Pico-Union, located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, offers a unique blend of urban living with a strong sense of community. The area is known for its cultural diversity, rich history, and vibrant street life. The community is lively, with numerous local shops, markets, and eateries that reflect the area’s multicultural population.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Spaces

While Pico-Union itself is an urban neighborhood, it is close to several parks and green spaces:

• MacArthur Park: A large park with a lake, perfect for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature.
• Lafayette Park: Offers recreational facilities including playgrounds and sports courts.
• Vista Hermosa Natural Park: Located slightly northeast, this park provides stunning views of the downtown LA skyline and offers trails and picnic areas.

Famous Streets and Buildings

• Alvarado Street: Known for its vibrant commercial activity and restaurants.
• Pico Boulevard: A major thoroughfare that runs through the neighborhood, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
• Ralphs: Located on the site of the original Ralphs grocery store, now a historical landmark.

Historical Background and Zip Code

Pico-Union, with the zip codes 90006, 90015, and 90057, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, developed in the late 19th century. It has a rich history of immigration, initially populated by European immigrants and later by Latino communities.

Surrounding Suburbs

Pico-Union is bordered by Koreatown to the west, Westlake to the north, and Downtown Los Angeles to the east. South Park and Harvard Heights are other nearby neighborhoods.

Educational Facilities

• Public Schools:
  • Berendo Middle School
  • Los Angeles Academy of Arts & Enterprise Charter School
• Private Schools:
  • St. Thomas the Apostle School
• Colleges and Universities:
  • Los Angeles Trade-Technical College: Offers various vocational programs and is located just southeast of Pico-Union.

Cultural Diversity and Recreational Facilities

Pico-Union is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant Latino population alongside communities from Korea, the Philippines, and Central America. The neighborhood offers:

• Soccer Fields: Local parks provide soccer fields that are popular among residents.
• Skate Parks: Nearby Lafayette Park has a skate park.
• Indoor Facilities:
• World on Wheels: A roller skating rink in nearby Mid-City.
• Shatto 39 Lanes: A bowling alley located just north in Koreatown.

Markets and Supermarkets

• Ralphs: A major grocery store located on 9th and Hope Street.
• El Super: A popular supermarket with a wide range of Latino products.
• Mercado de Paloma: Offers a variety of fresh produce and local goods.

Entertainment and Dining

• Cinemas and Theatres:
• Regal LA Live: Located in downtown, offering the latest movie releases.
• Popular Restaurants and Cafes:
• Guelaguetza: Famous for its Oaxacan cuisine.
• Langer’s Deli: Known for its legendary pastrami sandwiches.
• La 27th Street Bakery: A local favorite for delicious baked goods.

Hotels

• The Mayfair Hotel: A historic hotel offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.
• Hotel Indigo: Located nearby in downtown LA, known for its stylish decor and excellent service.

Transport Links

• Metro Stops:
• Westlake/MacArthur Park Station: Red and Purple lines.
• Pico Station: Blue and Expo lines.
• Bus Routes: Numerous Metro bus routes serve the area, including lines 14, 30, and 200.
• Freeway Access: Closest freeway entry is the 10 Freeway, providing easy access to other parts of LA.
• Travel Times:
• Downtown LA: 5-10 minutes
• LAX Airport: 25-30 minutes
• Santa Monica Beach: 30-40 minutes
• Hollywood: 20-25 minutes

Pico-Union offers a dynamic urban experience with a strong sense of community, making it a great place to live, work, and explore.