How do you guys feel about the Garvanza area for a young guy? (Los Angeles: apartments, condo)

[AGS21]

Hello folks, first post here.

Just moved out to the Garvanza area from northern California (East bay to be exact) for work .. most LA folk are unaware themselves of where Garvanza is at, so I just say Highland Park now.

Here's a picture for reference




I've only been here for 5 days, but it seems generally pretty safe, and where I live borders South Pasadena and old town pas is only a 5-10 minute drive for me.

the location seems prime to many other prime locations, but does this area have a lot for a 25 yo single guy such as myself? I enjoy the dive bar scene, and sports of course , but my small pocket area seems kinda dull outside of chinese restaurants and clothing stores.

Thoughts?

[BRinSM]

i was unaware of a neighborhood called 'garvanza'. however, after looking at the location on google maps, it's nestled between eagle rock, pasadena and south pas, all of which are considered desirable areas. seems fine to me, although maybe a bit sleepy. however, i've heard york blvd is up and coming. also, if you're close to a gold line station, you can easily access old town pasadena and some of the more interesting parts of downtown (i.e. arts district).

[Gurbie]

Originally Posted by AGS21

Hello folks, first post here.

Just moved out to the Garvanza area from northern California (East bay to be exact) for work .. most LA folk are unaware themselves of where Garvanza is at, so I just say Highland Park now.

Here's a picture for reference




I've only been here for 5 days, but it seems generally pretty safe, and where I live borders South Pasadena and old town pas is only a 5-10 minute drive for me.

the location seems prime to many other prime locations, but does this area have a lot for a 25 yo single guy such as myself? I enjoy the dive bar scene, and sports of course , but my small pocket area seems kinda dull outside of chinese restaurants and clothing stores.

Thoughts?

That seems like a tiny hood. Aren't you a five min bike ride (or 20 min walk) from all the stuff on York and Figueroa?

[thelopez2]

It looks like you put your new hood on the map for even the locals, I'll still call it Highland Park

[MIKEETC]

Originally Posted by AGS21

Hello folks, first post here.

Just moved out to the Garvanza area from northern California (East bay to be exact) for work .. most LA folk are unaware themselves of where Garvanza is at, so I just say Highland Park now.

Here's a picture for reference




I've only been here for 5 days, but it seems generally pretty safe, and where I live borders South Pasadena and old town pas is only a 5-10 minute drive for me.

the location seems prime to many other prime locations, but does this area have a lot for a 25 yo single guy such as myself? I enjoy the dive bar scene, and sports of course , but my small pocket area seems kinda dull outside of chinese restaurants and clothing stores.

Thoughts?

First time I've ever heard of it. But if you like it...

[roll with it]

[highlanderfil]

I had no idea this existed, thanks, OP, for a little snippet of education. Being in close proximity to Pasadena is always a good thing, as long as your 'hood is safe, but isn't this something you should have wondered about before you made the move? In any event, it's hard to say either way since we don't know the types of things you like to do. Tell us some more about what your interests are and we'll be better-equipped to tell you if you've made the right choice or not.

[ProjectMersh]

That is interesting. LA Times mapping project mentions Garvanza as part of Highland Park.

I have a freind who lives just across the freeway from "Garvanza" in Montecito Heights. He owns a condo up in the hills and likes it a lot. It is peaceful/quiet but also close to lots of action (Downtown LA, Pasadena, etc).

Highland Park Profile - Mapping L.A. - Los Angeles Times

[True Freedom]

Garvanza is basically a neighborhood.. an area.
There's nothing going on in Garvanza itself except for single family residences.
You are nice and close to alot of stuff without the downsides of the hustle/bustle.
Pasadena, South Pas, Highland Park, Eagle Rock and a quick jump to DTLA.

[saybanana]

Grew up in Highland Park. Garvanza is just one part of Highland Park, but a really old and historic part. That map above looks like old Garvanza. A few blocks above Meridian Street it is now Pasadena City (San Rafael neighborhood). Starts around where the Church of the Angels is (it is really beautiful small church that looks like it belongs in the English countryside). That used to be part of Garvanza until it was annexed. Garvanza north is now bordered by the expensive area of west Pasadena, along the 110 and Fig, but was really one really nice large area in the past. Not much has changed over the past 30 years I have lived in the area. Large sections are in HPOZ so you wont see any ugly renovations or McMansions anytime soon. There are a lot of very beautiful Victorian and Craftsman, also many "ugly" postwar apartments that sit side by side beautiful 100 year old buildings. Garvanza is really nice and better if you learn a little history of the area and buildings.

For the most part, this part of HLP is safe. Gangs were never much of a problem in this part of HLP. Lots of crime in the 80s and 90s and even nicer parts had crime and burglary. Many homes put up bars on their windows and doors and iron fences around their yards. Slowly people are starting to remove them, but many will still keep them up despite historic low crime rates everywhere. I often walk around from Judson Studios to Ave 66 to Garvanza park and down 64 and people seem to take pride in their area. Not much traffic and many tree lined streets, but sidewalks are just broken up from these big old trees.

In terms of trendy shopping, dining and traffic. You happen to live in the more residential part of HLP. The scene has been mostly concentrated to parts of York between 50-54 and parts of Figueroa between Ave 54-60. It is slowly expanding in other parts but they are just more isolated. I think Starbucks is supposed to open sometime in the future next to Jack in the Box on York. Other than that, you are only a 5-7 minute drive on local streets from Old Town Pasadena if you want more nightlife. That eatery magazine Zagat recently spotlighted HLP's hip scene. Neighborhood Spotlight: Highland Park | highland park - Zagat.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by thelopez2

It looks like you put your new hood on the map for even the locals, I'll still call it Highland Park

I looked at an APT here, it's basically just Highland Park north. Not a lot going on in the area and not really walkable, so it was not a realistic option for us (plus we had been approved and were moving forward on the Pas APT so it was a little too late anyways).