Silver Lake

Discover Silver Lake

A hillside neighborhood east of Hollywood, Silver Lake is known for its modernist homes, creative culture, and iconic reservoir views. Long considered one of Los Angeles’ most eclectic areas, it blends contemporary architecture with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

The neighborhood stretches around the Silver Lake Reservoir, with steep hills, winding streets, and pockets of modern design tucked into 1920s–1930s housing stock. Zip codes are primarily 90026 and 90039. You’re minutes from Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Atwater Village, with Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood both within easy reach.

Quick Snapshot

• ZIP Codes: 90026, 90039
  
  
• Vibe: Creative, eclectic, architectural
  
  
• Nearby: Echo Park, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, Highland Park, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, Eagle Rock, Downtown LA
  
  
• Boundaries: Los Feliz/Griffith Park to the north; Echo Park to the south; Atwater Village to the east; East Hollywood to the west
  
  
• Landmarks: Silver Lake Reservoir, Micheltorena Stairs, Sunset Junction, Neutra VDL House
  
  
• The Current Market (per the MLS as of August 18, 2025)
  
  
  • Median Listing Price (Active/Pending): $1.499M
    
    
  • Median Sales Price (YTD): $1.57M
    
    
  • Average Days to Sell (Active/Pending): 52
    
    

👉🏻  VIEW CURRENT LISTINGS IN SILVER LAKE 👈🏻

Homes & Architectural Styles

This hillside area has long attracted architects and artists. It’s famous for its concentration of mid-20th-century modernist homes by Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, Gregory Ain, and John Lautner. Many hillside properties offer sweeping views of Downtown LA, the Hollywood Hills, or the San Gabriel mountain peaks.

Beyond the modernist icons, you’ll find 1920s–30s Spanish, Mediterranean-style homes, and Art Deco plus touches of art nouveau signage and detailing, along with contemporary new builds. The housing stock is diverse: hillside view properties, sleek modern cubes, creative duplexes, and small-lot developments.

Popular architectural styles include:

• Mid-Century Modern & International Style
• Spanish-style single-family homes & Mediterranean Revival
• Art Deco & Streamline Moderne (with the occasional art nouveau flourish)
• Contemporary and small-lot homes

A typical feature set includes:

• Walls of glass and indoor–outdoor flow
• Hillside decks and skyline views
• Open-plan kitchens and creative layouts
• Studio or ADU potential (verify locally)
  
  

Lifestyle & Walkability

One of LA’s most walkable hillside neighborhoods, with Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake Boulevard, and Hyperion Avenue forming lively corridors of dining, indie boutique shops, vintage shopping, and nightlife. Don’t miss the Neutra VDL House along Silver Lake Boulevard.

• Parks, Walks, & Paths: Jogging loops, the Meadow, a dog park, and the popular Silver Lake walking path around the water; nearby Griffith Park and Echo Park Lake
  
  
• Culture & Landmarks: Neutra VDL House, Micheltorena Stairs, Sunset Junction
  
  
• Dining & Nightlife: Silverlake Wine, historic Red Lion Tavern, El Cid, Night + Market Song, Ceviche Project, Silverlake Lounge, L&E Oyster Bar
  
  
• Weekly Ritual: The Silver Lake Farmers Market for fresh produce, food, and music
  
  
• Day Trips: Quick access to Griffith Park, Elysian Park, and DTLA arts (try The Broad!)
  
  

Top Schools & Commute

Zoned Public Schools:

• Micheltorena Street Elementary
• Thomas Starr King Middle School
• John Marshall High School

Nearby Private & Charter Schools:

• Larchmont Charter (multiple campuses)
• Pilgrim School
• Lycée International de Los Angeles (LILA)

Typical Commute Times:

• Downtown LA: 15–20 mins
• Hollywood: 10 mins
• Burbank/Studios: 20–25 mins
• LAX: 40–50 mins
• Metro B Line (Red) + Regional Buses available
  
  

History, Architecture, & Culture

The neighborhood takes its name from the early 1900s reservoir, dedicated to water commissioner Herman Silver. What began as an infrastructure project soon shaped the surrounding hillsides into one of Los Angeles’s most architecturally daring districts. By the 1920s and 30s, steep lots overlooking the reservoir became testing grounds for new approaches to space, light, and hillside construction.

