'Cheaper' Southern California real estate very hot

Overall, Los Angeles County is not appreciating as much as counties in the Inland Empire. The high cost of homes near the Ocean has pushed investors and buyers further inland, where real estate is significantly cheaper.

According to a recent study of zip code sampling and real estate sales, a similar trend is also occurring within Los Angeles County. Areas like Lincoln Park, El Monte, even Compton, are experiencing huge increases in home value appreciation, while Beverly Hills and Pasadena appreciation has slowed.

Real estate analysts believe this fragmentation will be the trend for the Southern California real estate market - lots of mini-markets. While Glendale might slow, a few miles down the road, Glassel Park home sales might explode. One block might appreciate, as an adjacent block depreciates.

More on this story from the LATimes.