Culture & ArtsIncome Inequalitysocioeconomicslos angeles

Photographer Highlights Income Inequality With Aerial Photos Of LA Neighborhoods

"It's the American dream. For a few."
Open Image Modal
By 

Deputy Director of News & Analytics, HuffPost

|

Even from thousands of feet in the air, income inequality is easy to see. 

Photographer Jeffrey Milstein captured aerial snapshots of Los Angeles neighborhoods, and the differences are striking. He took photos of Beverly Hills streets, a Marina del Rey pier and a trailer park in LA.

"There are sort of two extremes in how we end up living based on our affluence," Milstein, who took the photos while dangling 2,000 feet in the air from a helicopter, told Co.Exist. "It's very readily apparent from the air, because you suddenly are seeing the differences in the patterns."

Open Image Modal
Jeffrey Milstein

Spacing, road curvature and even color patterns are dissimilar, Milstein explained in an email to The Huffington Post Monday.  

First is the size of the lots for single family homes. They are much more tightly packed in the lower economic housing. Fewer trees, few pools or tennis courts. The streets are generally on a rigid rectangular grid. As affluence increases there is more green and blue as the pools and tennis courts begin to appear. The roads begin to break from the grid with some curves, often leading up hills affording views. This continues until in the most affluent areas a large percent have a pool and a tennis court, often close to a neighbor across a hedge. Something I first noticed after reviewing the images was how the level of affluence can affect the overall color balance of the image.

The wealthier areas are dotted with green and blue from trees and swimming pools, while lower income areas appear more brown with housing allotted along straight gridlines.  

Open Image Modal
Jeffrey Milstein

Milstein highlighted the contrasts by photographing neighborhoods on varying levels of the socioeconomic spectrum.

"It is just a visual representation of what everyone already knows regarding class and wealth and housing," he wrote. "On one extreme is the trailer park with a shared pool and tennis court, and on the other side, unbelievable mansions dot the hillsides, each with pools and tennis courts repeated for each family. It's the American dream. For a few." 

Jeffrey Milstein

Marina

Jeffrey Milstein

L.A.

Jeffrey Milstein

Downtown L.A.

Jeffrey Milstein

Park La Brea luxury apartment complex

Jeffrey Milstein

L.A. apartment complex

Jeffrey Milstein

Marina Del Rey

Jeffrey Milstein

L.A. housing

Also on HuffPost:

