I’m a delivery driver in Hollywood… There are so many of these in 90029 and 90038. Each one is landscaped differently in its own unique way and it is so cool.
ElGueroLoco
I lived in one during college in Pasadena late 1990s for $400 a month. I felt safe because even though the neighbors were different ages we all looked out for each other, I even drove a few of the Senior citizens on errands and baby sat another neighbors toddler. .. Tried to buy one unit in 2010 in Silver Lake for $520K. In 2024 that exact same 1/2 bedroom bungalow sold for $850K
rossrreyes
We always joke about having a "family compound" but something like this would be perfect. Everyone can have their space, but still be able to hang out it common areas.
ehoops
I lived in a bungalow court in Tucson, though we called them casitas. It was one bedroom, probably no more than 500 sq ft. the perfect size, with a fireplace. My neighbor's cat used to come by all the time and hang out with all the neighbors.
kmj
I’m lucky enough to live in a bungalo court in Pasadena. Not one of the historic ones, but I’m sure it’s eligible. I love it here and never want to move. I really appreciated this history lesson!
ZiggyPalffyLA
I lived in a bungalow court in Fresno's Tower District. It was built in 1937 and was owned, and scrupulously cared for by the son of the original owners. It was a group of duplexes with a central courtyard and a small parking lot at back. There was a gazebo in the courtyard, though the landscaping wasn't much. Each unit still had the original lime green or hot pink tile in the bathroom, as well as the original period kitchen with a curved bottom drawer for flour storage, along with a faucet mounted on the wall. My unit even had an old stove from the '40s. We also had laundry rooms with washer/dryer hookups, though I did have to rewire mine for an electric dryer. There were hardwood floors under the carpets, and the owner was in the process of removing the carpet and restoring the floors when I lived there. The walls were lath & plaster and rounded into the ceilings. The tub/shower occupied an arched alcove in the bathroom. The front of the apartment had a big picture window with panes that opened out onto the covered front porch. The panes were so big you could step through them easily. It was the difficult details like that that reminded you constantly that you were living in a home built by craftsmen. It was a home designed to be lived in by real people, not some artificial warehouse filled with awkward details designed to maximize profit. I don't know what "amenities" people are looking for from modern apartments, but I would trade them all for a space as peaceful and dignified as that one.
drsnooz
Coyote casually struts down the sidewalk.
spaceyrat
I have always loved bungalow courts and it seems like a good way to foster a community. I think it's an especially good idea for older people, especially single older peeps who can still live independently but may be isolated in other kinds of housing.
tnate
not just bungalow courts, but just the concept of a "bungalow" house has disappeared as well. Very few houses are built anymore with 2 or fewer bedrooms and most are larger 3 and 4 bedroom houses as newer codes and zoning requirement (circa around the 1980s that were never updated till very recently) have pushed housing sizes much larger. If you see a small 2 bedroom single family house, you can bet good money that that house was built at least 40 years or longer ago.
aegisofhonor
My family lived next door to a Mission style bungalow court in Highland Park, which was built in 1923. I have always found this design so charming and practical. So glad to hear that Pasadena is taking a proactive role in preserving these gems.
akfrench
This is where Dave lived with Alvin and the Chipmunks
SeanA
I used to live in Gartz Court in Pasadena. It was slated for demolition so the City and Pasadena Heritage stepped in and moved them to a city owned lot, where they were all given a 2 car garage and a small backyard, as well as the common space. They were then sold (originally planned as moderate income housing, that failed because interest rates were so high, no one would be able qualify for a mortgage without a cosigner and that would disqualify anyone of moderate income) I loved it and it was a great way to start in home ownership. After marriage and kids I outgrew it, so my mom and I swapped houses, and she lived in it and loved it until she died.
weedysea
Pre freeway LA architecture was something else. What used to exist is fascinating and almost rivals SF, and what could have been is even more interesting. LA needs density. It strangely still has a relatively high level of density for a car centric city based on old development before it veered off that path into car centricity, the relics are still there and are very fascinating.
JokersAce
This brings back memories/nostalgia i grew up and used to live in a bungalow court in on a hillside in Westlake, Los Angeles, with my grandmother, parent, and aunts. I remember in the summers, and on the weekend, i would play with the neighboring kids. We would play until dusk and watch the sunset. Such fond memories.
ameridesign
I used to live in a 1920s Spanish Revival bungalow court in Echo Park. I was there almost ten years, it was rent controlled and I loved its vintage charm. Then a big LLC bought it and evicted all of us! A year later after slapping on a coat of paint they sold each unit for $3 -4 million each.
misteradamadamlopez
fascinating! as a chicagoan i had no idea about this housing type. some of these, especially the ones with lots of landscaping and nice paths, look SO dreamy and ideal to live in 🤩
magnoliidae
I didn't know the term for this type of housing - so thank you! I used to live in one of these in Sacramento and I loved it. The houses were like little cottages and the design made it more inviting to be outside in the yard area and meet your neighbors. I wish they would build more of these.
srp
I feel like this the almost perfect balance between the density, convenience, and affordability of apartments and the independence and quiet of suburbs.
coke
Yeah I think this is actually a huge opportunity for Southern California. I think most people find bungalow courts kinda charming and this could be a good way to get more housing without riling the NIMBYs.
bensteele
Sacramento also has these, specifically in the midtown area. You can probably also find them in East Sacramento, Land Park, and older neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area.
As far as I'm aware, all of them are rentals and are not much more expensive than the apartments around them. It gives someone the flexibility of living in a single family home, but at a more reasonable price point and the downtown lifestyle.
