19 Reasons East L.A. Isn't What You Think It Is

    Don't believe the hype.

    Ruben Guevara
    by Ruben Guevara

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Some people think East L.A. is a dangerous place to live.

    Edward De la Torre / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: elslunko

    The Los Angeles Skyline from East L.A.

    2. They think there's graffiti pretty much everywhere you go.

    Malcolm K. / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: rootsnrails

    Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights.

    3. And that the public transit stops are littered with trash.

    Frederick Dennstedt / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: fredcamino

    Glowing egg at the Gold Line Soto Station in Boyle Heights.

    4. They don't believe the artwork is very original...

    Roberta Romero / Creative Commons
    Roberta Romero / Creative Commons / Flickr: bunnicula

    Dia De Los Muertos skulls at Self Help Graphics & Art.

    5. ... Or even inspiring.

    Roberta Romero / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: bunnicula

    6. They think the architecture is WILDLY unimaginative.

    Chris / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: hercwad

    Stained glass canopy at the Mariachi Plaza Gold Line station entrance.

    7. And the murals are all about the Virgin Mary.

    Aspiration / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: aspirationtech

    Visiting Proyecto Jardín in Boyle Heights.

    8. They think the food here is rather subpar.

    Max Martin / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: maxmartin

    Guisados in Boyle Heights.

    9. And accept that the nightlife is virtually non-existent.

    meli / Creative Commons / Via Flickr: meligrosa

    The Eastside Luv Wine Bar y Queso in Boyle Heights.

    10. They assume El Mercado offers nothing they would ever want to buy.

    11. And envision the Barrio Boogie to be a total bore.

    12. They think the cuisine is limited to tacos and burritos...

    13. ... Or rice and beans.

    14. And believe the churches are falling apart.

    15. They don't expect a smidgen of creativity.

    16. Or a powerful sense of community.

    17. Some people will go their whole lives avoiding this place.

    18. And maybe they're right...

    19. ... Because obviously nothing cool EVER happens in East L.A.

    Thumbnail photograph by Barbara Zaragoza. Mural by Paul Botello.