Temple-Beaudry, Los Angeles, CA

Temple-Beaudry is the hilly stretch of Los Angeles just west of downtown, where the skyline feels close enough to touch from the top of the neighborhood's streets. It sits between Echo Park and Westlake, with the 101 freeway along its northern edge. Homes in Temple-Beaudry are a mix of older houses on hilly lots and a large share of apartment buildings, from small two-story complexes to larger modern ones. Many blocks climb steeply, and some streets end in hilltop views looking straight at the downtown towers. Vista Hermosa Natural Park, on Toluca Street at the neighborhood's edge, is the standout green space. Unidad Park on Beverly Boulevard is a smaller community space known for its murals, and Patton Street Park is another small neighborhood green. Temple Street has become a real destination for food and drink. The Park's Finest serves barbecue shaped by Filipino flavors, with coconut beef and bibingka-style cornbread among its best-known dishes. On Beverly Boulevard, Little Ongpin serves Filipino dishes, and Gus's Drive-In is a quick stop on 3rd Street. For errands, Superior Grocers on 3rd Street and Smart & Final on Beverly Boulevard cover the big grocery trips, and the Echo Park Branch Library sits on Temple Street. Downtown is a short drive or bus ride away, and the 101 and 110 freeways are close, which makes commuting simple. The tradeoff is the terrain and traffic. The steep hills make walking a workout, and Temple, Beverly and 3rd Street all carry heavy traffic into downtown. In return, a quick climb up almost any hill gives a view of the skyline that many downtown residents never get.