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Pico-Union

Pico-Union

Urban Core Neighborhood in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles County 90006, 90007, 90015

$976,104 Average Value
$509 Average Price per Sq Ft
48 Homes For Sale

One of LA's most historic neighborhoods has been a haven for immigrants

Going back to its days as an Indigenous village, Pico-Union is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and among its most densely populated. The area has been attracting immigrants for over 100 years. It was a broad mix that came in waves starting around 1930, but working-class Mexicans and people fleeing discord in El Salvador began building a rich Latino culture in the 1970s that still endures today in the community. Named for the intersection of West Pico Boulevard and South Union Avenue, the neighborhood is directly west of downtown LA across state Route 110, making it a good future bet for rapidly rising property values. "If you were to ask me about neighborhoods on the rise in the next 20 years, I'd say Pico-Union might be at the top of the list," says Dario Svidler, Partner CRE's executive vice president, who has almost $1 billion in career sales. "The surrounding neighborhoods like Koreatown and West Adams have exploded in growth over the last 10 to 20 years."

Some of the best and most authentic Latin food in the city

The best part of Pico-Union might be its food scene. Though it has little in terms of fine dining, it's the best place in town for authentic Latin American food. On the outside, El Parian looks like your average hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant, but this family-owned favorite has been serving its famous goat stew for over 50 years. There is more traditional Mexican fare at Guelaguetza, as well as nontraditional fare — the chapulines tacos are filled with gritty bits of sauteed grasshoppers. For evening eats, peruse the spread at El Gato Night Market, a goldmine of street food vendors. It's held Friday through Sunday on South Union Avenue. Throughout the neighborhood, stores offer necessities or specialty goods, but most major retail shopping occurs in neighboring Koreatown, which beckons with its many eateries and nightlife. Food 4 Less and Ralphs are nearby to stock up on groceries.

Pico Union Project is housed in LA's oldest synagogue building

Despite retaining its trademark vintage homes, the neighborhood has changed dramatically over the last hundred years. It has a low-rise profile for the most part, but from some streets, the dramatic backdrop of downtown's towering buildings offers distinct contrast. The past intersects with modern culture at the Pico Union Project in one of Pico-Union's historic buildings — the oldest synagogue building in LA turned multifaith community center. The association does everything from local beautification projects and providing free art and guitar classes to hosting speakers and musical acts.

Single-family homes in Pico-Union are from the early 20th century

Originally developed as a fashionable suburb between 1880 and 1930, Pico-Union is culturally rich and architecturally diverse. The neighborhood is heavy on the cozy turn-of-the-20th-century bungalows and has homes in the Victorian and Queen Anne styles, among many others. These days, Pico-Union is attracting a younger crowd in search of a more attainable cost of living in a notoriously expensive LA market. "Young professionals have been moving to the area — if they can't afford to live downtown, they might buy here," says broker Wonnie Kim, who has over 15 years of experience. Homes in the neighborhood are priced between $550,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bath bungalow with about 700 square feet to $1.5 million for a four-bedroom, two-bath Victorian with about 2,300 square feet.

Academy pathways at West Adams Preparatory High School

Los Angeles Unified is an above-average public school district with a B-plus from Niche. Magnolia Avenue Elementary and Berendo Middle School are both graded C-plus. A B-minus school according to Niche, West Adams Preparatory High School has three magnet academies, including Global Cuisine & Hospitality, STEM and Police Academy.

Toberman Park has a playground and multiple basketball hoops

Central Los Angeles isn’t known for abundant green space, and Pico-Union is no different, though there are a few recreation areas. Toberman Park is a welcome respite from the concrete. The park has grassy areas and a fenced-in playground with swings and multiple basketball hoops. The Normandie Recreation Center is a community gathering spot with lighted sports facilities and play areas. The rec center is an activities hub for kids, particularly in the summer for its sports and fitness programs.

Direct highway access and walkable to the metro station

Pico-Union has direct highway access. Route 110 makes up the neighborhood’s eastern border, and Interstate 10 marks its southern border. Downtown Los Angeles is just 3 miles away via the 110. The neighborhood is highly walkable, with bus stops along many major thoroughfares operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “Pico Boulevard is a busy stretch, and the road isn’t super well-maintained. It can be a pain getting around there,” Svidler says. The closest Metro station is Westlake/MacArthur Park, about 1 mile north via Alvarado Street and Westlake Avenue. To catch a flight, Hollywood Burbank Airport and Los Angeles International are both about 15 miles away. Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center is just across the 110.

Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Tyler O'Neil
Photography Contributed By
Tyler O'Neil
Taylor Gilbert
Video By
Taylor Gilbert

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lee Williams, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Los Angeles International

22 min drive

Bus

Olympic & Blaine

Bus

Pico & Westmoreland

Bus

Pico & Bonnie Brae

Bus

Union Ave & 18th St (Southbound)

Bus

Hoover & Washington

Bus

Washington Blvd & Union Ave (Eastbound)

Bus

Normandie & Santa Monica Fwy

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Pico-Union US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$870,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,050,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,037,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$615,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$460,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$509
Number of Homes for Sale
48
Last 12 months Home Sales
54
Months of Supply
10.70
Median List Price
$999,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,758
Median Year Built
1909
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,380
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,645
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,037
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
769
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
250
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 3pm

    1331 W 17th St, Los Angeles, CA 90006

    $1,435,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,029 Sq Ft
    • 1331 W 17th St
    • New 30 days ago

    Hands down the nicest home in San Pedro right now. If you care about quality, design, and the views, this is the home for you. Discover coastal charm and modern luxury at this reimagined entertainers home. This beautifully upgraded home has undergone extensive renovations with no expense spared, featuring brand-new appliances, stunning flooring, energy-efficient windows, fully updated HVAC

    Armando Recendez Pellego, Inc.

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 3pm

    1311 Dewey Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

    $950,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,041 Sq Ft
    • 1311 Dewey Ave

    Welcome to 1311 and 1311 1/2 Dewey Ave, Located in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, this property is ideally situated close to Downtown Los Angeles, Crypto Arena, USC, Loyola High School, and many other notable attractions. Offering a unique opportunity, you can reside in one unit while generating income from the other. An excellent option for both living and investment. Situated in a prime

    Sameer Hossain Excellence RE Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1:30 - 4:30pm

    1133 S Hoover St Unit 417, Los Angeles, CA 90006

    $615,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,140 Sq Ft
    • 1133 S Hoover St
    • Unit 417

    Discover a rare Koreatown townhouse that masterfully blends urban energy with secure, gated living. Enjoy effortless access to supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and a variety of charming coffee, tea, and dessert shops. Situated less than 15 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, BMO Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, and prestigious institutions such as the University of Southern California, Southwestern Law

    Cheng Yi Lin Wetrust Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lee Williams, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
36,163
Median Age
38
Population Density
34 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$39,563
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,064

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
55.7%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
15.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.2%
% Population in Labor Force
67.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
48°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

72 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

69 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Pico-Union