Glendale stands out as one of the best places to live in
Los Angeles. The county, not the city! Though it's technically a different city from LA, its proximity and similar vibes lead many to regard it as part of the city itself. It also helps that many who do live in Glendale work, study, and have fun in Los Angeles. But this isn't to say that the place is boring! Beyond its more famous residential areas, Glendale still has its own urban hotspots, and they’re just as exciting as LA itself. Learn more about the city and see if you think you can belong here.
Where is Glendale in California?
Part of why Glendale is so often considered a
neighborhood in Los Angeles is that it's located very close to the city. The town, which is technically separate from LA, is in the Verdugo Mountains region along the edge of the San Fernando Valley. It serves as the fourth largest city in the entire Los Angeles County, yet it's also near many of the latter's popular areas. No less than Los Feliz, the Hollywood Hills, Highland Park, and Pasadena border Glendale, further proving just how close the city is to LA.
Is it Safe in Glendale, California?
Fortunately, it is! Glendale ranks among the safest cities in LA County, so much so that it practically equals the more exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. For one thing, its crime rates are much lower than
LA's crime rates, enough to make it the fourth safest city in all of California. This is a testament to how Glendale itself takes crime seriously. Despite its proximity to LA, specifically its most bustling areas, the fact that Glendale can maintain its low crime rates is nothing short of extraordinary. It's no wonder many people would prefer to live here instead.
What's The Vibe in Glendale, California?
Glendale is unique in that it's able to offer small-town vibes with the conveniences of living in a big city. It's not necessarily a suburb, but its most residential areas are very similar to one. At the same time, Glendale remains a true-blue city with its big office buildings, various hotspots, and a bustling nightlife scene. It may not be as busy as Los Angeles itself, but it's pretty close. At the very least, Glendale's commercial areas are far less overwhelming than those in LA, so much so that they're practically why many who initially
move to LA end up settling down here instead.
Is it Expensive in Glendale, California?
Generally speaking, yes, it is. Or rather, it's more accurate to say that it's pretty costly to stay in Glendale.
LA's living costs remain higher overall, but those in Glendale are not too far behind. Take the average rent here, for instance, which is around $2,995.00 per month. Not only is this already high in and of itself, but it's also slightly higher than LA's city-wide average rent, which is about $2,178.00 per month. You'll also likely spend as much as $25.00 for a meal in an inexpensive eatery and almost $120.00 at a mid-range restaurant.
What to See in Glendale, California
One thing that Los Angeles has the upper hand over Glendale is its treasure trove of famous landmarks. Tourists will more likely flock to LA to go sightseeing, even if they'll generally prefer to stay in Glendale. Does that mean there are no notable sights to see in the latter? Not necessarily? Go along S Brand Boulevard and see the Museum of Neon Art, a fabulous gallery that's as trippy as Tinseltown itself! You also may regard The Americana at Brand as a typical West Coast Mall, but there's no denying its old-world charms in Downtown Glendale.
What to Do in Glendale, California
You can still live the archetypal city lifestyle in Glendale despite how much smaller it is than LA. Head to its bustling Downtown area and enjoy its many exciting attractions. Shop at The Americana, eat at the fabulous restaurants, and head to the bars after dark! If that's not your scene, you can always escape to the world-famous Griffith Park, which is not too far from here. It's always a good idea to visit this iconic green space, especially its beloved Observatory, and bask in the natural glory of the West Coast!
The Best Restaurants in Glendale, California
Glendale's foodie scene is another thing the city can go toe-to-toe with Los Angeles. Its finest hotspots are enough to rival the latter, even
LA's finest Michelin-starred restaurants! For one thing, Glendale has its fair share of Michelin-starred spots, too. Zhengyalov Hatz on E Broadway is one, and it stands out as the only US-based Armenian restaurant to ever receive the famous honor. But if you prefer a different cuisine, say, Mediterranean, then look no further than Salt and Olive on N Brand Boulevard.
While it’s not exactly like LA, Glendale still has several amazing places to eat. You’d especially want to check these out:
- Salt and Olive on N Brand Boulevard
- Carousel Restaurant Glendale on N Brand Boulevard
- Damon's Steak House on N Brand Boulevard
- El Morfi Grill on N Brand Boulevard
- Zhengyalov Hatz on E Broadway
- Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina in The Americana at Brand on S Brand Boulevard
- Bacari GDL on Americana Way
- Din Tai Fung on Galleria Way
- Katsin Restaurant and Dining Bar in Vestalia on W Broadway
- Foxy's Restaurant on W Colorado Street
What to Know About Renting in Glendale, California
If you thought about relocating to Glendale because you can't afford to
rent a luxury apartment in Los Angeles, think again! Not only does Glendale's rental real estate market cost as much as LA's, but it's practically more expensive to rent here compared to certain parts of the other city. As already mentioned, the average rent in Glendale is about $2,995.00 per month, slightly higher than LA's city-wide average, which is $2,178.00 per month. And even if you do score a place that's only a little less than $3,000.00 per month, it may only be a studio or a one-bedroom!
Since it's located very near Los Angeles, Glendale is often regarded as another of the city's prominent neighborhoods. In truth, it's an entirely different city with its own unique charms and urban excitement. It's a place worth exploring beyond the usual LA haunts.
