Chandler Park - Burbank, CA Area Guide

Like most of Burbank, Chandler Park remained fairly rural until the 1930’s. The area is named after the influential Chandler family, owners of the Los Angeles Times starting in 1917.

The City of Los Angeles tried annexing the greater part of the San Fernando Valley after their aqueduct opened in 1913, but Burbank avoided capitulation with water reserves of its own.

Lockheed set up shop in 1928 and United Airport opened the following year. Now called Bob Hope Airport, it was held the distinction of being the nation’s busiest until eclipsed by LAX. World War II put a greater emphasis on the aerospace industry, attracting many new residents to Chandler Park.

With a focus on a residential lifestyle, Chandler Park does not have the most vibrant nightlife. The area gets quiet around 10pm. At the same time, this area does contain many attractions other neighborhoods would envy.

There are few places throughout Los Angeles that holds the reputation of Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. Even with lines of over one hundred customers, this restaurant efficiently serves some of the best breads and pastries in the city. They have a vast menu, but try their trademark Cubano sandwich with pork, ham and swiss cheese for only $5.45. For speciality cakes, impress your friend with their signature ten inch Tres Leches for $15.50.

Monte Carlo Deli & Pinocchio’s Restaurant also attracts many to this institution from outside Burbank’s border. For a sit down meal, grab a hearty portion of their lasagna for only $7.95. The Deli presents all the necessities for a fine Italian meal, including artichokes, veal and fresh focaccia, but your eyes will be drawn to their selection of twenty-four flavors of gelato.

Further down Magnolia, Tony’s Darts Away maintains its standing as one of the most essential beer establishments in Los Angeles. As the starting point of Tony Yanow’s empire, TDA not only has the best beer list in the valley, but focuses on finding the finest IPA's in California. Because there’s too much to consume, order a beer flight of four tasters and the bartender will happily consult.

For large groups, Champs Sports Pub comfortably shows games over its twenty three flat screen TV’s. Many come to watch the NFL Sunday Package, but you’ll always find pool and dart action in the back. Need I say more than ten dollar pitchers of beer?

The nearest movie theaters are outside the neighborhood in nearby Downtown Burbank on the other side of Interstate 5. Chandler Park does contain many small theaters, including the Missing Piece Theatre, which hosts many performances from actors you’ll recognize from the small screen.

Although finding a place to park can be limited, most residents choose to get around by car. Some areas have permitted parking, so be aware when you head out.

Burbank has its own bus system and costs a only dollar, but it circuitously navigates around the city. Pay the extra fifty cents to ride the more direct Metro routes.

Without subway or light rail, Metrolink serves Chandler Park as a fast alternative to getting across the county. A one way fare to Union Station costs $6.25 and takes only twenty minutes.

For cyclists, the Chandler Bikeway provides easy east-west access across the city, while the nearby LA River bike path provides a seven mile uninterrupted thruway to the edge of Chinatown.

The Chandler Bikeway acts as the pulse of the neighborhood. In 2004, Burbank converted this former railway into a two-mile dedicated open space that caters to cyclists, joggers and the stroller crowd.

On the east side, the Olive Recreation Center functions as a multipurpose facility supporting more than just sports. Besides a number of softball fields, the park hosts the Grove Theater Center, known for quality performances involving many Ovation Award nominees. The Gordon R. Howard Museum sits in the park hosting the Burbank Historical Society in a Victorian House dating from 1887.

Families frequent Abraham Lincoln Park on the corners of Buena Vista and Verdugo for its enclosed playground and picnic areas. The park also plays home to the Buena Vista Library, a large facility that holds readings and activities for children daily.

Many people seek to live in Chandler Park because of the excellent schools and affordable day care provided by the city. Consequently, with few apartments available, you will pay a premium to live here. The average monthly rent is $1,752, nearly 50% more than LA County average. While gas prices remain relatively high in California, Chandler Park's are slightly cheaper than other nearby neighborhoods.

Overall, the cost of living in Burbank is 9.9% higher than Los Angeles average.

Chandler Park doesn’t cater to the higher end boutiques, but still has an eclectic set of shopping opportunities. Vintage stores line Magnolia attracting hipsters from all over. It’s a Wrap Production Wardrobe Sales features clothing previously used clothing and accessories from motion pictures and television shows. Since production takes place on a year round basis, new items arrive daily.

Almost serving like a museum, Bearded Lady Vintage and Oddities has a collection of everything you don’t expect. From defaced mannequins to dead animals and broken televisions, formerly useful objects fill the store as art pieces available for purchase.

The House of Secrets remains as one of the few comic book stores in Los Angeles. Situated on Olive Ave, you can spend literally hours browsing their selection even without help from their friendly and educated staff.

All the major supermarkets lay just outside Chandler Park’s periphery, but shopping at Fresh & Easy or Smart & Final are a fine alternative. Many choose to buy the bulk of their goods at Costco, located at the intersection of Victory and Burbank, or the Empire Center, which contains a Target, Best Buy and Lowe’s.