Central Alameda

About seven miles from downtown Los Angeles and just a neighborhood or two away from its famed Fashion, Arts and Warehouse Districts, Central Alameda is mostly residential streets peppered with a few parks and rec centers spread out among schools and small businesses.

Primarily single-story homes along Central Alameda’s sidewalks are often densely packed, and many properties have low front-yard fencing to lend a sense of privacy. Not a cookie-cutter HOA community, random exteriors can sport both graffiti and intricate wall art.

Central Alameda’s variety of home styles includes newly constructed contemporary duplexes, refurbished circa-1920s triplexes, older three-bedroom, one-bath bungalows, cottages with Craftsman or Spanish-style details, and combination residential and commercial properties. You can get a modest, Craftsman-style home for about $555,000 and a duplex for close to $1.2 million. Houses here can be investment or renovation opportunities thanks to the area's ongoing revitalization.

Three public elementary schools — Hooper Avenue, Ascot Avenue and Holmes Avenue — are close by. Hooper Avenue Elementary School offers a Spanish dual-language program as well as a robotics team that participates in state competitions. Animo Jefferson Charter Middle School is a public, tuition-free option that focuses on preparing students for college and for life. Jefferson High School offers a well-rounded educational experience that includes architecture and engineering programs, athletic opportunities and a wellness club. St. Odilia Catholic School is a private elementary and middle school option.

Several green spaces enhance the community, including Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park with more than 8 acres of wetlands and flora, an amphitheater and a nature center. Recreation and sports are enjoyed at The Fred Roberts Recreation Center, which includes volleyball and basketball courts, outdoor fitness equipment and a lighted synthetic soccer field. At the Slauson Recreation Center, residents participate in futsal, martial arts and tennis programs. The center also has a football field, baseball diamond and indoor basketball courts.

You won’t find large national grocery chains here; however, there’s an abundance of mini markets at corners and intersections for groceries or daily essentials. Some of the options include Mi Ranchito Market, La Mexicana Market, Michoacan Meat Market, David’s Mini Market and Grace Super Market.

You’ll also find a range of small, casual Mexican eateries including Tacos De Birria Estilo Michoacan in the Mi Ranchito Market, serving birria three different ways. La Chiquita Bakery is a top pick for chilaquiles, flan and tortas. For southern-style wings, roast beef, and biscuits and gravy, Granny’s Kitchen on South Central Avenue is the place to go. And when locals crave a sweet treat, New Donut on Vernon Avenue serves up fancy doughnuts, muffins and breakfast sandwiches.

While there’s always a host of events in and around the larger and downtown Los Angeles districts, Central Alameda has its own community happenings. The Vernon-Leon H. Washington Jr. Memorial Branch Library offers ongoing programs for all ages, including comedy and magic shows for kids, interactive drum circle lessons, DJ coaching for teens, and music performances from Mexican harpists and Spanish dancers.

The Alameda Swap Meet on the corner of Vernon Avenue and Alameda Street in El Faro Plaza is considered Los Angeles’ premier indoor market with more than 250 vendors and artists from all over the globe. At the Alameda Swap Meet, local residents can enjoy a day of discovery, as well as live music and pony rides on weekends.

If you’re seeking a comparatively affordable lifestyle on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Central Alameda may have the right home for you.

Written By

Lia Girard

Photography Contributed By

Christopher Montagne-Waggoner

Video By

Nathan Allen