Arcadia, CA

Before becoming a city in 1903, Arcadia was home to the Tongva Native American tribe in early history. Once the site of the Spanish San Gabriel Arcangel mission, Arcadia eventually drew a royal resident in 1924. Prince Erik of Denmark chose south Arcadia as the site of his new home. Today, the lovely property owned by the Arcadia Congregational Church is used for Sunday school as well as societal events.

As an upper-middle class community, the 60,000 residents respect the town's proud heritage, noted by the stately Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage. During the summer, people of all ages gather for the annual Taste of Arcadia for a community extravaganza. Arcadians' commitment to the arts shows through the Taste's culinary attractions, along with exotic Brazilian dancers and live swing and big band music. At the end of the event, the local Arcadia High School drum line serenades guests heading home.

If you love to eat, Arcadia has got you covered. Stop into the two main dining hubs: restaurant row on Huntington Drive or Westfield Santa Anita to explore your hunger, especially under the stirring nighttime atmosphere the locals bring.

With a largely Asian influence from neighboring cities, restaurants such as Tokyo Wako Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar draw you to their ethnic fare. For those wanting a break from other well-known hibachi-style places, Tokyo Wako on Huntington features signature dishes, such as the sea bass misoyaki and the ninja chicken for kids. With a choice to dine at either the traditional tables or the communal Teppan flat-grill setting with your own entertaining chef, Tokyo Wako commands diners' attention.

When you're really famished, you can never go wrong with a good old sandwich, but a meal at the Stacked Sandwich on 1st Avenue satisfies so much more. With burgers hailed as "the best hamburgers on Earth" and gigantic sandwiches that challenge even a grown man's bite, roll up your sleeves for eats in this place. The savory Black Dog Saloon with spicy fries reigns supreme. Combining beef and bacon with pepper jack cheese, onions, and barbecue sauce makes this sandwich a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

Nighttime in Arcadia invites people from all corners. From the rustic foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains to the neighborhoods in the busier enclaves, a young vibe pulses the city. With its trendy-casual atmosphere, The Entrance Bar & Lounge on Live Oak Avenue remains one of the most popular clubs in Arcadia and it holds a special claim. The "music gets louder as the night goes on," so party-goers be warned: when the clock ticks away, it's time to stop talking and start dancing.

More laid-back Arcadia residents find their own entertainment outlets at places such as Dave & Buster's at the Westfield mall or by taking a twilight stroll along Huntington Drive. On this vibrant stretch, you can grab a sugar bloom pastry or cinnamon waffle topped with salted caramel ice cream from Taza's and call it a sweet night.

Locals primarily travel by car in Arcadia. Huntington Boulevard, the main thoroughfare, is a busy multi-lane street. North Arcadia rests conveniently where Interstate 210 crosses Baldwin Avenue. You can also reach Interstates 605 and 10 - two other popular commuter passageways - within a few miles.

Fortunately, parking is plentiful and free in Arcadia. Few people use taxi or Uber service, although the options exist if you call for a reservation. Public transportation runs faithfully through all neighborhoods. A vast range of Metro buses travel through Westfield Santa Anita mall, a focal point in Arcadia. Riders can access the nearby Gold Line rail system, as well.

Known for its safe atmosphere, cyclists and walkers may travel freely throughout the neighborhoods and busier streets. Sidewalks and bike lanes remain well-maintained, providing ample space to enjoy any commute.

Parks remain a peaceful signature in Arcadia. With all the hustle and bustle common to Los Angeles, Arcadia residents relax easily in each locale.

Noted as a pleasant park for families and small children, Wilderness Park in the San Gabriel Mountains draws visitors regularly. At the top of Highland Oaks Drive, children enjoy the nature center with its host of animals on display, while adults treasure the hiking trail and peeks at wildlife. With picnic sites and shelter, along with restrooms and water stops, Wilderness Park provides everything a recreational group or individual needs. Keep in mind: the park operates Monday through Friday, from October until April; weekend visits must be reserved, and only groups may camp. Plenty of parking is available.

For the apex in leisurely athletics, check out Arcadia County Park on Santa Anita Avenue. Locals and visitors love this park for its vast recreational choices. Cricket and lawn bowling draw big crowds, as do the baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts. Golfers frequently take to the gorgeous course, and parents enjoy the children's playground area and swimming pool. Add in the picnic tables and barbecues between the centuries-old trees, and you have the perfect park outing. Park for free during visiting hours - from sunrise to sunset.

With a commitment to preserving green space, Arcadia shines as an attractive neighborhood, and many residents pay a pretty penny to live there.

In the charming upper-crust neighborhoods, purchase prices can range into seven-figures, while housing rentals may run around $3,000. With a generous offering of townhouses and lesser apartments, a renter can expect to pay a median cost of $1,200 for a one-bedroom. A helpful tidbit: many main houses have mother-in-law apartments, or guest houses, on the property, so look for these goldmines under housing searches. Compared to Los Angeles' popular district surrounding Melrose Avenue, locals there pay $1,700 on the low side for a one-bedroom apartment.

In Arcadia, everything from dining to grocery and clothing shopping runs less expensive than in L.A. To venture into Los Angeles using public transportation, a number of travel options exist. One bus along Huntington Drive travels directly to Union Station in downtown, costing only $1.75. From there, buses and trains fan out for costs, starting at $1.75 for Metro and extending up for Metrolink and Amtrak services.

Drivers can expect to pay roughly 11 percent above the national average for gas. You can catch a happy hour beer for around $4 at a local pub.

At Westfield Santa Anita, you get more than a shopping experience. The outdoor veranda features cushy chairs beside running fountains and live aloe vera plants. A children's passenger train runs through the grounds, passing by Nordstrom. Inside, you find high-end stores, such as Bebe and Michael Kors, along with valuable teeny-bopper favorites, including Forever 21.

When you step through Michael Kors' glass doors, the luxe handbags and sportswear capture you with sophisticated style. Vintage lovers travel off the beaten path to Boutique No.5 on Naomi Avenue. This high-value boutique provides a unique mix of styles from every era gleaned from used and consignment merchandise.

Visit Zuzu's Petals for floral and gift items, including exotic flowers shipped in from all over the world. The store's experienced staff can assist you whether the occasion is happy or sad. Have your gift delivered around the corner or anywhere in the world, including all local hospitals and funeral homes. With convenient and secure online ordering available 24 hours a day, Zuzu's lets you rest assured that your thoughtful purchase reaches its destination.

Grocery shopping comes easily in Arcadia. Two Ralph's supermarkets lie in the city - one on Huntington Drive and the other on Foothill Boulevard. Sprouts Farmers Markets, as well as Fresh Markets, surround the neighborhood to provide fresh produce to the area.