If New York City's Brooklyn neighborhoods were bathed in sunshine, they might find their west coast counterpart in Los Angeles' Highland Park. Not too far from Downtown, this northeast LA neighbourhood is on the fast track to mass appeal. Historic homes combine with corridors replete with modern amenities and cosy bookshops tucked-away in secret corners. Despite its analogue attitude, Highland Park's evolution continues as it's propelled by another moving accouterment—the Metro Rail Gold Line easily connects commuters to the rest of the city.
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The community says:
On the Map
Highland Park is bordered by Hermon, Montecito Heights, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Mount Washington, and Eagle Rock
A Suburban-Feeling Neighbourhood With Urban Inclinations
Unlike LA's Hollywood or Beverly Hills, chic doesn't define Highland Park.
As one of Los Angeles' oldest neighbourhoods, Highland Park defies the signs of aging.
Its residents know that a neighbourhood facelift is unnecessary.
They like their neighbourhood's lived-in and well-loved spaces.
Highland Park connects neighbourhood newcomers and generations-old Angelenos.
Its amiable mix of ages becomes evident as you stroll its main avenues.
Old school barber shops and tucked-away vintage shops line Highland Park.
Murals and street art cover its facades.
Highland Park strikes a healthy balance between grunge and grace.
Hyper-Local In Highland Park
In Highland Park, you're more likely to encounter shops owned by moms and pops than big-name retail players.
Pop-Hop Books and Print has written itself into Highland Park's neighbourhood narrative.
A good book becomes a necessity when a good cafe and a good latte await nearby.
Cheers.
Highland Park: A Vision of Vintage
Vintage stylings have always hung in Highland Park's closet.
Once considered the hot rod capital of Southern California, classic cars still lend their cool looks to the neighbourhood's countenance.
Some compare Highland Park's penchant for retro to the feel of San Francisco.
Some compare it to Brooklyn.
Some dare make no comparisons.
Getting Around Los Angeles
As far as public transit in Los Angeles is concerned, Highland Park is well-connected to Downtown via the city's Metro Rail and freeway.
Share a seat on the Gold Line and get going.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighbourhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Rob Kalmbach
Rob is an editorial & commercial art photographer based in LA. On a recent assignment to South Africa with Ghetto Film School, he documented student filmmakers. On the Airbnb project, Rob says: “I love exploring the City of Angels. The other day, I photographed in pouring rain, thinking the worst, but ended up with some of my best shots. The people I meet on a daily basis amaze me."