The rapidly developing area of Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) gives new meaning to the name “Boomtown”. Following in the footsteps of Highland Park, their neighbor to the west, the picturesque communities of Hermon and Garvanza have undergone a major facelift since the 1990s. This was good news for homeowners who saw home values rise in Garvanza and Hermon as properties in these areas became very desirable.
This once neglected Craftsman-style property has gained newfound pride of ownership, making the area one of NEL.A’s most hidden treasures. Garfanza’s Ornate architecture includes nearly every style popular from the 1880s through 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 shabby beauties of yesteryear are being restored to their original splendor with the massive wave of gentrification sweeping through NELA. Renovating these sad old buildings helped launch the local real estate market into the stratosphere. If gender was to make a home or neighborhood more attractive to up and coming “gentry,” then Garfanza’s dramatic gentrification became an example of this very process.
Garvanza is generally considered the birthplace of the Arts and Crafts movement in Southern California, and many of these homes have been recognized as official historic landmarks. For architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike, these impressive structures are a treasure trove of gems. As the area became more and more trendy among burgeoning hipsters, local economies grew as well.
Evidence of improvement is seen when organic restaurants appear hip, able to cater to all your dietary needs. It wasn’t that long ago that you had trouble finding a meal outside of what might have been available from a taco vendor down the street, or the pedestrian fare served at average restaurants. Nowadays Garvanza, the gay couple on the go can delight in poached eggs, avocado toast, and espresso after a Pilates class. There’s even a new dedicated coffee shop dedicated to cycling culture taking shape on York Boulevard, of course, selling cycling gear along with vegan lattes and scones for its sporty neighbors. Starbucks is perhaps the most obvious sign of gentrification, and York Boulevard is now bookended by the iconic green lady logo.
Near Garvanza lies the small hilly village of Hermon. This wonderful residential area is known for its sycamore-lined streets and quaint old homes. In the not too distant past, you might find people slamming into the old family car, randomly parked on the front lawn. Fences and walls of commercial buildings were “decorated” with gangster graffiti. Hordes of homeless people have set up camp under the highway.
Today Hermon real estate is thriving and the homes for sale in Sheikh are beautiful, clean, well-groomed yards. There are only so many places to wander around, in these parts, which makes it hard to get into this cozy bedroom community. The limited supply of homes and the ever-increasing demand make the city of Hermon more fashionable among elegant people. The small town feel and proximity to the city of Los Angeles gives you the best of both worlds.