Tiny Houses
$49,000; 320 Sq. Ft.; Lake Geneva, Wisc.(01 of54)
Open Image Modal
This completely sustainable shipping container house includes a bathroom, living room, kitchen, bed, wrap-around deck and dipping pool. You can hitch this mobile home on a trailer and voila, it becomes a mountain, beach or lake home. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$28,000; 288 Sq. Ft.; Bean Station, Tenn. (02 of54)
Open Image Modal
This unfinished cabin is set on a one-acre lot and needs some completion work. It is located only minutes from Cherokee Lake. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$28,000; 288 Sq. Ft.; Bean Station, Tenn., cont.(03 of54)
Open Image Modal
A close-up look at the exterior of this unfinished cabin in Tennessee. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$28,000; 288 Sq. Ft.; Bean Station, Tenn., cont.(04 of54)
Open Image Modal
A look at the 12 x 24 structure of this tiny house. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$28,000; 288 Sq. Ft.; Bean Station, Tenn., cont.(05 of54)
Open Image Modal
A full view of this unfinished cabin. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$59,900; 240 Sq. Ft.; Otto, N.C.(06 of54)
Open Image Modal
This one-room cabin, complete with a deck overlooking the mountains, can be had for about the price of a new luxury car. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$59900; 240 Sq. Ft.; Otto, N.C., cont.(07 of54)
Open Image Modal
This tiny house comes with a deck so that you can spend time gazing at the fantastic view. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$59900; 240 Sq. Ft.; Otto, N.C., cont.(08 of54)
Open Image Modal
A sample of the view that you get with this house. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$59900; 240 Sq. Ft.; Otto, N.C., cont.(09 of54)
Open Image Modal
A view of the outside exterior of this tiny cabin. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$59900; 240 Sq. Ft.; Otto, N.C., cont.(10 of54)
Open Image Modal
A beautiful bedroom that is perfect for any couple looking to live in a scenic place. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$59900; 240 Sq. Ft.; Otto, N.C., cont.(11 of54)
Open Image Modal
The kitchen area for this "get-away" cabin. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$58,045; 256 Sq. Ft.,; Hammond, N.Y.(12 of54)
Open Image Modal
This small cottage on the water is only minutes away from a marina. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$58,045; 256 Sq. Ft.,; Hammond, N.Y., cont.(13 of54)
Open Image Modal
The main attraction of this tiny house is its beautiful water view. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$58,045; 256 Sq. Ft.,; Hammond, N.Y., cont.(14 of54)
Open Image Modal
Because this house is small, owners have to be extremely efficient with their space. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$30,000; 288 Sq. Ft.; Marblemount, Wash.(15 of54)
Open Image Modal
This mountain cabin is only steps away from a river. While water is only available at the road spigot and there is no septic system, it's set in a beautiful spot -- and beats car camping. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$30,000; 288 Sq. Ft.; Marblemount, Wash., cont.(16 of54)
Open Image Modal
The view and fireplace for this rustic cabin in the woods. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$19,900; 210 Sq. Ft.; Norris, Tenn.(17 of54)
Open Image Modal
This small floating home comes with a dock for your boat. And if you want privacy . . . (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$19,900; 210 Sq. Ft.; Norris, Tenn., cont.(18 of54)
Open Image Modal
Another view of this floating tiny home. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$19,900; 210 Sq. Ft.; Norris, Tenn., cont.(19 of54)
Open Image Modal
The deck outside this floating home is a great place for friends and family to gather and enjoy the water. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$19,900; 210 Sq. Ft.; Norris, Tenn., cont.(20 of54)
Open Image Modal
The futon inside this tiny, floating home. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$45,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Portland, Oregon(21 of54)
Open Image Modal
This floating home is attached to a sheltered boat dock and includes a kitchen, sleeping loft, and skylights. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$45,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Portland, Oregon, cont.(22 of54)
Open Image Modal
The 25 foot boatwell next to this floating home. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$45,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Portland, Oregon, cont.(23 of54)
Open Image Modal
Inside this recently redone wood panel home. (credit:Tiny House Lisitings)
$25,000; 240 Sq. Ft., Alberta, Canada(24 of54)
Open Image Modal
This energy-efficient designed cabin has solar panels that retain heat in the winter and maintains comfortable temperatures during the summer. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$75,000; 288 Sq. Ft.; Mount Vernon, Wash.(25 of54)
Open Image Modal
Waterfront property, anyone? This small home may make someone's dream affordable. (This listing was recently removed from the market.) (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$98,900; 200 Sq. Ft.; Pagosa Springs, CO.(26 of54)
Open Image Modal
This cozy home is located on five acres of land in an area with only 20 other houses. While the price might be high for a home that only contains a kitchen, living area, and bedroom loft, the value is in the property and setting. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$98,900; 200 Sq. Ft.; Pagosa Springs, CO., cont.(27 of54)
Open Image Modal
