Frogtown
Frogtown, officially Elysian Valley, is a small, low-rise Los Angeles neighborhood squeezed between the LA River and the 5 freeway, known for its riverside bike path, artist studios and quiet residential streets. Here's what to know whether you're visiting or thinking of moving, with full drives so you can see the streets for yourself.
Last updated November 2026 · Sources
At a glance
- Part of
- City of Los Angeles, LA County
- Official name
- Elysian Valley
- Population
- About 7,100 (recent estimate)
- Size
- About one square mile
- ZIP codes
- 90039 and 90031
- Borders
- The LA River on the north and east, the 5 freeway on the west
A short history
- Gopher Flats first
Around 1900 the area was settled as housing for railroad workers and was known as Gopher Flats, then later as Little River Valley.
- Frogs, or really toads
By the 1930s it had the nickname Frogtown, after waves of tiny amphibians that came up from the river after rains. Scientists at the Natural History Museum say they were most likely young Western toads, and the last big waves came in the 1970s.
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- The freeway arrives
Building the 5 freeway in the 1950s displaced residents and cut off the commercial strip that had served the neighborhood since the 1930s.
- Back to the river
As the LA River was rediscovered, Frogtown became one of its main gateways. The Frogtown Art Walk, run by the Elysian Valley Arts Collective, has drawn visitors to local studios since 2006.
Frogtown today
- The LA River path runs the length of the neighborhood, with Marsh Park and pocket parks along the water and bike access toward Griffith Park and Downtown.
- This stretch, the Glendale Narrows, is one of the few parts of the river with a soft, natural bottom, so you'll see trees, birds and, in summer, kayaks.
- Old warehouses have become artist studios, small offices, cafes and breweries, mixed in with light industry.
- Homes are mostly early 1900s bungalows, Craftsman and Mission Revival cottages, plus newer small-lot townhomes.
From the driver's seat
Our drives show how tucked away Frogtown is. The streets are flat and quiet, many of them dead-ending at the river path, with the freeway on one side and the water on the other. Start with the sunset drive from Silver Lake, which drops down into the neighborhood as the light goes gold.
Watch Silver Lake to Frogtown at SunsetIf you're visiting
- The LA River path
Ride or walk the riverside path, part of a longer route toward Griffith Park and Downtown.
- Kayaking the river
In summer, a stretch of the river here opens for kayaking and fishing as a recreation zone.
- Marsh Park
A small riverside park with native plants and trail access.
- Breweries, cafes and studios
Converted warehouses near the river now hold small breweries, coffee spots and artist studios.
Getting there: There's no rail nearby; Metro buses run along Riverside Drive. Most visitors drive or come in by bike on the river path. Street parking is usually easy.
Preview it: Silver Lake to Frogtown at SunsetHours, prices and seasons change, so check before you go.
If you're moving here
Cost snapshot
Figures are area-wide estimates from listing sites and change monthly. Check current listings before you decide.
Getting around
Frogtown is about four miles from Downtown, but there's no rail stop nearby; Metro buses run along Riverside Drive. The 5 and the 2 freeways are minutes away, and the river path makes it one of the best LA neighborhoods for getting around by bike.
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Watch it: drives through Frogtown
2 drives
Jump straight to it
Find a landmark- 20:30Elysian Valley / I-5 entrance in Dodger Stadium to Angelino Heights: The Thriller and Charmed HousesPlay
Short drives nearby
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Quick answers
Where is Frogtown?
Frogtown, officially Elysian Valley, is a small, low-rise Los Angeles neighborhood squeezed between the LA River and the 5 freeway, known for its riverside bike path, artist studios and quiet residential streets.
What is the population of Frogtown?
Frogtown has a population of about 7,100 (recent estimate).
What is there to do in Frogtown?
Top things to see include The LA River path, Kayaking the river, Marsh Park and Breweries, cafes and studios.
How do you get around Frogtown?
Frogtown is about four miles from Downtown, but there's no rail stop nearby; Metro buses run along Riverside Drive. The 5 and the 2 freeways are minutes away, and the river path makes it one of the best LA neighborhoods for getting around by bike.
How much does it cost to live in Frogtown?
Median home price: $1.05M (Weichert listings estimate, August 2026). Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,195/mo (Zumper, May 2026).
Can I see what Frogtown looks like before I visit or move?
Yes. Somewhere Drive has 2 full 4K drives through Frogtown with no narration, including Silver Lake to Frogtown at Sunset.
Sources
- Elysian Valley, Los Angeles (Wikipedia)
- Exploring Elysian Valley (Eric Brightwell)
- Frogtown: should it be called Toadtown? (PBS SoCal)
- Elysian Valley listings (Weichert)
- Elysian Valley Riverside rent (Zumper)
This guide describes places, streets and history, not who lives here. Spot an error? Email hello@somewheredrive.com.
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