Eagle Rock: Hot Rods, Gentrification and an Eagle-Shaped Shadow
Eagle Rock, a distinctive little city bordered by Glendale (N,W), Highland Park (SE), Glassell Park (SW), Pasadena and South Pasadena (E), is identified as “the core of counter-culture.” Known for its medley of ethnic and socioeconomic groups, Eagle Rock, is a cozy and creative outlet for everyday people. After all, Eagle Rock’s only private institution, Occidental College, was home to former President Barack Obama for his initial college education as well as the famous film star and writer, Ben Affleck.
Located west of Pasadena and north of central Los Angeles, the Californian neighbourhood of Eagle Rock occupies just over four square miles. Long since associated with the creative class and hot rod culture, the city is becoming increasingly attractive to young urban professionals. It seems the former home of Marlon Brando can add gentrification to its history.
History & Current Demographics
Before displacement by Spanish Settlers in the late 1700s, the area now occupied by Eagle Rock was the home of the indigenous Tongva tribe. A century later and the area was a thriving farming community. The subsequent growth of Los Angeles inspired development of the entire region. Although Eagle Rock was incorporated as a city in 1911, it was annexed into Los Angeles in 1923.
According to estimates provided by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, the population of Eagle Rock is around 35,000 residents. It is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles county. The racial makeup is 40.3% Hispanic, 29.8% White, 23.9% Asian and 1.9% African American. Small pockets of other races make up the remaining 4.1%. Eagle Rock is noted for its significant communities of Mexican and Filipino descendant populations.
Main Attractions
Eagle Rock takes its name from an enormous limestone boulder of the same name that looms over the valley. Created millions of years ago by hot springs in the area, an indentation in the rock causes an eagle-shaped shadow to appear on the rock at noon. Straddling Eagle Rock View Drive and Patrician Way, the rock is one of Southern California’s natural wonders.
The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center on Colorado Blvd is a fascinating example of Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture. Built in 1915 as one of over 2,500 Carnegie libraries, it was originally named Eagle Rock Carnegie Library. The library closed in 1981. The building, a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and appearing on the National Register of Historic Places, is now home to the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center.
Colorado Boulevard, one of the main thoroughfares through Eagle Rock, acts as an urban hub and is popular with residents and visitors alike for its numerous restaurants, bars and shopping destinations. The highway is currently the subject of a community initiative named “Take Back The Boulevard.” Aimed at enhancing the natural vibrancy of the street by reducing traffic and improving walking and cycling facilities, it is likely that a successful campaign will make Eagle Rock one of the most sought after zip codes in Los Angeles.
Additional Information
– Eagle Rock has seen its fair share of notable residents: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Doobie Brothers’ musician, Guy Allison. Not to mention Barack Obama.
– A Farmers Market is held on Merton Avenue every Friday night. Visitors enjoy a delicious assortment of cuisines with the rather unusual backdrop of an Elvis impersonator.
– Established in 1887, the Occidental College, or the “Oxy,” is a liberal arts college. Noted for its rigorous programs, students have received 10 Rhodes Scholarships, 55 Watson Fellowships and more.
– Members of the Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock meet on Hermosa Avenue. The club was founded in 1903 and members still play an active role in the community. The ladies’ clubhouse was declared a Los Angeles Cultural Monument in 1991.
– Younger residents attend school in District 4 of The Los Angeles Unified School District. There are four elementary schools, two middle/high schools and a smattering of private schools.
– Eagle Rock is a star in its own right having featured in some major motion pictures: Top Gun, Reservoir Dogs, Teen Wolf, The Incredible Shrinking Woman and more.
– The Center for the Arts plays host to the weekly meeting of the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council. Residents wishing to attend should turn up at 7pm on the first Tuesday of each month.
Restaurants & Cafés
The Oinkster – See reviews on Yelp!