Inside the living area of this Colorado cabin. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$98,900; 200 Sq. Ft.; Pagosa Springs, CO., cont.(28 of54)
Open Image Modal
This cabin is perfect for any hunter, as it is surrounded by wildlife like deer, turkey, and elk. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$98,900; 200 Sq. Ft.; Pagosa Springs, CO., cont.(29 of54)
Open Image Modal
A look outside this cabin provides these gorgeous views. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$40,000; 320 Sq. Ft.; Ontario, Canada(30 of54)
Open Image Modal
This hand-crafted log cabin has cathedral-style ceilings and requires minimal upkeep. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$40,000; 320 Sq. Ft.; Ontario, Canada, cont.(31 of54)
Open Image Modal
This handcrafted log cabin could be dismantled and rebuilt by a professional log builder. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$40,000; 320 Sq. Ft.; Ontario, Canada, cont.(32 of54)
Open Image Modal
The deck and view that surround this Canadian log cabin. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$35,000; 448 Sq. Ft.; Salem, Missouri(33 of54)
Open Image Modal
This very new cabin is completely portable and can be moved to your liking. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$35,000; 448 Sq. Ft.; Salem, Missouri, cont.(34 of54)
Open Image Modal
This small cabin has full-size kitchen. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$49,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Seaview, Wash. (35 of54)
Open Image Modal
This small house includes a bedroom with a queen size bed, a kitchen with all new appliances, a living room, and a parking area perfect for a boat or truck. Most of all, however, this small home is located in a great community that is only a short distance away from a beach and marina. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$49,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Seaview, Wash., cont.(36 of54)
Open Image Modal
This house, dubbed the "villa royale," has enough space for a single resident or couple. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$49,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Seaview, Wash., cont.(37 of54)
Open Image Modal
The side view of this "villa royale." (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$7,407; 706 Sq. Ft.; Santa Fe, NM. (38 of54)
Open Image Modal
This one bedroom yurt is perfect for anyone who fancies themselves an adventuring nomad. While this dwelling isn't exactly family friendly, it does come equipped with four windows and a strong vinyl roof. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$89,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Center Point, Texas(39 of54)
Open Image Modal
In addition to having a bathroom, kitchen, and living area, this small cabin has an incredible view. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$89,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Center Point, Texas, cont.(40 of54)
Open Image Modal
The view outside this small cabin in Texas. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$89,000; 400 Sq. Ft.; Center Point, Texas, cont.(41 of54)
Open Image Modal
An inside view of this small cabin in Texas. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$15,000; 500 Sq. Ft.; Aurora, Co. (42 of54)
Open Image Modal
This one bedroom yurt comes equipped with a fully insulated panel deck and is completely portable. It is a great home for anyone not yet ready to settle down in one place. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$15,000; 500 Sq. Ft.; Aurora, Co., cont.(43 of54)
Open Image Modal
The inside of this yurt as builders work on the finishing touches. (credit:Tiny House Listings)
$53,997; 130 Sq. Ft. (44 of54)
Open Image Modal
This small home comes on wheels and is perfect for any adventurer. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$53,997; 130 Sq. Ft., cont.(45 of54)
Open Image Modal
The beautiful new interior of this tiny, portable home. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$53,997; 130 Sq. Ft., cont.(46 of54)
Open Image Modal
Another look at the main living space for this tiny home. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$53,997; 130 Sq. Ft., cont.(47 of54)
Open Image Modal
Tiny house, big city. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$45,997; 89 Sq. Ft. (48 of54)
Open Image Modal
This very tiny home makes efficient use of its space and includes a fireplace, refrigerator, sink, stove, oven, bath, and sleeping loft. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$45,997; 89 Sq. Ft., cont.(49 of54)
Open Image Modal
A look at how this tiny house withstands tough weather conditions. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$45,997; 89 Sq. Ft., cont.(50 of54)
Open Image Modal
In a tiny house such as this one, the kitchen area and living room almost overlap. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$48,997; 102 Sq. Ft.(51 of54)
Open Image Modal
This house on wheels includes a bedroom loft, kitchen, and living room. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$48,997; 102 Sq. Ft., cont.(52 of54)
Open Image Modal
This tiny house comes equipped with a small kitchen area. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$44,997; 172 Sq. Ft. (53 of54)
Open Image Modal
This portable home has a unique set-up with a large glass wall that creates solar gain. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)
$38,997; 65 Sq. Ft. (54 of54)
Open Image Modal
This tiny house is designed to accommodate one full-time resident comfortably. It includes a small sleeping loft, kitchenette, living area, and bathroom. (credit:Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip