Echo Park

Silver Lake's edgier older cousin and neighbor, Echo Park is centered on a beautifully restored lakefront park (you can even rent a paddleboat and experience the lake in all its glory). The first residential neighborhood northwest of Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park has long been under (deserved) scrutiny for gentrification, along with Highland Park and Silver Lake. This predominantly Latino and Mexican neighborhood has experienced an influx of young artists and industry hopefuls in recent years, as well as rent hikes, but it's not devoid of diversity or character. Film buffs take note: it was one of the principal locations of Roman Polanski’s film Chinatown.