Zip code 90026, Mar 2026 to May 2026, from the Redfin Data Center. 90026 also covers Echo Park, and parts of Silver Lake fall in 90039 and 90029. Zip codes don't line up neatly with neighborhood borders, and medians hide a wide range of homes, so treat these as a rough feel for the area.
William Mulholland's water department began flooding Ivanhoe Canyon in November 1907 to create the reservoir, which took its name from water commissioner Herman Silver and in turn named the neighborhood. In 1932 Richard Neutra built his own home and studio, the VDL Research House, on its eastern shore, and the hills around the water became one of LA's great proving grounds for modern architecture.
The homes
Silver Lake is built on hills, so most homes sit on sloped lots with views of the reservoir, the Griffith Park ridge or Downtown. The mix is wide: 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival homes with tile roofs and courtyards, Craftsman bungalows, and some of the most important mid-century modern houses in the country. Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler and John Lautner all built here, and the Neutra VDL house on Silver Lake Boulevard is open for tours.
Lots tend to be on the smaller side and floor plans often stack up the hill, with garages at the street and living space above or below. You'll also find duplexes, 1920s courtyard buildings and newer small-lot homes on the flatter streets near Sunset.
The feel
- The reservoir sits in the middle of it all, with a path around it and the Meadow, a big lawn along the east side.
- Sunset Junction, the stretch of Sunset Boulevard around Sanborn, is packed with coffee shops, restaurants, record stores, vintage shops and bars.
- Historic public stairways connect many of the hillside streets, a reminder of the old streetcar lines.
- Music and nightlife are close by, with small venues along Sunset and in neighboring Echo Park.
Eat, drink, shop
- Café Tropical (Sunset Blvd). A long-running Cuban bakery and cafe, known for its cubano sandwich, flaky pastelitos and strong cafe cubano. The Infatuation
- Night + Market Song (Sunset Blvd). A loud, playful Thai spot with a big larb menu and a list of natural wines. The Infatuation
- Pine & Crane (Griffith Park Blvd). Quick, casual Taiwanese cooking, with beef rolls in scallion pancakes and wonton noodle soup as the go-to orders. The Infatuation
- Ceviche Project (Hyperion Ave). A bright little seafood bar built around ceviches, crudos and tostadas. The Infatuation
- Bar Besito (Silver Lake Blvd). A small Spanish-style bar pouring wine and cider alongside tinned seafood and tapas. The Infatuation
- Cafe Stella (Sunset Blvd). A French bistro with a courtyard, doing classics like steak au poivre. The Infatuation
Getting around
Silver Lake sits between the 101, the 5 and the 2, so Downtown is often 15 to 20 minutes outside rush hour, and Hollywood, Glendale and Burbank are all close. Many hillside streets are narrow and winding, and street parking can be tight.
What's new
- Silver Lake Reservoir Complex Master Plan. The City Council approved a master plan in August 2023 to open much more of the reservoir complex as parkland, starting with an expanded Meadow, the Ivanhoe Reservoir edge and the Knoll. No construction date is set, and timing depends on funding. (LA Magazine)
- LA28 cycling at Griffith Park. For the 2028 Olympics, the road races (July 22 and 23) and the time trial (July 19, starting at the LA Zoo) are set to finish at Griffith Observatory. (UCI)
- Hollywood Burbank Airport's new terminal. A new 14-gate terminal is scheduled to open on October 13, 2026, replacing the airport's older terminal. (ABC7)
Good to know
- Hillside rules. The City of LA's hillside regulations can limit how big a home can be and how much you can add, which matters if you're planning an expansion.
- Fire zones. Some hillside streets fall in fire hazard severity zones, which can affect insurance. Check the specific address early.
- Stairs and slopes. Many homes have long stairways from the street. Look closely at retaining walls and drainage during inspections.
- City of LA rules apply, including rent stabilization on many pre-1978 multi-unit buildings if you're looking at a duplex or triplex.