Previously featured on the Food Network, Oinkster has established its name! Their famous pulled pork sandwich is juicy and plentiful on its own, but even better with their signature vinegar based sauce! The highlight of my experience were the Belgian fries. Every single fry was succulent and cooked to a crispy perfection. Additionally, there homemade sauces available at the condominiums section and the plantains as a side dish were just as satisfying to eat with my meal!
POPULAR ITEMS: Belgian Fries, Ube Shake, House Cured Pastrami, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich (with the Vinegar Sauce)
2005 Colorado Blvd
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
(323) 255-6465
Casa Bianca Pizza Pie – See reviews on Yelp!
For fresh and generous toppings, thin crusts, and south-side Chicago style pizza, enjoy some Italian cuisine at Casa Bianca Pizza. It is imperative to try their pizzas along with a pasta dish named Pasta Al Forno. My only warning is that in the midst of popular eating times, you may have to wait patiently. But as many fellow Yelpers have said, “the food is worth the wait.”
POPULAR ITEMS: Pasta Al Forno, Eggplant and Garlic Pizza, Veggie Pizza
1650 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 256-9617
Auntie Em’s Kitchen – See reviews on Yelp!
Auntie Em’s is the cupcake champion of Eagle Rock. Autie Em’s is a cute homey bakery/restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and delectable baked goods. They try to incorporate seasonal, local, and organic ingredients throughout their food.
I have tried their Red Velvet and Chocolate cupcakes. The cream cheese frosting on the Red Velvet cupcake has a sweet velvety consistency that is irresistible.
POPULAR ITEMS: Red Velvet Cupcake, French Toast, Coconut Cupcake, Carrot Cake
4616 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 255-0800
Senor Fish – See reviews on Yelp!
For anyone who loves fresh fish tacos and/or burritos, “Mr.” Fish is the place to be! Senor Fish has indoor and outdoor seating and beach themed ambience. The popular fresh fish selection consists of salmon, halibut, mahi, swordfish, roughy, talapia, and more. Along with their regular soda bar, there is horchata and orange bang available for the same price! Don’t forget to order potato tacos! This delicious item is NOT on the menu, but is one of the more popular meals. Overall, there traditional Mexican flare is prominently shown throughout their quality food and simple approach to cooking.
POPULAR ITEMS: Shrimp & Scallop Burrito, Potato Tacos, Salsa Bar
4803 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 257-7167
Fun & Amusing Places
Eagle Rock Underground – See reviews on Yelp!
Are you interested in Urban style and old school Hip-Hop? This small independent shop sells Urban clothes and hats – the real deal! Along with independent clothing labels to sell, Eagle Rock Underground occasionally has art shows that promote local artists. The artistic influence of funky paintings and stylized drawings gives this mom n’ pop shop a warm vibe. If your interested in DJiing or live music, every week, the owner allows new DJs to reveal their own personal style! As an excited Yelper said Eagle Rock “is truly a breeding ground for new creative talent.”
4690 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Eagle Rock Music Festival – See reviews on Yelp!
Similar to the Make Music Pasadena event in Pasadena, the Eagle Rock Music Festival is available to attend every year.
For more information, check out this useful post that PasadenaViews wrote up previously about the annual event: Eagle Rock Music Festival Post!
2225 Colorado Blvd
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
Cactus Gallery & Gifts – See reviews on Yelp!
“Eclectic,” “affordable,” “handmade,” and “friendly” are some of the words Yelpers are using to describe this well maintained shop and its genuine products. This place is the jewel of art galleries: original artwork by local artists that people can purchase for affordable prices. Sandra, the proprietor, has a visual eye for unique crafts and always has the best intentions of promoting budding artists. Don’t forget to ask about the group art shows! As a neighborhood customer reviewer on Yelp said, “Cactus is more than a location. Cactus is an experience.”
3001 N Coolidge Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Farmer’s Market
Eagle Rock Certified Farmers’ Market – See reviews on Yelp!
