudor & French Normandy
• Italian Renaissance Revival
• Colonial Revival & Dutch Colonial
• Art Deco & Mid-Century Modern gems

A typical feature set includes:

• Grand formal entries and impressive facades
• Deep setbacks and manicured front gardens
• Original architectural details and craftsmanship
• Large lot sizes ranging from 7,500 to 20,000+ sq ft
  
  

Lifestyle & Walkability

With a Walk Score of 84, Hancock Park is among the most walkable upscale neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Daily life here happens on foot, whether you're walking to yoga or picking up flowers for the dinner table. The upcoming Metro Purple Line (Wilshire/La Brea station, opening in 2026) will make commuting to downtown and the Westside even easier.

• Shopping & Dining: Larchmont Village for morning coffee at Go Get Em Tiger, lunch at Cafe Gratitude, and boutique shopping
  
  
• Recreation & Culture: Wilshire Country Club (private, founded 1919), Los Angeles Tennis Club (private, founded 1920)
  
  
• Cultural Attractions: LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits, The Grove, Original Farmers Market
  
  
• Weekly Ritual: The Larchmont Village Farmers Market on Sundays (10am-2pm) and Wednesdays (1-5pm)
  
  
• Entertainment: Minutes from Koreatown's Michelin-starred restaurants and nightlife, plus easy access to Hollywood studios
  
  

Top Schools & Commute

Zoned Public Schools:

• Third Street Elementary (founded 1924, recognized as one of "60 great elementary schools" by Los Angeles Magazine)
• John Burroughs Middle School
• Fairfax High School

Nearby Private & Charter Schools:

• Marlborough School (elite all-girls prep)
• Larchmont Charter School
• Loyola High School
• Yavneh Hebrew Academy
• Page Academy (Pre-K through Grade 8)

Typical Commute Times:

• Downtown LA: 15-20 mins
• Hollywood: 10 mins
• Beverly Hills: 15 mins
• LAX: 30-40 mins
• Metro Purple Line coming 2026 for enhanced transit access
  
  

History, Architecture, & Culture

Developed in the 1920s by George Allan Hancock, the neighborhood was modeled after European garden cities. Its wide boulevards, formal setbacks, and deep lots were designed to showcase architectural distinction and social stature. The area was carved from the original Rancho La Brea, purchased by Major Henry Hancock in 1863.

Historic Development

Hancock Park rose during Los Angeles' great expansion of the 1920s, attracting wealthy families from the established West Adams district. The neighborhood's original concrete gates on Wilshire Boulevard still stand today, marking its entry as one of the city's first planned prestigious communities. Underground power lines, an extraordinary innovation for 1911, created the clean aesthetic that allows the mature tree canopy to flourish unobstructed.

Architectural Masters

• Wallace Neff: Master of Spanish Colonial Revival, creating some of the neighborhood's most celebrated estates.
  
  
• Paul R. Williams: Groundbreaking African American architect whose elegant designs graced many Hancock Park homes, known for perfect proportions and sophisticated detailing.
  
  
• Gordon B. Kaufmann: Specialist in Tudor and Italian Renaissance styles, contributing to the neighborhood's diverse architectural tapestry.
  
  

Hollywood & Cultural Connections

Hancock Park has been the backdrop for many iconic films and television shows, including Mad Men, The Artist, Rebel Without a Cause, The Aviator, and Mildred Pierce. Just around the corner, Paramount Pictures—Hollywood's longest-operating major studio—anchors the area's enduring connection to entertainment. Famous former residents have included Howard Hughes, Mae West, and Nat King Cole.

Greater Hancock Park Neighborhoods

Hancock Park anchors a distinguished collection of neighborhoods that together form the Greater Wilshire area, each with its own character while sharing the region's commitment to architectural preservation and community excellence.

Windsor Square

One of Los Angeles' oldest and most well-preserved neighborhoods, Windsor Square features 1,100 homes on broad lawns with mature trees. Established in 1911 as a private square, it was the first area in the city to have underground power lines. The neighborhood is home to the official Los Angeles mayor's residence and boasts 89% of homes identified as Historic Contributors. Windsor Square shares Larchmont Village's shopping district and maintains a strong community spirit with annual block parties dating back 30 years.

