Charter Oak - Covina, CA

Charter Oaks was once an agricultural town dominated by citrus orchards, but throughout the mid-1900s, it grew into a largely residential community.

To brush up on local history, stop by the jailhouse museum in Covina or the small history museum in Glendora. Don't miss community events such as the Charter Oak High School's annual East San Gabriel Valley Food Truck Festival with more than a dozen local food trucks and blow-up games for kids.

Charter Oak residents live just minutes from a diverse array of cheap eats and fine dining restaurants in nearby Glendora. However, the neighborhood's retail area along Arrow Highway has its own humble dining scene with some popular chains and a few hometown gems serving up pizza and fried pork chops in small cafes. These establishments charm you with their small-town feel, and they serve up more affordable fare than the trendier places nearby.

A true mom-and-pop eatery, Kiwi Cafe feels like a traditional American cafe, but traditional Chinese favorites fill the menu. For a satisfying lunch, try the Cantonese steak and broccoli or the kung pao chicken. Be sure to order a side of steamed dumplings if you have room. Kiwi may look like a hole-in-the-wall Chinese bistro, but it serves up high-quality dishes typical of more upscale Chinese restaurants without the outlandish prices.

For authentic Lebanese cuisine, stop into Bakery King to enjoy a low-cost, casual lunch with a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice. This place makes a mean manakeesh, a fresh flatbread stuffed with savory toppings. Try the zataar and cheese or cheese and veggie for a meal that's sure to keep you coming back, and be sure to order at least two if you're really hungry.

If you're craving American classics, head to Rocky's New York Style Pizza, a long-time local favorite cooking up the best pizza in town. As you walk in, retro decor from the 1980s creates a sense of nostalgic enchantment. Don't hesitate to order the sausage pizza, a specialty that has savory meat in every bite because the cook shaves it by hand over each pizza. Also try the vegetarian pizza to enjoy a fresh pesto sauce and strong garlic flavor. If you don't feel like having pizza, Rocky's serves some great pasta and sandwiches as well.

Most locals drive to the nearby cities for nightlife and live music, but Charter Oak has a few dive bars if you're looking for a laid-back hangout where you can grab a drink and chat with neighbors. Stop into T's Lounge to play a game of pool while sipping on a cheap glass of beer. This place even has a DJ some nights, and a wide parking lot makes getting here a breeze.

This car-dominated suburban neighborhood provides easy access to the 210 freeway to the north for a 40-minute commute to work in central Los Angeles. Enjoy free street parking throughout the neighborhood when you go out for lunch, and feel free to call the Glendora TaxiCab Service, or Uber for a quick ride home from T's Lounge.

Hop on a Foothill Transit bus for an affordable ride around the neighborhood or to nearby cities, and transfer to a Metro bus for access to downtown Los Angeles. Charter Oak also lies less than half a mile from the Covina Metrolink Station for direct service to the central city area. The neighborhood has plenty of smaller residential streets for easy biking, but you may want to avoid Arrow Highway, which has a steady stream of traffic and no bike lanes. If you prefer to explore the neighborhood on foot, enjoy a short walk to a number of restaurants, shops and grocery stores.

With its close proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains and a trove of free public parks, Charter Oak creates plenty of opportunities for residents to hike, play a game of basketball or just enjoy a picnic on the grass. Stop by Charter Oak Park near the high school to find a baseball diamond, basketball court and children's playground.

Head north to South Hills Park for a wilderness experience right here in the urban jungle. Hop on the trails for hiking or horseback riding to enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas. Drive around to East Mauna Loa Avenue to reach a hidden children's play area and a fenced dog park to exercise your pooch.

Charter Oak residents enjoy a cost of living that falls slightly below average for the L.A. metro area. A few multi-family buildings stand amongst the suburban homes with an average rent of $1,164 for a one-bedroom apartment. If you need to get to downtown L.A. via public transportation, take a Foothill Transit bus for $1.25 plus another 50 cents for a transfer to a Metro bus. Entertainment in Charter Oak never hurts your wallet with a beer costing around $3 to $4 at a local bar. Gas prices generally hover around 11 percent above the national average.

Living in Charter Oak puts you just minutes from the boutiques, department stores and shopping centers of nearby Covina and Glendora; however, you find all your basics in the neighborhood with auto stores, thrift stores and bargain shops awaiting along the Arrow Highway retail strip. A short drive south or east brings you to some of the most unique shops and boutiques in the San Gabriel Valley.

Nestled in the southern part of Charter Oak, Tin Frogs is a charming store jam-packed with antiques, toys and home decor. Get ready to spend a good hour browsing special gifts such as rag dolls, quirky vintage vases, Chinese parasols and detailed figurines. Be sure to stop by in December for unique Christmas decor, and keep in mind the shop only opens on Friday and Saturday.

Whether you're dressing for a wedding, a party or a day on the town, the Aniche boutique just outside of Charter Oak stocks a diverse array of style-conscious dresses and blouses. The staff here love to act as your personal fashion consultants, helping you find the perfect outfit to flatter your body. Aniche keeps a small Lego collection on hand, so feel free to bring your little ones while you browse.

For your weekly groceries, head to Vons to pick up all your basics, or stop by Basha Market for fresh lamb and Middle Eastern spices. Don't forget to check out the farmers market in nearby San Dimas for fresh produce.