El Rancho - Pico Rivera, CA

El Rancho lies within the city of Pico Rivera, which began as two adjacent communities, Pico and Rivera. Originally two small towns built on agriculture, both became urbanized shortly after World War II. The towns merged into the city of Pico Rivera in 1958, and it has grown steadily since then.

Explore moments and objects from the city's past at the Pico Rivera Historical Museum. Located in a former train depot building, this museum houses photos and historical objects. The city doesn't have any art galleries, but you can find galleries in the surrounding cities. A holiday and tree lighting festival occurs annually at Pico Rivera City Hall.

The area has a variety of restaurant options to satisfy different tastes and budgets.

Those in the mood for an upscale American dinner should visit the Dal Rae restaurant. The professional, elegant atmosphere, with well-dressed waiters and a retro interior, transports you back to the 1950s. Meat lovers have several steak and seafood options, with the pepper steak and the filet mignon being two standouts.

Just west of the neighborhood sits La Barca Restaurante. This inexpensive Mexican diner features dishes from the Mexican state of Jalisco, with fresh, homemade tortillas and plenty of spicy food choices. Try the birria la barca for one of this restaurant's specialties, goat meat with mole and salsa.

Fans of Colombian food can check out La Fonda Paisa. Get the bandeja paisa, a plate of traditional Colombian foods, for an assortment of the culture's food choices. Live music every weekend makes this restaurant an ideal place to bring a group for a festive time.

The area's nightlife consists of a small collection of bars and restaurants that stay open late. Wagon Wheel Bar on Beverly Rd. stays open until 2 a.m. daily and is a great spot to grab an ice cold beer and great-tasting burger while watching the game or listening to some great tunes. If you want a little more excitement, check out Mulcaheys, which sits approximately six miles outside of Pico Rivera and offers karaoke, live music and friendly service in a more upscale atmosphere.

Residents have several options to get around town, including driving, walking or public transportation.

Motorists can drive through this small area using local roads. For longer commutes, El Rancho has quick access to Interstate 5 and Interstate 605, which both run north and south. The highways intersect, and these roads also connect with several other highways. Traffic throughout the neighborhood varies heavily depending on the time of day. You can park on the street; just check the signs first.

Los Angeles Metro buses and Montebello Bus Lines service the area, including Metro route 266 and Montebello Line 60. Taxis and ride-share companies like Uber service the area. Pickup times vary.

You can walk around the neighborhood easily for local errands. The roads in El Rancho don't have bicycle lanes, so you may want to save the bike for longer trips around Pico Rivera. The entire city has flat terrain, making walking and biking less difficult.

The neighborhood has a couple of free, nearby parks, while the city houses several well-maintained parks and recreation centers. The city doesn't have any dog parks, but you can bring your dog as long as he's kept on a leash.

Smith Park, located on Rosemead Boulevard, includes playgrounds and sports fields to keep you and your family active. Playgrounds for both younger and older children let kids play with those their own age. The park includes fields for soccer, baseball and football, along with basketball courts and even a skate park. After the games, get some food and head over to the picnic area for a relaxing meal. Come to Smith Park on the 4th of July for a free, annual fireworks show.

Those looking for a less crowded park may want to check out Rio Vista Park. It has several fields, basketball courts and baseball diamonds, but the smaller size attracts fewer visitors. Stop by for a laid-back game of catch or a family barbecue.

El Rancho carries a cost of living very close to the city average, with housing costs being a bit higher than the average. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $1,000 a month, although you may find cheaper arrangements.

A Metro ride to the city center costs $1.75, and gas prices come in around 18 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub usually costs about $4.

A blend of trusted major retailers with a few smaller specialty stores mixed in characterizes the area's shopping experience.

The intersection of Washington Boulevard and Rosemead Boulevard serves as one of the main shopping areas, with the Pico Rivera Towne Center on one corner and the Pico Rivera Marketplace on the other. Each provides several large retailers and restaurant options.

Boutique shoppers should visit Bonne A Mie, which is located on Washington Boulevard. An extensive collection of shoes and clothing gives you plenty to choose from, and the friendly sales staff gives good wardrobe advice. Students get a discount on the already affordable prices, while others can get one by following this shop on Instagram.

Those who enjoy sorting through yard sales for hidden gems can feel right at home in Sanford's Junk Store. Whether you need to decorate your new place with inexpensive furniture or you just want to browse through some antiques, stop by Sanford's.

Nearby grocery stores include Food 4 Less. The area doesn't have any farmer's markets, but you can find fresh meat and produce at Huejuar Meat Market. Make sure to get some homemade salsa and guacamole, an ideal side with chips or eggs.