Frogtown, a small neighborhood in L.A., is known for its unique name and culture. Spanning just one square mile and located between the L.A. River and two major freeways, it’s home to about 8,000 residents. Despite its size, Frogtown has built a close-knit community that has become a hub for artists and local events, such as the Frogtown Flea Crawl.
But how did it get its quirky name? Although officially called Elysian Valley, the neighborhood earned its nickname back in the 1950s. At that time, the LA River was home to a large population of frogs and toads. Each year, they would lay eggs, and when the tadpoles hatched, thousands of frogs would take over the streets, hopping through the neighborhood.
Over the years, Frogtown has evolved from a manufacturing area into a lively residential community with a strong focus on walkability, bike paths, and supporting local businesses. Although the frogs haven’t been seen in decades, the name has stuck, adding to the neighborhood’s charm and uniqueness in Los Angeles.