San Fernando Valley - Sylmar, CA

The northern San Fernando Valley was originally inhabited by various tribes of Native Americans, such as the Tongva. In the late 1800s, prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the region was replete with rich soil and fresh flowing breezes. This created a reputation for the area, and soon it was home to the second largest olive grove in the world. The city of Sylmar literally translates to "Sea of Trees."

The purity of the air also drew the attention of the medical community. Thought to cure ailments such as respiratory disease and tuberculosis, the area climate led to the opening of the first sanatorium in the 1920s; it perished 40 years later in a massive fire. The Olive View-UCLA Medical Center has stood in its place ever since and is one of the best hospitals in the valley. The weather still remains a major part of the attraction to the area, serving as an escape from the heavy city smog.

The neighborhood surrounding the northern part of the San Fernando Valley plays host to a variety of local, as well as, authentic flavors from around the globe. Given the city is a melting pot, so is its food fare.

When settling into the quiet areas of the upper valley, why not stop in at Sylmar's Fix Restaurant and grab an apple delight smoothie, Nutella croissant or its signature "The Fix" panini, which has people flocking from all parts of Los Angeles for a warm and crunchy bite. If you get caught feeding the office masses in a rush, don't despair, as the cafe delivers for $20 and up, seven days a week. The family-owned business sets itself apart from other establishments in the area, as it insists on only buying from local businesses to show its community support.

When craving an adventurous detour for spicy fare, head over to JeJe Chicken in Granada Hills. With enormous shared dinner platters, complete with hummus and chicken kabobs, the Mediterranean restaurant is perfect for families. It serves its purpose even for a quick break, as it offers daily lunch specials too. Locals recommend the chicken shawarma plate and swear by the flavor combinations. Revered as better than any chain in the valley, JeJe Chicken offers an affordable and tasty menu without having to brave the city traffic.

For the night owls residing in the San Fernando Valley, you don't have to scale the Hollywood Hills to find excitement. When looking to escape the lights on the walk of fame, why not run with the country-style theme and check out The Hideaway Bar and Grill. It features live music, dancing and drink specials every Friday night. Sing karaoke to your favorite country ballads, shoot some darts and have a rootin-tootin good time, located just outside the fray of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Cars are the primary mode of transportation in the San Fernando Valley. Although the valley can become congested, there are various means around the traffic, for the astute driver. Using the easily accessible Interstate 5 allows you to travel along the outskirts of the valley, rather than through the heart, such as if travelling on Interstate 405. As a cheap alternative to a taxi cab, there are a few modern social driving applications, such as Uber and Lyft, that also service the area.

The Metrolink is a fast railway system that traces the path of the foothills just east of the Santa Susana Mountains and runs as far south as downtown Los Angeles. On its way, it conveniently travels straight to the smaller of the two L.A. Airports, the Bob Hope Airport, located in the studio-laden town of Burbank.

The El Cariso Community Park, in Sylmar, stands as a memorial to the young fire fighters that lost their lives in the great Loop Fire of 1966. Sporting over 80 acres of serene California nature, the park offers many outdoor activities to get away from city living. El Cariso has an area for picnicking, tennis courts, a civic arts center, a 15,000 foot gymnasium, community swimming pool and much more. There is no vehicle entrance fee and the park opens and closes with the sun.

A typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment goes between$1350 and $1700 per month depending on the area. The cost of gas is slightly higher than the national average, while a one way ride on the Metrolink will only set you back about $6.50. Overall, it is one of the most affordable parts of Los Angeles in which to reside.

The Granada Village Shopping Center is the perfect place to stop for all your purchasing needs. With ample parking available, the neighborhood features affordable stores such as TJ Maxx, Ross, and Walmart. To fill the fridge, there are is also a Trader Joe's conveniently located nearby.

If you have the urge to mingle with the local characters, and make a day of thrifty shopping, the San Fernando Swap Meet has been open Tuesday though Sunday from 6 am to 3:30 pm for the past 35 years. Religiously open rain or shine, the swap meet is the largest of its kind in the San Fernando Valley.

Lily's Bridal Boutique in the heart of the valley offers not jut top-notch bridal dresses and anything you might need for bridesmaids and other guests but also spectacular dresses for other occasions such as the prom or quinceanera feast.

The Sprouts Farmer's Market in San Fernando Boulevard is favored by visitors and residents alike for fresh, locally grown produce.