Yes, Cypress Park is safe assuming you use common sense like you would in any urban neighborhood. But once upon a time (about 10 years or so ago) Cypress Park was one of Los Angeles’s most dangerous neighborhoods. It may not have made the national headlines like South Central, but locally it was infamous for its rival street gangs. These days however, outsiders are noticing that Cypress Park sits at a prime geographical location; equal distance between Downtown, Highland Park and Silverlake. In addition to its close proximity to transit-goodies like the Gold Line, LA River Bike Path, the 5 Freeway and the 110 Freeway….it also has (for now) rents that almost resemble something that’s affordable.
Is Cypress Park Safe Or Dangerous?
Well, I’ve lived in Cypress Park for about a year now and although I’m an outsider on all accounts, I can say that the neighbors here have all been extremely friendly and welcoming. Personally we’ve had no issues related to crime or violence of any kind. I even walk my dog alone at night!
However its important to note that Cypress Park is still a neighborhood in transition. There are still pockets that some would-be residents might find unsightly or even dangerous at first glance, but these streets can be easily avoided. Crime statistics in this neighborhood are actually far lower than places like Echo Park and even Santa Monica…yes, thats right!
What Is It Like To Live In Cypress Park?
The area as a whole is predominantly Latino with an ever-increasing young hipster population moving in. Many of the residents don’t speak English, but if you don’t speak Spanish you’ll still do just fine. Once you get away from the commercial areas on Figueroa and the industrial areas on San Fernando, you’ll notice that the residential areas are packed full of beautiful little bungalows built in the early 1900s. Most of the residents keep their yards looking good with a plethora of trees, shrubs and rose bushes. Cypress Park was actually one of LA’s first neighborhoods.
Food:
If you like Mexican food, you’re in the right place! If you like El Salvadorian food, you’re in the right place! If you like…well… anything else, you’ll have to go up the street to Highland Park. But here, we’ve got more (Amazing) taco and burrito joints than you can shake a tamale at! A few of my favs include:
- Lupitas Restaurant
- Tierra Caliente
- King Taco (a classic!)
- El Atacor
Drinking And Nightlife:
Cypress Park is not yet a drinking destination but there is one fairly popular dive bar called Footsies on Figueroa. Other than that, you’re stuck taking the two minute Uber ride up to Highland Park.
Public Transit:
I know I’ve mentioned the transit options above, but Ill also outline them here. For better or worse, Cypress Park seems to sit at the nexus of LA’s transportation network.
- Close to the 5 Freeway
- Close to the 110 Freeway
- Gold Line Metro Stop
- LA River Bike Path Entry Point
- Multiple Bus Routes…if you’re into that sort of thing
Next Up For Cypress Park:
The city of LA is now planning on building a pedestrian bridge across the LA river. In addition, the old Taylor Yard is slated to be converted into a park.
Quirky Fact About Cypress Park:Â
There are still a number of old school Ice Cream trucks that drive through the neighborhood, each one playing that same music that you probably remember from your childhood.
Summary:
So for all these reasons, its no surprise LA Weekly called Cypress Park the “Hottest Real Estate Neighborhood in Los Angeles”. Its a great and semi-affordable way to live next to Downtown, Silverlake/Echo Park, Highland Park, the LA River Bike Path and close to the peace and quiet of Mount Washington. And…as Ive explained here, its not as dangerous as you might think.
