In a recent survey of residents of Boyle City, respondents said that culture and tradition were important to their lives. Although gentrification is a prevailing trend in the city, residents said they preferred preserving the existing cultural identity of their neighborhood. They especially wanted to keep the Mariachi Plaza, which has been a popular gathering place for mariachi musicians for decades. Moreover, residents wanted more businesses, more public services, and improved transportation options.
The neighborhood is ethnically and racially diverse, with about 95% of its residents being Hispanic or Latino. The majority of people who live here are Mexican immigrants, although residents of Central American ethnicity also make up a large portion of the population. According to Los Angeles Times writer Hector Tobar, only 5% of residents aged 25 and older had received a four-year college degree. This is a low percentage for a city of its size.
The area's multicultural and labor-based coalition led to the election of Mayor Villaraigosa. He was the first Latino to serve on the city council. Congressman Edward Roybal was elected to City Council in 1949. The area is also home to the Vladeck Center, named after the community leader Borukh Charney Vladeck, who played an important role in Jewish politics and culture.
The area was named a historic-cultural monument in 1988. In addition to being a historic site, the Breed Street Shul was also the first community-based organization to produce a public Day of the Dead celebration. Other noteworthy landmarks include the Sears Building and the Lucha Underground Temple, both of which are located on Soto St. The city was also home to the Sisters Orphan Home, which was operated by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Unfortunately, the Sisters Orphan Home was destroyed as a result of the freeway and earthquake damage.