This reminds me of the change that Valencia street has undergone in SF in the Mission Area. I used to live there back in 1999 when it was a more affordable area, mixed culture of artists and latinos, and when I returned in 2011 it had totally turned into this very "cool" place just so similar to the photos you shared. Since then the prices are crazy high. Now its a nice place to see unusual shops and coffee shops and restaurants.
RE: Walking around the Pasadena area