Come enjoy eating fresh cooked meals while listening to an Elvis impersonator! Every FRIDAY from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M., diverse vendors please crowds with affordable and tasty items. Merchants sell everything from organic honey juice, strawberry nutella crepes, blood oranges to Hawaiian BBQ skewers, Peruvian cuisine, and shrimp/shellfish. It never hurts to support our local farmers and receive healthy and affordable food in return.
2035 Colorado Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Eagle Rock Schools
Eagle Rock Real Estate & Homes For Sale
Search over 100,000 homes – including the entire Pasadena California Multiple Listing Service
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $300,000 to $400,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $400,000 to $500,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $500,000 to $600,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $600,000 to $700,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $700,000 to $800,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $800,000 to $900,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $900,000 to $1,000,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $1,500,000 to $2,000,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $2,000,000 to $2,500,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale $2,500,000 to $3,000,000
- Eagle Rock Homes for Sale over $3,000,000
EAGLE ROCK CONDOS AND TOWNHOMES FOR SALE:
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale under $300,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $300,000 to $400,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $400,000 to $500,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $500,000 to $600,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $600,000 to $700,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $700,000 to $800,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $800,000 to $900,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $900,000 to $1,000,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
- Eagle Rock Condos and Townhomes for Sale over $1,500,000
The list below will show you a sampling of residential properties available for sale including single family homes, condominiums, townhomes, and PUDS. You may click on any house for sale for additional information such as pricing, details, photographs and more.
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- Wed, 19 Sep 2018 17:52:00 +0000: $1,295,000 :: 4232 Verdugo Road, Eagle Rock CA, 90065 - Eagle Rock Home Search
4 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,730 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,515 sq ft
Added: 09/15/18, Last Updated: 09/19/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: PW18225940
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
LA Green Designs presents a development opportunity in beautiful Eagle Rock. The property is an SLO project which can be delivered permit ready at the close of escrow. The plans call for 4 individual Small Lot Ordinance homes averaging 2,000 sq ft each. Each unit has 4 stories with 2 car garage parking spots on the ground floor alongside an additional bedroom/den. The 2nd floor features 3 bedrooms, including a master with ensuite bath. The 3rd floor consists of the living and dining rooms, open concept kitchen and the 1st of two terraces. The top floor features a family / great room, and large 2nd terrace. Contact broker for full set of plans. Take advantage of this opportunity to build in one of the area’s fastest rising market! Excellent location in Eagle Rock close to restaurants and shops in North East Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Glendale.
Listed with Alisa Clum CalDRE:01740624, Cal Beach Real Estate
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:27:00 +0000: $1,750,000 :: 5127 Mount Helena Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
5 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 2,782 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,506 sq ft
Added: 09/18/18, Last Updated: 09/18/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: SR18222378
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
Two on a lot - 2001 sq ft Main House and 781 sq ft Guesthouse/ADU - in highly desired Dahlia Heights Elementary area (check w/LAUSD) of Eagle Rock, north of Colorado. Almost all new construction, the light-drenched main house (16 skylights) with high ceilings and white oak wood floors has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floorplan with custom kitchen cabinetry, Bertazzoni appliances, custom walnut vanities, stone accent walls, and a laundry room. With a walk-out deck from living room and master bedroom, it's ideal for indoor-outdoor living. The newly built guesthouse/Accessory Dwelling Unit has two bedrooms, kitchen, living and 1 full bath, with its own address (5129 Mt Helena), and a rooftop deck to watch sunsets from. The bedroom walls can recede to create one large area. Ten foot ceilings, skylights and concrete floors make this unit ideal for the creative and/or home business owner. Wide driveway allows for side by side parking with additional spots in driveway ahead, behind gate. While the front yard has succulent and cacti plants, the large back yard has mature fruit trees, grape vine, raised vegetable beds, grassy lawn, and room for a pool, if desired. All new square footage and additions are permitted.
