Echo Park - Los Angeles, CA

Echo Park prides itself as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, dating back to the late 19th century and developing in the early 1900s. Founded in 1892 by Thomas Kelly, the area's name may come from a strong echo people noticed while building the reservoir. The earliest silent film studios ran along Glendale Boulevard and numerous famed figures have called Echo Park home, including big names such as Leonardo Di Caprio and Woody Guthrie.

Authentic Mexican, American, sushi, and vegetarian comprise some of the cuisines diners have to choose from along Sunset Boulevard. As one of the liveliest nighttime areas in Los Angeles, Echo Park's inhabitants can take their pick any night of the week.

Echo Park is highly walkable, with residents able to do most errands and leisure activities on foot. While the area proves somewhat biker-friendly, it lacks bike lanes and has a hilly terrain.

Drivers take Sunset Boulevard straight into downtown Los Angeles or access other areas of the city and southern California using the Glendale and Golden State Freeways. Numerous car-sharing and taxi services provide transportation options, including Uber, Zipcar, RelayRides and much more. The Los Angeles Metro system consists of bus access from Echo Park to downtown and other areas of the city. Parking is a mixed bag with drivers sometimes finding free street parking, or paying very little for all-day or metered parking, even along the busier commercial sections, unusual for Los Angeles.

Echo Park Lake sits at the neighborhood's center, a free public park surrounding a large lake with a fountain in the middle. The lake sits full of lotus leaves and duck families, encircled by palm trees. Locals come to rent the paddle boats at $10 a person per hour, jog around the fields and paths, get their dogs some exercise, or bring the little ones to skateboard or run around. Park goers can opt to buy food from vendors scattered through the park. Celebrate art and culture from Asian Pacific Regions at the annual Lotus Festival, held at the park.

A less-crowded alternative to Echo Park Lake is the more hidden gem, Vista Hermosa Natural Park. It serves as a perfect place to picnic, read a book, or take children to the well-kept playground. Those looking for a place to exercise can jog or bike along a little dirt path behind the grassy fields. Residents enjoy attributes such as plenty of parking in the lot or street and a fantastic view of downtown Los Angeles.

Renters living in Echo Park pay an average of $2,500/month to rent an apartment, compared to the Los Angeles city average of $2,781. City dwellers exploring houses for rent in Echo Park can expect to pay around $6,500/month. For those looking to buy, the average house is valued at $1.1 million compared to the city average of $901,291.

As with the restaurants and nightlife of Echo Park, most stores line Sunset Boulevard. Truly one of the more varied and unique shopping spots in Los Angeles, this area holds something for every taste.