Thinking about your next move in Highland Park’s 90042? You’re not alone. Demand stays steady here even as monthly data shifts with mortgage rates and seasonality. In this quick snapshot, you’ll see where prices, pace, and inventory stand, what keeps supply tight, and how to plan your next step with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Highland Park at a glance
- Prices remain elevated compared with pre-2015 levels, with some month-to-month softness in 2025 as rates fluctuate.
- The market is still very competitive, though listing and sales volumes are lower than peak years.
- Historic protections and zoning conditions limit large new supply, which supports long-run values.
Prices and pace in 2025
As of August 2025, Redfin reports a median sale price near $1,117,500 for Highland Park and about $1,050,000 for 90042. Zillow’s Home Value Index for Highland Park was roughly $1.0–$1.03M in mid 2025. Day-to-day, month-to-month figures can wobble, but the longer trend shows substantial gains compared with a decade ago. Homes that are well preserved or thoughtfully updated often command premiums and move faster.
Median days on market have generally ranged around 30 to 50 days in mid to late 2025. That signals a market where buyers compete, yet take more time and diligence than the frenzied peaks of prior years. If you are buying, you will want pre-approval and a clear plan. If you are selling, pricing strategy and property preparation are crucial.
Why supply stays tight
HPOZ basics
A large share of Highland Park sits within the Highland Park–Garvanza Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. The HPOZ preserves neighborhood character and sets rules for demolition and exterior changes, which slows large-scale replacement housing. Review the city’s HPOZ maps and guidelines on the Los Angeles City Planning site to understand how they may apply to a specific property: Highland Park–Garvanza HPOZ.
Zoning Q conditions
Portions of York Boulevard and Figueroa include Q conditions and commercial overlays that can reduce the feasibility of denser multifamily projects. Commentary on these rules notes how HPOZ protections and Q conditions together limit new apartment supply and shape redevelopment patterns. See a practical discussion here: Why rents in Highland Park rose quickly.
Infill and ADUs
Where larger projects are constrained, owners lean on sensitive infill, additions, and ADUs that fit the HPOZ framework. These add homes incrementally and keep neighborhood character intact. For a real-world example, explore this award-recognized concept for context: Highland Park-Garvanza infill with ADU.
Who is buying here
Highland Park’s 90042 zip code includes about 58,000 residents and roughly 21,490 households, per 2023 ACS estimates. Median household income is about $94,400, with a relatively high share of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. You will also find a strong mix of longtime households and newer arrivals who value transit access, walkable retail, and historic architecture. For a data snapshot, see the ACS profile for 90042 on Census Reporter.
Retail corridors along York Boulevard and North Figueroa support cafés, restaurants, nightlife, and local shops that add daily convenience. The evolving dining scene is a frequent draw for buyers exploring the neighborhood. Get a feel for what’s nearby with this curated map from Eater LA: Highland Park places to eat.
Rents and investor takeaways
Rent indexes show strong gains since the mid-2010s with month-to-month variability. In mid 2025, snapshots placed typical 1-bedroom asking rents in the low-to-mid $2,000s, with overall medians around $2,600–$2,700 depending on bedroom count and the month. Always check current data, since rental figures update frequently: Zumper’s Highland Park rent research.
For investors, limited new supply, connectivity, and walkability support long-run fundamentals. That said, HPOZ rules and Q conditions add complexity and can increase timelines and soft costs. Underwriting should account for policy constraints, holding periods, and sensitive design.
What could move the market next
Mortgage rates remain the big lever. Through much of 2025, the average 30-year fixed rate hovered in the mid-6 percent range, which directly affects purchasing power and monthly payments. Track weekly updates from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey for shifts that can change buyer activity: Freddie Mac PMMS.
Local retail openings and closures can also shape neighborhood energy and short-term perception. Community conversations about preservation, housing affordability, and change remain active. For broader context on the past decade’s evolution and community perspectives, see this overview from PBS SoCal: Gentrification in Highland Park.
Tips for buyers
- Get fully underwritten pre-approval and review rate scenarios so you know your payment at different interest rates.
- If a home sits within the HPOZ, review the guidelines early and plan updates that align with the rules. Start with the HPOZ overview and consult the city for property-specific questions.
- Focus on fundamentals that hold value over time: location on the hill or flats, lot utility, architectural character, and quality of prior work.
Tips for sellers
- Price to the market you have, not last year’s peak. Use recent comparable sales and days-on-market patterns by micro-location and condition.
- Highlight permitted upgrades, period-correct restorations, seismic or systems improvements, and outdoor living. These are value drivers in Highland Park.
- Prepare with purpose: pre-list inspections, targeted refreshes, and professional marketing that reaches both local and out-of-area buyers.
Let’s talk strategy
Whether you are buying, selling, or weighing a rent-versus-buy decision, a clear plan tied to current data will help you move with confidence. If you want a tailored read on your block, home, or search parameters, reach out. Connect with Giusy Mele-Brown for a local, data-driven strategy that fits your goals.
FAQs
What is a typical home price in 90042 right now?
- As of August 2025, typical sale prices cluster around $1.0M to $1.2M, based on neighborhood snapshots from Redfin and Zillow.
Is Highland Park still a seller’s market in 2025?
- The area remains competitive with many homes attracting strong interest, though transaction volumes are lower than peak years and results vary by price tier and condition.
How do HPOZ rules affect remodels or additions?
- HPOZ guidelines regulate exterior changes and demolitions, so plan updates that preserve character and consult Los Angeles City Planning for property-specific guidance.
Are rents in Highland Park still rising?
- Rents increased substantially over the past decade and remained strong in mid 2025, with month-to-month variability; always check a current index like Zumper for the latest figures.
What risks should Highland Park buyers watch?
- Key factors include mortgage rate changes, HPOZ-related renovation limits and timelines, shifting retail mix, and potential local policy updates that could affect supply or permitting.
