The first place I moved to on the Eastside from Studio City was Highland Park. We lived in a cute Craftsman home on Annan Way just off Figueroa. What originally drew me to the neighborhood was how cool it felt — and the fact that we could actually afford it.

Affordability has shifted over the years, though Highland Park real estate is still more attainable than many other parts of Los Angeles. The median home price now sits around $1,200,000, but the coolness factor…she’s still got it. 

Craftsman-style homes are the hallmark here — you’ll see charming bungalows with wide, street-facing porches, moody Spanish Revival, a few proud Victorians, and modern contemporaries that blend old and new.

My newest favorite is Sam’s Place. It’s tiny, low-key, and doesn’t take reservations, have a website or social media it was actually hard to find the address when I went for the first time. (FYI it’s 5530 Monte Vista St, Los Angeles, CA 90042) The menu has maybe seven items, but every single one is a showstopper — seriously so good.

Then there’s Belle’s Bagels, which started as a little morning-only window and has grown into a beautiful all-day restaurant with a bar. I’ve only ever ordered the lox bagel (called the MCB) to go, but I have a date planned there soon and will report back.

And if you know, you know — La Estrella taco truck on York and 54th serves some of the best asada tacos in all of LA. Ggiata (for sandwiches and salads) and Skaf’s (for skewers and babaganoush) are always on rotation in our house — both are a perfect 10.