The rapidly developing Northeast Los Angeles Area (NELA) gives new meaning to the name “Boomtown.” Following in the footsteps of Highland Park, its neighbor to the west, the picturesque communities of Hermón and Garvanza have been undergoing a major facelift since the 1990s. That’s been good news for homeowners who have seen home values rise in Garvanza and Hermon as real estate in these areas becomes highly desirable.
The once-neglected Craftsman-style residence has taken on a new pride of ownership, making the region one of NEL.A’s most hidden treasures. Garvanza’s ornate architecture encompasses nearly every style popular from the 1880s to the 1940s, including Queen Anne, Shingle, Mission Revival, and Tudor Revival. The charm of this unique enclave, filled with historic buildings, is reminiscent of the small towns of Northern California.
Chico’s gingerbread houses come to mind. These dilapidated beauties of yesteryear are being restored to their original splendor with the huge wave of gentrification sweeping through NELA. The rejuvenation of these sad old buildings has helped launch the local real estate market into the stratosphere. If gentrifying is making a house or district more attractive to the emerging “nobility,” then Garvanza’s dramatic upgrade has come to exemplify this very process.
Garvanza is generally considered to be the birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement in Southern California, and many of these houses have been recognized as official historic landmarks. For architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike, these spectacular structures are a treasure trove of gems to behold. As the area has become more and more fashionable among affluent hipsters, the local economies have also grown.
Evidence of gentrification is evident when trendy organic restaurants spring up, capable of catering to all your dietary needs. It wasn’t that long ago that it would be hard to find a meal outside of what might be available at the street taco vendor, or the pedestrian food served at mediocre restaurants. At today’s Garvanza, the gay couple on the go can indulge in poached eggs, avocado toast and espresso after Pilates class. There’s even a new cafe tailor-made for cycling culture, taking shape on York Boulevard, of course, selling cycling gear alongside vegan lattes and scones to its athletic neighbors. Starbucks is perhaps the most obvious telltale sign of gentrification and York Boulevard is now reserved with the famous green lady logo.
Adjacent to Garvanza is the mountainous village of Hermon. This unique residential district is known for its sycamore-lined streets and beautiful period homes. In the not too distant past, you might find people pulling the old family car, randomly parked on the front lawn. Fences and walls of commercial buildings were “decorated” with gang graffiti. Legions of homeless people camped under the freeway.
Today Hermon real estate is booming and Hermon homes for sale are beautiful and immaculate, the grounds are well kept. There are so many places to go, in these parts, that it makes this cozy bedroom community difficult to get into. The limited supply of houses and the ever-increasing demand make Hermon even more stylish among cool people. The small town feel and proximity to the Los Angeles metropolis give you the best of both worlds.
