Silverlake

 

If you give the people what they want, they’ll keep coming back for more. Silver Lake is one of those places that just keeps showering its residents with a beautiful lifestyle. Named for the huge Silver Lake Reservoir in its center, Silver Lake is a neighborhood that seems to have it all. The mom-and-pop roots are still a definite undercurrent, but on top of that is one hip and trendy place. The most amazing mix of people has been drawn to live here: ultra-hipsters, artists, writers, musicians, celebrities, professionals, and working families alike.

 

Silver Lake is known for its hills and the beautiful views they offer. Many of the historic homes built on the highlands in the early 1900s still flourish and grace the hillsides, their beautiful old architecture lending chic style to the neighborhood. Historic staircases crisscross the hills, leading up and down and allowing the original and current residents access to the lower main streets and public transportation. The area has exploded with scores of trendy boutiques, quirky independent shops, fine-dining restaurants, and chic little bistros. The housing includes luxury villas and mansions, gorgeous historic homes, newer single-family homes, chic townhouses, and posh condominiums with breathtaking views.

 

• A walker’s paradise with winding staircases throughout the hills
• Year-round sunny weather with very mild winters
• Tree-lined streets with a residential yet bohemian feel
• Many fine-dining restaurants, delis, cafés, and lounges
• Paths around the reservoir with miles of open greenspace
• Good public transportation throughout Los Angeles 

 

What do you do with historic staircases that crisscross your entire neighborhood, leading up and down to interesting destinations? You paint some of them brilliant colors, of course, and leave others raw and imperfect! Residents enjoy these whimsical staircases for meandering walks and exercise as well as a chance to take in some greenery and old-world peace. A good portion of life in Silver Lake centers around the reservoir and its surrounding parks, playgrounds, winding trails, and large grassy meadow. Businesses are booming, and the quality of life is paramount.

 

All that walking and stair climbing builds up an appetite. Check out Alimento for excellent Italian cuisine and divine tortellini en brodo. Go people-watching and take in a lecture now and then at the Botanica café, and while you’re there, join the wine club and experience their all-natural wines. If you have a yen for Thai street food and an interesting date night, make a beeline for Night + Market Song. Order the gai tod naeng noi, and wash the hot spice down with an amazing array of wine.

 

There are boutiques and trendy little stores tucked everywhere in Silver Lake, but the main drag is Sunset Junction, where you’ll find clothing stores, flea markets, restaurants and delis, home décor shops, record stores, and more. Check out Mohawk General Store for the latest in fashion and shoes. The O’Dells Shop is a swanky boutique by a husband and wife team, Laura and Jason O’Dell. They offer designer women’s clothing and shoes for effortless dressing with a relaxed feel.

 

Attend a wine tasting party at Silverlake Wine, and check out a phenomenal amount of all-natural wines with no sulfur added. Don’t miss El Cid, Silver Lake’s flamenco club with live music, dancing, and burlesque. 

 

There is always something going on in Silver Lake—annual festivals, Chinatown Summer Nights, the Sunset Junction Street Fair, many traditional Korean festivals, the Lotus Festival, and much more to bring the community to life. Plus, downtown Los Angeles is only about 15 minutes away, so residents have access to all the big-city amenities and festivities.

 

Silver Lake is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District and is notable for the following schools.