Franklin Ave, Hollywood

I kind of love Franklin as far as east side streets go. For a busy street, it's much quieter than Hollywood, Sunset, Santa Monica, etc. And, it could be all in my head because I'm partial, but I think it's much cleaner and nicer too. And, it's one of the faster streets to take if you're heading east-west. The only problem on Franklin is at Cahuenga. You have to turn onto Cahuenga on then turn again onto Franklin about 1/2 a block up. This creates a bit of traffic congestion to say the least. So, whenever I have to go past Cahuenga going either way, I usually don't get onto Franklin until after this intersection. Franklin is the last street north before a lot of really cool things. All of the turn-offs into the ridiculously beautiful Hollywood Hills homes are at Franklin. Runyan Canyon begins at Franklin so all of the apartments around this area are pretty expensive but a lot more tranquil and nicer than the Hollywood Blvd counterparts.
Franklin is the most northern street before entering the 101 on Highland and Cahuenga. And, once east of Cahuenga it's pretty beautiful. It's still a really busy street, granted, but the apartments on the street are nicer and it does have a more neighborhood feel to it.
Franklin Village is amazing as far as a little place with things to do and that is just east of Gower. I'm obsessed with pretty much everything in that area right down to the Gelson's. Franklin is also the major street in Los Feliz. Pretty much everything cool in that neighborhood is within 3 blocks of Franklin.
One final thought: the Scientology Celebrity Center is just across the street from Franklin Village so while that's not totally appetizing as far as creep factor -- you will definitely be safe if you live here. They have 24 hour security combing the surrounding blocks.

Franklin Avenue, starting at the top of Sierra Bonita and running east through Beachwood Canyon into the Griffith Park / Los Feliz neighborhoods is for the most part residential - lined by apartment buildings and infrequent corner shops.

It can become very congested between La Brea and Highland Ave. when there are concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and should be avoided during those times. For this reason, any of those six blocks between La Brea and Highland are not as pretty as the rest of Franklin.

At Highland Ave, Franklin twists and turns a little bit and then continues east into Beachwood Canyon country. There are some very interesting old historic buildings to be seen along this ride. Where Franklin meets Vine, one can see the famous Capitol Records building where everyone from the Beatles to Elvis to Frank Sinatra recorded.

At Western Avenue, Franklin turns into a more affluent neighborhood where huge houses sit atrop sprawling lawns on both sides of the street until it crosses into Los Feliz - one of the most popular communities for musicians, bohemians and artists in Los Angeles.

Depending on your lifestyle and income, there is a neighborhood suitable for you somewhere along this historic and fascinating avenue.

Other than the Magic Castle there isn't much offered on this street other than the fact that you can use it as a shortcut to Hollywood and Hollywood Hills.

Franklin Ave @ Bronson...
I use this street for a lot of shortcuts. It gets me to La Brea to the west quicker and if I'm coming from Hollywood proper it's a fast way to get over to Los Feliz Blvd to the east. It can get jammed however on typical peak times. There are at least 3 notable stops should you ever find yourself on this street- a newly opened Crepe shop @ Cahuenga, further east at Bronson there is a row of shops set up like a viewing station for the Sci-Ti Celebrity center... should your eyes not be drawn too frequently to the dark windows and spires you will find an awesome coffee shop, bookstore, small theatre and a few excellent restaurants. Just adjacent to there you have Victor's Deli- great steak fries and a winestore, and a bit overpriced but lovely Mayfair Market. Should you find yourself in need of a quick picnic if you're planning on heading up Canyon Dr/Bronson (home of the original 60's bat cave!) or further up to view the LA skyline... this little corner has a lot of charm, but can be a bit crowded-- with hipsters and neighborhood locals but come on down and make yourself feel a part. It's one of my favorites. (Even further east- bonus round- is Franklin at Vermont... home to "House of Pies".)