Alhambra, CA Area Guide

Initially settled by a populace hungry for wealth with the promise of gold mining in the city of Alta, people slowly migrated south toward the San Gabriel Valley, finding places to raise their children on once uncultivated fields. In 1771, eight years before our forefathers founded this country, most of the land comprising what's now Alhambra's borders belonged to the Spanish government under a land grant to Mission San Gabriel, leading to years-long court battles over 300,000 acres of property owned by Manuel Nieto.

After centuries of war and struggle over territory, land acquisition finally led to tracts of land being laid out for the Southern Pacific Railroad, which would bring with it settlers from the East coast looking for a future in uncharted territories. This migration further solidified the legacy that is now Alhambra, California.

Anyone interested in local history can visit the Alhambra Historical Society Museum on Alhambra Rd.

Locals looking for a variety of Asian cuisine flock toward Alhambra to satisfy their cravings. Kosuke restaurant serves savory popcorn chicken ramen to anyone needing a break from typical American fare. Guests at Savoy Kitchen fawn over the hainan chicken and baked halibut, which are worth every dollar at this cash-only establishment. Fans of Vietnamese bakeries also make plans to buy their banh mi sandwiches at banh mi my tho, where egg rolls spring to life on discerning palates that love rich, aromatic flavors with their Thai iced teas.

An Alice in Wonderland-themed bar on the north side of town, the Rabbit Hole rewards guests with ambrosial cocktails that keep them blissfully inebriated. Sports fans need look no further than 28 West Bar and Grill, where wings, burgers, happy hour specials and delectable jalapeno margaritas pair with screens playing ESPN until closing time.

Locals wanting to keep the party going venture toward Energy Karaoke, where budding rock stars sing off-key in private rooms while their friends join in the fun.

If you're looking for culture and intoxicating live performances, escape towards The Mozaic Lizard Theater, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse (in neighboring San Gabriel) or the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena, where the Free Summer Concert Series provides sounds from local bands and musicians seeking a captivated audience.

Edward's Cinema Stadium 14 presents the latest movies for film fans on a tight budget.

Visitors to Alhambra are no strangers to the 10 and 710 Interstate, which intersect the district in its southernmost boundaries.

Taxis can be found in front of popular destinations like theaters, music venues and bars, while Lyft and Uber drivers also help riders get home during later hours when some Metro lines have stopped running.

Residents and visitors pursuing a healthier lifestyle find bicycle lanes safe for travel, while transit commuters have no shortage of places to shop or catch a movie.

A collage of dog- and kid-friendly parks litter the landscape for parents wanting a quiet afternoon while their children play. Alhambra Park offers its visitors free basketball and tennis courts, and a swimming pool helps residents keep cool on hot summer days. A running track, baseball fields, soccer fields and basketball and tennis courts make an assortment of healthy activities at Almansor Park, where locals go to hang out and watch ducks swimming across a picturesque lake and waterfall.

The Lunar New Year parade remedies boredom with large floats and festivities that bridge the gap between cultures in Alhambra while helping local inhabitants celebrate the town in which they reside. The annual Tournament of Roses parade also showcases some of the most extravagant floats as part of a Los Angeles New Year's tradition, running across several districts, including Alhambra, but beginning in the neighboring town of Pasadena.

At $1,117 for a one-bedroom apartment, rent in Alhambra tends to be around 28 percent lower than the city average, and those seeking a night life find happy hour prices hovering around $3 to $7 for beer. Normal beer prices tend to go anywhere between $4 to $10 or more, depending on the venue..

Locals without a car use the Metro bus and rail system when navigating Los Angeles, which runs around $2 on average. Fares change periodically, so be sure to check the LA Metro website for current rates. Gas prices fall around 14 percent over the national average.

A shopping mall has yet to be built in the Alhambra district, but many smaller shops and outdoor shopping centers can be found along the main strip. However, neighboring counties make up for this problem, with the Paseo Colorado in Pasadena and the Santa Anita Mall supplying convenient shopping just a few minutes away. The Alhambra Regency Plaza allocates aesthetically pleasing furnished condominiums above a small marketplace convenient for anyone who needs an HSBC Bank, a local UPS store or a few food options. The Marketplace shopping center also provides locals with various options for shopping, such as a Radio Shack, Baskin Robbins, Dollar Tree and an O'Reilly Auto Parts. Attic and Blake's Boutique help visitors with the latest in unique fashion trends and accessories. If you're searching for farm-fresh produce at competitive prices, Ranch 99 Market, Alhambra Market and Cali Mart provide excellent options unless you want to buy your ingredients directly from their source. Alhambra Farmer's Market and nearby Monterey Park and South Pasadena Farmer's Markets also help consumers make better choices for healthier living.