Brookside

An intimate enclave of eight tree-lined streets and 400 homes, Brookside sits between Olympic and Wilshire boulevards. Developed in 1920 by the Rimpau Estate Company, it was originally called Wilshire Crest and built to attract wealthy families from West Adams. The neighborhood features predominantly Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and French Revival homes. A natural stream—the Arroyo de los Jardines (Brook of the Gardens)—runs through the area, giving the neighborhood its name and creating unique water features on properties along Longwood Avenue.

Larchmont Village

The commercial heart of the Greater Hancock Park area, Larchmont Village provides a walkable thoroughfare of shops, restaurants, and amenities that feels like a small town within the city. The district features independent boutiques, cafes, and bakeries, anchored by the popular Sunday and Wednesday farmers markets. Larchmont Boulevard has served as a neighborhood shopping destination since the 1920s and remains the social center where neighbors naturally congregate for coffee, dining, and community events.

Fremont Place

Los Angeles' first gated community, Fremont Place was established in 1911 by developers David Barry and Charles Ingram on 51 acres. Originally marketed as "the most exclusive highest class residence community," it features 73 estates behind iconic Corinthian-style pillars. The community's first home was built in 1915 and designed by John C. Austin (architect of Griffith Observatory and City Hall) with interiors by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Throughout the decades, Fremont Place has been home to celebrities, studio heads, and business leaders, including the founder of Bank of America and Muhammad Ali.

Hancock Park FAQs

Is Hancock Park in a historic zone?
Yes. Hancock Park is designated as a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ), which helps maintain its architectural character and community integrity. The HPOZ was established in 2007 with guidelines to preserve the neighborhood's historic character. Property owners considering renovations should review HPOZ requirements, which ensure that modifications align with the area's historic architectural styles. The Los Angeles Department of City Planning provides detailed information about HPOZ compliance and permit requirements.

What architectural styles are common in Hancock Park?
The neighborhood showcases exceptional examples of period revival architecture from the 1920s and 1930s. Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean styles are prominent, along with English Tudor, French Normandy, Italian Renaissance Revival, and Colonial Revival homes. Many properties feature the work of renowned architects including Wallace Neff, Paul R. Williams, and Gordon B. Kaufmann. The HPOZ protections help ensure these architectural details are preserved for future generations.

What amenities and services are available?
Hancock Park offers excellent walkability with a Walk Score of 84. Residents have easy access to Larchmont Village for shopping and dining, including establishments like Go Get Em Tiger and Cafe Gratitude. The neighborhood is close to cultural attractions such as LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits, and The Grove. The Larchmont Village Farmers Market operates on Sundays (10am-2pm) and Wednesdays (1-5pm), providing fresh produce and community gathering opportunities.

What about transportation and commuting?
The neighborhood provides convenient access to multiple areas of Los Angeles. Typical commute times include 15-20 minutes to Downtown LA, 10 minutes to Hollywood, 15 minutes to Beverly Hills, and 30-40 minutes to LAX. The upcoming Metro Purple Line extension, with the Wilshire/La Brea station opening in 2026, will provide enhanced public transit connectivity. Major boulevards including Wilshire and Beverly provide multiple route options for cross-city travel.

Which schools serve the area?
The neighborhood is served by several public schools including Third Street Elementary (founded 1924 and recognized by Los Angeles Magazine), John Burroughs Middle School, and Fairfax High School. Private and charter school options include Marlborough School, Larchmont Charter School, Loyola High School, Yavneh Hebrew Academy, and Page Academy. Families considering school options should verify current enrollment boundaries and requirements with the Los Angeles Unified School District and individual schools.

What is the current real estate market like?
Hancock Park represents one of Los Angeles' premier residential markets, with property values supported by enduring factors including architectural significance, HPOZ protections, central location, and limited inventory. The neighborhood offers a range of properties from well-preserved homes starting under $2M to landmark estates that can exceed $15M. Given the dynamic nature of real estate markets, prospective buyers should consult current MLS listings, recent comparable sales, and market reports for the most up-to-date pricing information and trends.

How does Hancock Park compare to Beverly Hills?
Both neighborhoods offer prestigious residential living, but with different characteristics and locations.

Thinking about buying or selling in Hancock Park? From restored Spanish Colonial estates to elegant Tudor revivals with cinematic provenance, Hancock Park offers lasting architectural and lifestyle value in the heart of Los Angeles. Its HPOZ protections, central location, and proximity to Larchmont Village make it a top choice for discerning buyers.

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Hero Image Credit: “Hancock Park Street” by Joseph Plotz, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.