I was first introduced to Silver Lake in 1996 when I was invited to a house party at a Mid-Century home with a large deck and incredible views. The neighborhood, architecture, and eclectic group of people I met that night made an impression on me, and I spent that summer exploring Silver Lake. It was soon after that I made Silver Lake my home. As the neighborhood evolved and changed (the featured image above is of the Casbah Cafe in Sunset Junction pre–La Colombe), and as much as we all complained about the change, Silver Lake has never lost its charm.
You’ll find me and half of the community (sporting Baller Hardware apparel, read more here.) cruising around the Silver Lake reservoir from early morning to late at night – although it is advised to keep an eye out for the coyotes as it gets later in the day. The nearby Meadows, a 2.5-acre park on the Eastside of the lake featuring tranquil planting, open space and expansive views has become a weekend hang out for the neighborhood as well as tourists, but the crowd never feels overwhelming or out of place.
With all that Silver Lake has to offer and with a Median Sold Price of $1,470,000 as compared to the Westside’s $2,309,500 (source Redfin), the neighborhood is a relatively accessible option for buyers looking for more living / yard space, views, community, creative vibes and easy access to popular restaurants, dog parks and shops. You’ll find Spanish Style homes from the 1920s complete with Terra-Cotta tiles and arched doorways sitting comfortably next to mid century dwellings and contemporary builds.
Silver Lake continues to change and grow, but somehow has maintained it’s laid-back small town feel. It’s hard to believe that I’m coming up on 30 years in the neighborhood and it’s safe to say, Silver Lake is home.
If you’re interested in exploring the neighborhood and current inventory, feel free to reach me at rich@minimalism.la.
