ABC - Cerritos, CA

Between 1900 and 1950, the area known as Artesia became a major dairy center in Los Angeles. In 1902, Pacific Electric Railway built a line connecting outlying farming communities. The first line traveled to Long Beach. "Red cars" allowed farmers to work part-time and commute to better paying jobs in other cities. Artesia businessmen encouraged Pacific to build a line through their town shortly after 1906. The Pioneer Boulevard station served as Artesia's focal point in the developing business district.

The area became known for flooding, as well as a vulnerability to earthquakes. In 1933, a 6.3 quake devastated Long Beach, and Artesia suffered significant building damage. Later, the surrounding community known as Dairy Valley experienced promising urban development. Around 1965, the Chamber of Commerce adopted the city name, Cerritos. Cerritos Sculpture Garden celebrates the arts, though no museums make their homes within the neighborhood.

Locals love to eat out in Cerritos, often heading near Los Cerritos Center for burgers, sushi, and steaks. Around the ABC area, popular fast-food restaurants line Pioneer and Artesia Boulevards, but the best choices lie in the international fare.

With Little India found in neighboring Artesia, Asian cuisine adds flair to the dining experience. Visit Yojie Japanese Fondue on East South Street for Japanese food that stands above the rest. The Angus beef prepared sukiyaki style serves as a signature meal, combining a sweet broth with pasteurized egg. Elbow through the crowd and enjoy "the art of dipping" in this fondue restaurant favorite.

Entice your palette with an Indian dish described as "spicy yumminess" by locals. Chennai Tiffins, located on 183rd Street, serves a butter masala dosa big enough to dwarf a platter. The rice crepe comes stuffed with potato curry that lingers on your taste buds long after your last bite.

Described as more of a family town than a hub for bars, Cerritos' ABC area supplies residents with nighttime entertainment in popular restaurants such as Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. Look for the big dog paw at Los Cerritos Center and grab a seat inside the thrumming spot. Start with the hatch chile and bacon mac 'n' cheese or the Sicilian turkey meatballs. Pair a Lazy Dog black & bleu burger with a zarco gold margarita to feel like a local.

For the best in craft beers, stop by Umaya Lounge on South Street. Unwind on Umaya's modern furniture while you throw back a smog city or pint of Sapporo. Catch a game with friends and let the night drift away.

Take a peaceful bike ride or stroll along Cerritos' neighborhoods. The city provides several bike lanes, and the sidewalks safely encourage foot traffic. Most residents drive, utilizing Interstates 5, 605, 91, and 405. To head to the beach, drivers jump on the 605 to hit Long Beach, or they take I-91 west to Redondo Beach. Interstates 5 and 405 lead to Orange County to the south, making trips to Angel Stadium a breeze.

Cerritos' simple commutability proves why residents favor the area, allowing parents take children to and from schools in the ABC Unified School District hassle-free. Ample free parking exists around the city, and Yellow Taxis service the area by phoning the company.

A great selling point lies in Cerritos' choices for public transportation. Residents can ride L.A. Metro, Orange County Transit Authority, and Long Beach Transit District buses.

Cerritos residents love to hit Cerritos Regional County Park several times a week. Conveniently located on Bloomfield Avenue and 195 Street, this 84-acre park brings picnickers, basketball players, and residents looking to watch the sunset over the lake. The Olympic-size pool offers summer refreshment and a great all-body workout year-round. Grab your pole and catch some fish, and don't forget to bring the children out for the annual Easter egg hunt. A great locale for kids and pets, Cerritos Park provides easy-access parking to the public.

To check out a neighborhood gem, head to San Gabriel Avenue and visit Westgate Park. This neighborhood park features green lawns to suit playdates with your pooch or times of relaxation under the shade trees. Host a party and let guests play tennis while the children enjoy the play equipment. Westgate lays out everything you need for a great day at the park. The location may be a bit challenging to find, but once you arrive, it proves worth it.

With a median cost for a one-bedroom apartment in ABC averaging $1,201, the cost for housing runs considerably more than Cerritos' next-door neighbor. Housing prices are 43 percent cheaper in Norwalk, showing how the amenities surrounding the ABC Unified School District come with a hefty price. The overall cost of living sits roughly 27 percent higher in Cerritos compared to Norwalk.

Cerritos residents pay significantly more for gas due to the ideal location, with prices approximately 25 percent above the national average. Fortunately, public transportation remains cheap and riders can travel to the city center for less than $2 base fare. Beer at a local pub runs around $4.

Cerritos is terrific for shopping. From designer couture to edgy and alternative, you'll love the options in the trendy boutiques and specialty shops.

Locals refer to Los Cerritos Center as the "Cerritos Mall." Located off the South Street exit from Interstate 605, Cerritos Mall attracts outdoor enthusiasts to Big 5 Sporting Goods and fashionistas to Nordstrom. Teenagers flock to Forever 21, while the Apple Store lures devoted Mac users. Treat yourself to sensational style with the latest high-end trends from Bebe.

Pioneer Boulevard is home to some of the best Indian boutiques in the region. Loveleen Sari Palace, Poshaak, and Dreams Collection stand with nearly a dozen other shops on Pioneer. A top shopping destination, the stores along the boulevard draw those dressing for weddings as well as everyday leisure.

For groceries, Stater Brothers Markets and 99 Ranch Market service the area, and for ethnic items, Shan Halal Meat & Grocery on Pioneer Boulevard provides a good selection. To sample farm-fresh fare, head to the Cerritos Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Locals gather at Cerritos Towne Center to buy Asian veggies, nuts, breads, and fish.