Gritty but cool, Echo Park has a terrific location in the middle of some great neighborhoods
Echo Park has an above average violent crime rate and an average property crime rate for Los Angeles.
This hilly, predominantly Hispanic neighborhood just northwest of Downtown Los Angeles has gone through the gentrification that's become de rigueur among the areas radiating out from Downtown. Once the scene of gang violence in the 1990s, it's become a hipster haven and declared one of the city's coolest areas by various publications. It's not completely polished over yet, however, so you'll still find a diverse population and a bit of grit.
This is a vibrant neighborhood to live in. Music venues like The Echo bring in upstart indie bands and established music groups alike. The main road cutting through town, Sunset Boulevard, is lined with boutiques, shops, cafes, and popular restaurants. All around town street art adorns buildings and bridges. It also boasts a great location: you can quickly get to some amazing nearby neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake
There are some good sized houses along the sloping streets here but prices have shot up as this has become a desirable place to live. Apartments are plentiful to rent as well.
The eponymous Echo Park the park provides a popular setting for walkers and jogging to do laps on the trail that circles the manmade lake.
Echo Park is bordered on the north by Elysian Valley, on the east by Elysian Park, on the south by Downtown Los Angeles and Westlake, and on the west by Silver Lake.
Commute:
Burbank: 8.4 miles / 15-25 minutes by car / 45-50 minutes by transit
Century City: 13.3miles / 40-75 minutes by car / 80-85 minutes by transit
Downtown LA: 3.4 miles / 10-25 minutes by car / 30-35 minutes by transit / 20-25 minutes by bike
Santa Monica: 17.1 miles / 40-85 minutes by car / 90 minutes by transit
Echo Park LOCAL schools
Echo Park Local Flavor 
LA's home for Chicago Deep Dish pizza. And we mean deep: about one slice will keep you full for days.
An intimate music venue featuring up and coming bands every night of the week.
This craft beer destination has more than 70 beers on tap and also has a great menu.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @yesthereisans, @brett_spencer, @hoflo3, @karen_anne, @amojahedi, @ameliafavata, @valz1013, @daniwhang, @flanintheface, @fourthstreetmfg, @ladyfriend, @cocourtneyleigh, @caitrosemulligan, @thomasedmundmclau, @laurafrankel, @damienbelliveau, @tl626, @abundancesymphony for your great photos of this neighborhood!
