Downtown Glendale - Glendale, CA

After the Mexican-American War, control over properties fell into United States jurisdiction. Nine years after California officially becomes a state in 1850, the Mexican army's own Corporal Jose Maria Verdugo died, leaving his property, the Rancho San Rafael, in the hands of his daughter Catalina and his son Julio.

With land being sold to high-end developers, and with the import and export of goods being transported on the newly built railroad network, the Verdugo family's profits steadily declined. The sale of the Verdugo family's plots in parts to wealthier real estate developers would eventually lead to the creation of smaller towns. The properties began to urbanize, and by 1902, Glendale becomes a town of its own. Fans of the Back to the Future movies may want to visit the Gamble House, also known as the home of Dr. Emmet Brown, or catch a live act at the Alex Theater.

Locals have never had a problem finding food options at the City Center, as some restaurants and bakeries have been around long enough to become historical landmarks in the city of Los Angeles.

Porto's Bakery serves sweet and savory Cuban baked goods like meat pies, stuffed breaded mashed potato balls, guava strudel and cream cheese rolls. Fans of Mediterranean cuisine absolutely adore Raffi's Place, which serves aromatically incandescent Persian kabob, chicken koobideh and rack of lamb. A nice change of pace from typical fare, Joon Shabu Shabu mixes Korean flavors with a Japanese-style hotpot, where thin pieces of premium cut beef, tofu, leafy vegetables and other ingredients are dipped into a spicy, boiling broth meant to serve multiple people in a social environment.

Fans of unique cocktails flock toward The Famous bar, where friendly bartenders lavish in concocting amazing drinks that can satisfy the most discerning palate.

Locals that love live blues and jazz visit Jax Bar on Brand Blvd. Dave's on Broadway dishes out delectably free snacks, hot dogs and pizza with their liquor and live bands.

The local Metro bus and rail system runs in tandem with the Glendale Beeline throughout the City Center, and the Metro lines 92, 180 and 181 run 24 hours around the clock, slowing to one bus per hour after 10 p.m.

The Golden State 5 Freeway intersects Glendale going north and south, while the 134 Ventura runs east and west. Though few parking lots are available, most drivers find metered parking somewhat easier to find, or park free at local shopping mall parking lots.

Bicycle lanes run parallel to main roads, giving people options for a healthier lifestyle, or you can travel by foot, if you prefer, as Brand Boulevard and its intersecting crosswalks are completely lined with shops and boutique outlets.

Taxis, Lyft, and Uber make great alternatives to public transportation for people who don't want to wait for a bus after a night out.

Running parallel along borderlines against the Los Angeles River, Glendale's North Atwater Park splits between Griffith Park where I-5 intersects. A walkable bicycle path follows along the river, helping local residents get in shape among a sea of greenery.

Kid and dog friendly Chevy Chase Park also sits across the street from the Chevy Chase Recreational Center, which offers a multitude of athletic activities like a gym for weight lifting, a full indoor basketball court, handball courts and a playground in which little ones can frolic in the sandbox. Locals enroll their children in the basketball league, allowing for routine exercise that builds discipline through a healthy work ethic in a fun environment.

The Annual Glendale Business Expo presents services and products for the populace to peruse. Trial offers and discounts are on display at this free public event. The Glendale Arts not-for-profit sells decently priced tickets to live performances for both the Alex Theater and other venues found throughout the city.

At $2.284 for a one-bedroom apartment, the cost of living in the City Center runs around 59 percent above the city average. However, apartment complexes and condominiums are within walking distance of all nightlife and activity in this booming district, as the price of a beer at a local bar can cost anywhere between $3 to $7 during happy hour or $4 to $10 depending on the venue.

Metro bus and Glendale Beeline fares are subject to change, so be sure to check current prices on their respective websites. Typically, a one-way trip runs around $2 for the Metro and $1 for the local Beeline.

Gas prices fall around 14 percent above the national average in this part of America.

The Americana, the Glendale Galleria and the shopping center surrounding the Mann 18 movie theater will definitely make great options for shopping to anyone looking for their favorite name brands. The Galleria contains large retail stores like Macy's and Nordstrom, while smaller, more unique shops like the Disney Store and Brookstone keep shoppers filled with glee when searching for whatever their hearts desire.

Individual Medley peddles the latest in fashion trends at affordable prices for both men and women, and Leanna Lin's Wonderland supplies arts and crafts, jewelry, and unique clothing and fashion for women looking for something different in their accessories.

The Glendale Ranch Market carries fresh produce for locals searching for Mediterranean ingredients and other assorted fruits, vegetables, oils, breads and cheeses. Korean grocer HK market also offers ethnic foods and hard to find brands for both the people of that culture and those who want to experiment with Asian flavors.

Though the city of Glendale doesn't host any farmer's markets within its own borders, nearby districts do offer locally sourced farm fresh ingredients. The Atwater Village, Burbank, Glassell Park, Silverlake, Los Feliz Village and Echo Park Farmer's Markets all provide consumers with healthier choices for better living.