Eagle Rock
Where does the city of Eagle Rock get its name?
You can see for yourself: At certain times of day sunlight falling on a giant boulder, located at the northern edge of the community, casts the shadow of an eagle.
That’s what inspired early settlers to this area, which is bordered by Glendale on the north and west, Highland Park on the southeast and the cities of Pasadena and South Pasadena to the east. The city soars—like an eagle—when it comes to its estimated median household income of about $68,000 (as of three years ago) and its status as an appealing destination for many families wishing to settle in Los Angeles County. Median house prices in the city also average about $471,000, according to a 2009 survey.
Who wants to live there? In recent years, the area has experienced a surge in gentrification thanks to an influx of young urban professionals who previously roosted in areas including Silver Lake and Los Feliz. You’ll find a wide variety of ethnic and socioeconomic groups in Eagle Rock, as well as artistic groups—many writers, artists and moviemakers have all called the town home in the years since its incorporation in 1911.
The city is home to a premiere private liberal arts school, Occidental College, while a drive along any of the city’s residential blocks reveals a blend of beautiful architectural styles, including Craftsman, Georgian, Art Deco and Mission Revival.
District 4 of the Los Angeles Unified School District serves the children in this community of about 38,000; the city also boasts the public charter school Renaissance Arts Academy and the private St. Dominic School.
The city’s close proximity to Hollywood and the entertainment industry in Burbank and Glendale—thanks to easy access provided by the 2 Freeway—has made Eagle Rock an attractive spot for filming whenever a movie has required an “Anytown U.S.A.” background. The town has had cameos in “Top Gun,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Beverly Hills 90210” and other shows—and years ago, two young celebrities-to-be, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, worked on the script for the movie “Good Will Hunting” while living on Hill Drive.
Other notable personalities who have called Eagle Rock their homes at one time or another include actors Marlon Brando and Luke Wilson, novelist John Steinbeck and President Barack Obama (he spent two years at Occidental College before earning his bachelor’s degree at Columbia University).
But if you're less interested in star sightings than in a good meal, a popular hangout on Colorado Boulevard is The Oinkster. With some of the best pastrami around, just one bite and you'll soon understand why the restaurant goes by that name!