Listed with Ryan H. Sarkissian CalDRE:01878141, Compass
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Sat, 15 Sep 2018 09:48:00 +0000: $1,495,000 :: 2216 Laverna Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
7 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 3,853 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,599 sq ft
Added: 07/26/18, Last Updated: 09/15/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: PW18180859
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
The price of this listing was last reduced on 9/15/2018 by 7%
Status: Active
LA Green Designs presents a development opportunity in beautiful Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. The property is an SLO project which can be delivered permit ready at the close of escrow. The plans call for 4 individual Small Lot Ordinance homes averaging 2,000 sq ft each. Each unit has 3 stories with 2 car garage parking spots on the ground floor alongside an additional bedroom/den. The 2nd floor consists of the living and dining rooms, open concept kitchen and a balcony. The 3rd floor consists of 3 bedrooms (each featuring their own balcony), including a master with ensuite bath. The top floor features an inviting rooftop deck. Contact broker for full set of plans. Take advantage of this opportunity to build in one of the area’s fastest rising market! Excellent location in Eagle Rock close to restaurants and shops in North East Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Glendale.
Listed with Alisa Clum CalDRE:01740624, Cal Beach Real Estate
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Fri, 14 Sep 2018 06:29:00 +0000: $799,913 :: 2815 El Roble Drive, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
2 beds, 1 bath
Home size: 1,041 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,568 sq ft
Added: 09/13/18, Last Updated: 09/14/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 318003754
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Tract: Not Applicable-618 (NA618)
Status: Active
Nestled in the hills of Eagle Rock sits this beautiful renovated 2 bed/1 bath turn key home. The updates and renovations are nearly endless, new roof, new tank-less water heater, new plumbing, new electrical panel/wiring, new irrigation system with an automatic control box, water filtration system, and much more. As you enter, you will notice the natural light from the skylights and the natural lighting. The living and dining room have quality hardwood flooring, LED recess lighting, a custom made fireplace and an open floor plan which connects to the beautiful kitchen. The kitchen has custom made cabinets, including quartz london grey countertops, 30 inch barn style stainless steel sink, and with state of the art custom fitted appliances. The bedrooms are equipped with big closets, storage space, and a built in shelf. Bathroom has been remodeled with handcrafted tiles, heated floors, and quality craftsmanship. As you enter the backyard, you will notice a redwood deck with string lights to illuminate the entire backyard. In the upper terrace, a small grass area is perfect to relax, sit back, and enjoy the city view and sunset. Do not miss out on this opportunity to own your piece of tranquility.
Listed with Gevork Gharadaghi CalDRE:01900245, Americana Real Estate Services
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Sat, 08 Sep 2018 11:56:00 +0000: $1,900,000 :: 1608 Hill Drive, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
4 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 4,534 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,238 sq ft
Added: 09/08/18, Last Updated: 09/08/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS18219869
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
Your soon to be 4 bedroom 5 bathroom Cape Cod cottage styled home in Eagle Rock is located in one of the most desireable areas of north Eagle Rock known as the Hill Dr. community. The structure is 4500 square feet large and boasts an additional 1200 sqaure foot finished basement boasting a total of approx 5700 square feet of livable usable space. Your home was built in 1998 and shows some signs of neglect that can be cured and restored to it’s new glory. It takes full advantage of it’s flag lot with room for a pool or guesthouse or both. There is plenty of parking in the driveway and the 3 car attached garage. On the first floor you’ll find an office/reading room, a formal dining room, a formal livingroom with expansive 20 foot vaulted ceilings, a laundry room, a breakfast nook, kitchen with island, a pantry, the master squite and easy access to the garage. Upstairs are 2 bedrooms and 2 oversized loft areas. There is easy attic access to the HVAC. Downstairs is the fourth and final bedroom with seamless access to the backyard and the additional 1200 square feet of finished space. This extraordinary home should be yours.
Listed with PAUL ARGUETA CalDRE:01223040, REH REAL ESTATE
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!
Eagle Rock Real Estate Agent: Irina Netchaev
Phone: (626) 629-8439
