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.
Feel free to sign up for a VIP home buyer membership which will save your search results and program our computers to email you updated home listings from the Multiple Listing Service.
- Wed, 21 Aug 2019 19:59:00 +0000: $1,395,000 :: 5264 Lockhaven Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
6 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 4,406 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,970 sq ft
Added: 07/31/19, Last Updated: 08/21/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 819003568
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Tract: Other
The price of this listing was last reduced on 8/21/2019 by 7%
Status: Active
Located in highly desirable Eagle Rock, north of Colorado Blvd, this contemporary family home was completely rebuilt from the ground up in 2006. With 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and over 4400sf of total living space, this home is the perfect blend of style and location! Close to shops, bars, restaurants and other coveted amenities that Eagle Rock has to offer, and a part of the sought after Eagle Rock school district. You will also find beautiful, mature fruit trees in both the front and backyard, along with a separate, detached garage. An incredible feature is a 2bd, 1ba full guest unit with its own entrance, as a part of the main house. A rare opportunity for consistent rental income! This is a must see home!
Listed with Feizal Jaffer CalDRE: 02018522, Keller Williams
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, 21 Aug 2019 07:14:00 +0000: $865,000 :: 4122 Palmero Drive, Eagle Rock CA, 90065 - Eagle Rock Home Search
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,041 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,903 sq ft
Added: 03/30/19, Last Updated: 08/21/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: PW19071241
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
This 2,041 square foot house, with lots of upside potential equity, sits on a 5,901 square foot lot and features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Two additional room can be added under the stair. Original wood floor and wood laminates on both first floor and second floor. The kitchen is adorned with high-quality original wood cabinets. Enjoy the city light view on the second floor. Nearby schools include V.O. Eagle Rock Christian Academy, Toland Way Elementary School and Integrated Pathways To Knowledge. The closest grocery stores are Lutong Bahay Restaurant, Luzon Food Mart and Wendy's Market. Nearby coffee shops include Starbucks and King donuts. Nearby restaurants include Matsuri Bowl, Papa John's Pizza and Little Ongpin. 4122 Palmero Dr is near Cleland Avenue Bicentennial Park, Occidental College, and Carlin G. Smith Recreation
Listed with Ernie Lim CalDRE: 01260091, Joshua 2415 Realty
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/! - Thu, 15 Aug 2019 21:33:00 +0000: $849,000 :: 1659 Silver Oak Terrace, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,623 sq ft
Lot Size: 4,113 sq ft
Added: 07/31/19, Last Updated: 08/15/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 319003027
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Tract: Not Applicable-618 (NA618)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 8/15/2019 by 5%
Status: Active
This property sits on a premium lot with amazing views! Property has an open floorplan. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, a living area that is adjacent to the dining area, a balcony, a spacious family room, and 2-car covered parking space. This property has tons of potential!
Listed with Kevin Dijamco CalDRE: 01472137, Coldwell Banker Hallmark Realt
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, 13 Aug 2019 06:36:00 +0000: $1,188,000 :: 4624 College View Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 2,004 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,410 sq ft
Added: 08/08/19, Last Updated: 08/13/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: PF19193018
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
A wonderful opportunity to purchase and restore this 1916 California style home! Home features 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths and a magnificent den with corner windows. Open floor plan with many architectural charms. Abundance of windows to enjoy the stunning mountain views and natural light. Hardwood flooring, high quality window and door shutters throughout the home. Master suite features updated bath and direct access to an oversized balcony overlooking the enclosed swimming pool and gorgeous view. Wrap around deck and plenty of outdoor space makes it easier to entertain or just enjoy the serenity of the private backyard. In addition, there’s a massive finished basement that is being utilized as a guest unit or a pool house with separate access. With easy access to the 2, 5, 210 and 134 freeways, you are just minutes away from Pasadena, Downtown Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Silverlake and Echo Park. This home has lots of potential and so much to offer. Schedule your private viewing today!
Listed with Lynne Tran CalDRE: 01845360, KW Executive
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, 10 Aug 2019 11:17:00 +0000: $739,000 :: 4427 Alumni Avenue, Eagle Rock CA, 90041 - Eagle Rock Home Search
2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 842 sq ft
Lot Size: 2,801 sq ft
Added: 08/10/19, Last Updated: 08/10/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: DW19191230
Community: 618 - Eagle Rock
Status: Active
Fantastic Oportunity to get in the Eagle Rock area! This 2 Bed 2 Bath property was Newly rebuild in 2019! Complete from the ground up. Excellent location Walking Distance to Occidental College, York blvd restaurants, Pubs and all kinds of cool shops. Property also offers an open floor plan with lots of natural light, All energy efficient windows, Central AC / Tankless water heater - Private back yard and much more. Hurry Opportunity is Knocking!
Listed with Victor Lemus CalDRE: 01454165, Highpoint Investments Inc.
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
