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
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- 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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- Fri, 22 Mar 2019 17:36:00 +0000: $1,050,000 :: 1555 Waldran Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,700 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,553 sq ft
Added: 03/22/19, Last Updated: 03/22/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: SR19064601
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
Perched on a hill top overlooking the highly desirable area of Eagle Rock sits this beautifully remodeled view home. Enjoy cooking in the gourmet chef’s kitchen with high-end stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, and vaulted knotty pine tongue/ groove ceilings. Many other features include gleaming hardwood floors throughout, two remodeled bath rooms, extra storage spaces, and a spacious yard with several different types of fruit trees. Enjoy the Southern California lifestyle while relaxing on the large deck with outdoor fireplace, mountain top views and an additional ¼ bathroom. Ideally located within walking distance to many restaurants, shops, Trader Joe’s and much more. Situated in an area with close access to Downtown LA, Pasadena, the 134, 2, 5, and 210, freeways
Listed with Scott Pinkerton CalDRE: 01338387, Century 21 Peak
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/! - Wed, 20 Mar 2019 12:54:00 +0000: $1,149,000 :: 5142 Highland View Ave, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
7 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,786 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,189 sq ft
Added: 02/12/19, Last Updated: 03/20/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR19034058
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
The price of this listing was last reduced on 3/20/2019 by 3%
Status: Active
LOCATION...LOCATION...LOCATION!!!! This home features 7 bedrooms and 3 baths highly desirable area of Eagle Rock. Spacious home with a large lot! Located within walking distance to trendy restaurants, one of a kind boutiques and shops. Tile and wood flooring throughout, large kitchen area, with a long driveway enough space to park many cars. This is a fantastic home for a large family or a great income producing property.
Listed with May Arroyo CalDRE: 01276047, Premier Properties Realty Prof
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/! - Mon, 18 Mar 2019 12:38:00 +0000: $965,000 :: 5224 Rockland Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,726 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,000 sq ft
Added: 03/18/19, Last Updated: 03/18/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR19055023
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
5224 Rockland Avenue has been home to the same family for over 40 years and is ready for your personal touch! Located in Eagle Rock just north of Colorado Boulevard this charming home has the character and condition you look for when you want to make a place your own! From the tile roof to the porte cochere 5224 Rockland Avenue exudes charm! Come inside and the living room greets you with the wonderful warm wood tones of the trim in the home; the beautiful fireplace with incredible details; the fantastic natural light and views of the neighborhood. As you continue through the home it’s apparent that the proportions of the rooms are generous! Just as the living room at 5224 Rockland is spacious and inviting so is the formal dining area. The dining area looks onto the downstairs hallway, the casual dining area, the kitchen, and all the fantastic wood molding and doors. In addition to all this the downstairs of 5224 Rockland Avenue has a kitchen, a bathroom, and a laundry area that are all ready for you to make them your own! Upstairs 5224 Rockland Avenue has two more bedrooms, another bathroom, and more storage! Of course one does not live inside all of the time! 5224 Rockland Avenue has an incredible yard and a garage that looks like it is never-ending! Invest the time to come see for yourself all that 5224 Rockland Avenue has to offer you.
Listed with Giuseppe Napoli CalDRE: 01279689, Century 21 Masters
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, 16 Mar 2019 09:46:00 +0000: $1,479,000 :: 2409 Langdale Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
5 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 2,500 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,098 sq ft
Added: 03/16/19, Last Updated: 03/16/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 819001152
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Two Homes on one great lot, Brand New Construction completed in 2019 of aprox 1700 sf two story home with attached 2 car garage, 9 ft ceilings on the first floor. Wide Open floor plan combing Living Room, Dining Room and State of the art kitchen. with a walk in Pantry and Powder Room. Located upstairs the Master Suite featuring breathtaking views from a large balcony. additionally the master has a large walk-in closet and a spacious 3/4 bath. two more bedrooms and a full bathroom, laundry hook-ups and an additional balcony complete the second floor.Original 1922 cottage, which now serves as an aprox 800sf assessory unit, was completely remodeled and major systems replaced and/or updated. vaulted ceilings in the main living area, open floor plan living, with a gourmet kitchen, this two bedroom, one bathroom retreat feels spacious, airy and inviting.behind the cottage is an approx 200 sf Flex-space to use in anyway you seem fit to. for example it can be a garden shed, an office, a He or She Shed, Artist studio.....the possibilities are endless.Both units are wired for sound and internet, tv etc. full appliances, new plumbing. new Electrical, New HVAC, Landscaping and hardscapes. Full sprinkler system, and Fire Sprinklers. We Welcome You
Listed with Alfonso Milanese CalDRE: 01266383, Callaway 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/! - Sat, 16 Mar 2019 06:33:00 +0000: $869,000 :: 1830 Chickasaw Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
4 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,900 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,000 sq ft
Added: 03/15/19, Last Updated: 03/16/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: SR19059090
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
Fixer/opportunity! Purchase this 4 bed 2 bath 1900 sq ft home in the highly desirable area of Eagle Rock Property is located close to coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and easy access to the 2, 134, 5, 210 freeways. This home sits high above the street providing privacy, seclusion, and mountain views. Property is priced accordingly for its condition. The open concept split level floor plan may possibly be divided in to two separate units. Property is being sold as is there are no warranties of any kind expressed or implied.
Listed with Scott Pinkerton CalDRE: 01338387, Century 21 Peak
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
