Garvey - Rosemead, CA

When the Spanish founded the original Mission San Gabriel Arcangel in 1771, Garvey was still an agricultural valley. Garvey remained under control of the Spaniard's Mission until 1833, when the Mexican government redistributed it to private citizens, giving way to an era of ranchers and homesteaders. Among these early pioneers was Leonard John Rose, whose ranch "Rose's Meadow" would become present day Rosemead.

For an in-depth look at local history, check out the nearby Monterey Park Historical Society, where visitors can explore 19th century artifacts and models of the early California missions. Also of interest, the American Military Museum in nearby South El Monte displays over 170 military vehicles, giving viewers an up-close look at the technology and innovation behind the American army and navy.

A quick survey of LA area food blogs confirms San Gabriel Valley leads the region for authentic Asian cuisine. Foodies run wild on Garvey's back streets, attempting to find still undiscovered hole-in-the-wall shops with the most hard-to-find specialty items.

Among the favorites, Beijing Pie House serves the neighborhood's best Chinese sweet and savory pies. These baked delicacies come four to an order, with fillings such as lamb, leek and summer squash with pork. Somewhere between a Salvadorian pupusa and a shepherd's pie, the meat pies serve as the house specialty, featuring finely minced and marinated meat. Be aware that like many area restaurants, this establishment takes cash only.

When the common cold strikes, locals know that Nha Hang Nha Trang serves the best remedy. Bun Bo Hue soup, the spicy and arguably tastier cousin to Vietnamese pho, stars as the signature dish at this Garvey staple. Locals swear by the healing powers hidden in its lemongrass and chili-infused broth. Each moderately priced bowl of this soup provides a much more appealing alternative to tissues and DayQuil.

When it comes to nightlife, the options remain slightly less overwhelming. While Garvey has a few drinking standbys, most residents head downtown for a night out. For those who like to keep it local, check out Spike's Bar and Billiards. This place hits all the dive bar essentials, from pool tables to cheap, strong drinks. Come by on a Tuesday or Sunday to strut your stuff on the karaoke stage.

Its proximity to highways CA-60 and the San Bernardino Freeway make Garvey a popular option for those commuting to downtown Los Angeles. Without traffic, the drive takes a mere 20 minutes--not bad for a city infamous for its lengthy commutes. Like most of the greater Los Angeles area, Garvey residents commute primarily by car. The area lacks public parking lots, leaving drivers to fend for a space on the street or keep the car in a home garage or driveway.

Taxis can be reserved by phone, and car services like Uber and Lyft have become popular, yet the area's vast geography makes this a pricey mode of transport. Several public bus routes provide a cheaper option for those willing to spend up to three times as long on the downtown commute as their driving counterparts.

In keeping with LA's driving-centric culture, Garvey's streets lack designated bike lanes. The closest bike-friendly street is Brockway, which crosses Garvey Avenue's eastern end and provides bikers with a route to nearby El Monte.

Sidewalks line the streets of semi-urban Garvey, making walking a viable option. With a vast range of shopping and dining options within the neighborhood, many choose to ditch the car and simply walk for shorter in-town commutes.

Several parks dot the Garvey landscape, providing the neighborhood with the ideal blend of urban and suburban. Just south of the San Bernardino Freeway, Garvey Park lures fitness enthusiasts with a complete on-site gymnasium. Two baseball diamonds and a lighted tennis court constitute the park's sport offerings, and a playground offers some fun for the kids. As if this weren't enough, the park's famous Splash Zone provides a water park experience for kids of all ages.

For those looking for the perfect picnic setting, look no further than Zapopan Park. This dog-friendly 7-acre features the area's best public field, as well as an outdoor basketball court and two playgrounds.

Considering all that Garvey has to offer, the cost of living seems like a steal compared to nearby Los Angeles. While LA residents pay a median price of $1,762 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, Garvey renters shell out only $1,025. The quick commute helps Garvey residents save on gas, which averages around 20 percent higher per gallon than the national average. Public transit riders save even bigger with a one-way bus of $1.75. Beer prices mirror nationwide trends at around $4 to $6 a bottle.

Whether you seek home essentials or specialty gifts, you can probably find it on Garvey Avenue. The area's best music shop, Johnny Thompson Music, stands apart from your typical instrument store. Aside from a complete line of instruments, JTM offers private music lessons for students at every skill level. Sign up for lessons, and get the first one free. A few blocks away, Bora serves as a favorite destination for trendy women's fashion. The boutique's discounted sales racks and frequently updated selection of Asian-inspired clothing attract shoppers from Garvey and beyond.

When it comes to groceries, Asian supermarkets dominate. Try Hong Kong Supermarket on North Garfield Avenue for a range of fresh produce and meat. If it's seafood you're looking for, Seafood Paradise Market has you covered. Beyond the typical offerings of salmon and tuna, Paradise specializes in rare items such as Australian rock lobster, live sea snails, frogs and turtles. For chain groceries, Ralphs and Walmart also service the area.

Shoppers with a sweet tooth delight in the abundance of bakeries along Garvey Avenue. Domies Bakery reportedly carries the neighborhood's best mango cake, featuring fresh, ripe mangoes. Nearby Tanbii Bakery is the area's go-to for egg custard tarts.

Although Garvey has no farmers markets within its borders, residents happily trek to the East Los Angeles Farmers Market in the nearby East Los Angeles Civic Center. This Saturday-only market features organic fruits and vegetables from the best Southern California farms.