In the heart of Echo Park lies a beautiful lake where you can rent paddle boats, go for a jog, or enjoy a picnic while admiring the views of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA).
The architecture in Echo Park, much like its residents, is wonderfully eclectic.You’ll find preserved Victorian and Queen Anne homes from the late 1800s. Nearby, Spanish and Mission Revival, Craftsman bungalows, and striking modern hillside homes showcase the neighborhood’s diverse character and architectural history.
The median home price in Echo Park is around $1,330,000.
Local favorites include Donna’s, a chic Italian spot with incredible cocktails (book well in advance—it’s tough to get a table!), Quarter Sheets Pizza for their Detroit-style pies, and Dada for Mediterranean fare—get the branzino. I love a stroll on Echo Park ave starting at Canyon Coffee, stopping by Cookbook for flowers and fancy cheese, and ending with a glass of Italian red at Bacetti.

Originally hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, Joy fell in love with Los Angeles while vacationing here as a child. After 22 years of calling the Eastside her home, she has no plans to leave. She currently resides in Glassell Park with her husband Matt, their son Levi, and their 10 year old rescued pup, Cubby. When she’s not working with clients, you might find her exploring local boutiques, sampling the fare at one of the city’s newest restaurants with her girlfriends, or attending baby gymnastics classes with Levi.