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Pico-Union is a neighborhood in central Los Angeles, California. Its name derives from the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Union Avenue, a key intersection in the area. It is bordered by Downtown Los Angeles on the east, West Adams on the south, Koreatown on the west, and Westlake on the north. Principal thoroughfares include Washington, Venice, Pico, and Olympic Boulevards, Vermont and Union Avenues, and Alvarado and Hoover Streets. The Harbor Freeway runs along its eastern edge, and the Santa Monica Freeway separates it from West Adams.
Pico-Union is one of the poorest and most densely populated neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Once largely Jewish and Greek, it is now primarily populated by Hispanic immigrants, particularly Oaxacans, Guatemalans, and Hondurans.The only reminder of its former character is Saint Sophia's Cathedral, a Greek Orthodox church, and a handful of Greek-owned businesses. In recent years, there has been an effort to rename the area Byzantine-Latino Quarter to commemorate its past and present majority ethnic populations. A number of Korean families and businesses, priced out of Koreatown, have also established themselves in the district. Much of the district lies within the infamous Rampart Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, and is accordingly plagued with high crime. Several transnational gangs, most notably the 18th Street Crew, were started in the neighborhood and continue to maintain a strong presence.
Loyola Law School, part of Loyola Marymount University, is located on Olympic Boulevard near the northern edge of Pico-Union.
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