Glenwood - Glendale, CA

First settled by the Gabrielenos, the city of Glendale was initially a farming community after Jose Maria Verdugo received the land in 1784. By 1860, his grandson Teodoro Verdugo had taken over the ranch and constructed the Verdugo Adobe, the oldest building in Glendale. By 1884, Glendale had grown to town size and was incorporated by 1906.

History and culture play an important role in the city, with annual events such as the Glendale Cruise Night, which celebrates cars made before 1979, and The Three Stooges event at the Alex Theater, commemorating the popular comedy trio.

The Forest Lawn Museum displays exhibits celebrating everything from architecture and sculpture to 14th-century armor. The cemetery itself remains a popular attraction where residents can visit the resting places of some of the most famous celebrities in the world.

Glenwood has numerous dining options, whether you prefer classic American or more exotic flavors.

Toro Grillhouse mixes Mexican, American and Asian cuisine for an unforgettable experience. The casual atmosphere puts you at ease as you prepare to try the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) burger with a side of fries or the burrito mojado with your choice of meat. For a more Asian flair, order the chicken adobo bowl with a side of sesame wings.

For classic fare done right, head over to Granville on Americana Way. The casual setting and commitment to whole foods and healthy preparation let you enjoy dining out without guilt. Offering vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, in addition to traditional meat dishes, it has something for everyone. Try one of the hearty breakfasts, such as the caprese omelette or bobo breakfast burrito. Come later to sip on one of the cold craft brews while enjoying the handcrafted turkey cranberry sandwich served with house-made potato chips.

If you like variety, try Raffi's Place on East Broadway for some traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The beautiful, classic decor and attentive staff make dining here a pleasure. Start your meal with fresh hummus or eggplant dip, then feast on one of the signature kabobs filled with your choice of lamb, beef or chicken. Plenty of parking and valet service add convenience, ensuring this won't be your only visit.

As far as nightlife goes, Glenwood has tons of great bars, from casual to chic, and nightclubs sure to keep you dancing until dawn.

Tailor-made cocktails, interesting people and a cool, laid-back vibe make The Famous the place to be on the weekend. Stop by with friends after work during the week to take advantage of the stellar happy hour prices, or bring a group of friends on a Friday night to chat with the friendly bartenders as you watch them create your perfect cocktail.

For a night filled with drinks and dancing, head over to the trendy 103 Lounge on East Broadway. With two floors, creative lighting and talented DJs spinning everything from current hits to classic favorites, don't expect to sit down all night. The 103 Lounge also serves as a live music venue, with local bands playing throughout the week. Grab a spot upstairs to watch the band as you sip on the signature raspberry martini.

Being close to the 405 and 605 freeways makes getting to Glenwood easy, and walking, cycling and driving are all convenient. Bike-friendly roads and lanes let you enjoy an outdoor commute. You can call a taxi or airport shuttle, while the Uber app on your smartphone helps find a private car and driver. The Glendale Beeline offers public transit via bus, with several daily routes to choose from.

You have plenty of public parking options when commuting to downtown Los Angeles. Athena Parking on South Grand Avenue charges a flat rate of $9 per day, with discounted rates available after 4 p.m.

Glenwood has a number of exercise-centric and child- and dog-friendly parks to choose from. Nibley Park on East Mountain Street has something for the whole family. This dog-friendly area has a play structure for the little ones, two tennis courts and a basketball court for the more athletically inclined and picnic areas to relax and enjoy some homemade treats.

For a more tranquil setting, try Glendale Central Park on South Brand Boulevard. Though small, you can find plenty of room to kick back with a good book or just lay in the grass enjoying the striking scenery. Both parks offer free admission and lots of fun.

The cost of living in Glenwood falls in the moderate to high range, where home prices are 6 percent higher than Glendale. A standard one-bedroom apartment goes for $1,600 a month, while a pint of beer at the local bar costs about $6. The price of gas hovers around 13 percent higher than the national average, and a one-way ride on the Beeline costs $2.

Whether you prefer local boutiques or one-stop mall shopping for both high-value and high-end items, Glenwood has you covered. Visit Nordstrom in the Glendale Galleriato. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi as you shop for shoes at Nine West, then treat yourself to something special from Bloomingdale's. If you want to shop for unique clothing without the crowds, try Amor's Boutique on West Wilson Avenue. Carrying the latest fashions and accessories at wallet-friendly prices, you'll be glad you stopped in. The staff at Amor's treat you like family as they help you put together the perfect ensemble. For the freshest, locally-grown produce available year-round, stop by on Sundays at Montrose Farmers' Market on Honolulu Avenue. Bring the kids to participate in the child-centered activities as you browse the wide selection of healthy whole foods. Be sure to take advantage of all the free samples. If you need to stock up on your weekly essentials, Ralphs on North Glendale Avenue has just what you need. Fresh meats, a large selection of standard grocery items and a wonderful deli take the hassle out of planning your daily meals.