Historic Origins

The creation of the reservoir not only provided essential water storage but also established a central gathering point for the community. Its paths and open space became natural anchors for recreation, and the surrounding hills quickly drew homeowners who valued views, climate, and proximity to downtown. Early subdivisions blended Spanish Revival cottages with forward-looking designs, laying the groundwork for a neighborhood that balanced tradition with experimentation.

Architectural Legacy

• Richard Neutra: His VDL House on Silver Lake Boulevard remains both a landmark and a living museum of International Style design.
  
  
• Rudolph Schindler: Brought European modernist principles to the canyon hillsides, often adapting them for small lots and tight budgets.
  
  
• Gregory Ain & John Lautner: Expanded the mid-century vocabulary with striking geometric forms and expansive glass walls, many of which are now protected under the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument program.

Together, their work positioned the neighborhood as an open-air gallery of mid-20th-century design—studied by academics, coveted by collectors, and still lived in by everyday Angelenos.

Hollywood & Cultural Ties

From its earliest days, the area attracted artists, musicians, and filmmakers seeking an alternative to Hollywood’s studio culture. Neighborhood venues gave rise to indie bands and experimental film screenings, while hillside houses often doubled as creative studios. The music scene remains integral today, with spots like Silverlake Lounge keeping live performance at the center of local nightlife.

Silver Lake also holds a meaningful place in the story of LGBTQ+ rights. The 1967 demonstrations at the Black Cat Tavern marked one of the earliest public protests against police harassment in the U.S., two years before Stonewall.

Cultural life continues in outdoor and community-driven spaces. The Silver Lake Picture Show brings hundreds of neighbors together for free summer films at Sunset Triangle Plaza, while the Silver Lake Conservatory of Music, founded by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, offers music education and concerts that support the next generation of local talent.

Silver Lake FAQs

Why should I move to Silver Lake?
This is one of Los Angeles’ most dynamic neighborhoods, offering hillside views, modernist architecture, and everyday convenience centered on the reservoir walking loops, Sunset Junction, and lively corridors along Silver Lake Boulevard and Hyperion Avenue. You’ll find destination restaurants, craft coffee, art galleries, boutique shops, and iconic outdoor spaces minutes from home.

For buyers, the area offers classic 1920s homes, mid-century icons, and sleek new builds—one of the city’s most architecturally diverse markets. Strong demand and limited inventory support long-term stability for both homeowners and investors. Enjoy culture close by too: free summer screenings at the Silver Lake Picture Show and museum days at The Broad.

Is it good for families?
Yes, though this neighborhood is a touch more urban and nightlife-forward than Los Feliz, many families value its schools, parks, and community charm. The reservoir path is a favorite for dog walks and stroller laps, and Micheltorena Elementary’s colorful stairway adds a playful landmark (see stair-hike guides to the area’s historic steps, including the Mattachine Steps).

Is it safe?
Safety varies by block, as with most central LA neighborhoods. Some hillside streets and blocks near the water feel especially residential, while busier corridors have more activity. Local associations and active community groups are strong; always review current reports and talk to neighbors when narrowing in on a property.

What’s the commute like?
Central, with multiple routes in and out. Downtown is roughly 15–20 minutes, Hollywood about 10, and Burbank studios 20–25. Hills and narrow streets can slow traffic at peak times, but Sunset Boulevard, Hyperion Avenue, and Silver Lake Boulevard help distribute flow. Prefer transit? Use Metro’s Trip Planner to hop the B Line or bus connections across the city.

How does it compare to Los Feliz?
They’re siblings with different personalities. Los Feliz leans historic—Spanish, Tudor, Storybook—and has a classic village core anchored by Vermont and Hillhurst. Silver Lake feels edgier and more contemporary, with modernist hillside architecture and a stronger nightlife presence. Both benefit from proximity to Griffith Park; Los Feliz has quicker trail access while this side offers reservoir loops and more skyline views.

Thinking about buying or selling in Silver Lake? From modernist hillside estates to contemporary small-lot builds, the area offers one of the most eclectic selections of homes in the city. Its architectural pedigree, reservoir views, and walkable streets make it a top choice for anyone seeking a blend of lifestyle and long-term value.

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Hero Image Credit: “Silver Lake Reservoir” by Matsujima, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.