Grandview - Glendale, CA

Grandview developed from the immense Spanish Rancho San Rafael, established in 1789. After the Mexican-American War concluded in 1848, parcels of the ranch were sold and subdivided. Glendale incorporated in 1906 and grew rapidly after the railroad linked the city with the rest of the region two years later.

Leslie Coombs Brand developed a large portion of Glendale, including the region that contains Grandview. In 1923, the Glendale Central Airport opened, serving Brand and other aviation dignitaries, such as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh and Howard Hughes. During World War II, the airport played a role in building military aircraft, bringing a large workforce to the area.

Grandview doesn't contain any museums, but the Glendale Historical Society, located in Brand Park, tells the area's history.

The neighborhood also doesn't contain an arts scene or annual events. However, every June, the Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival features over 300 artists, musicians and entertainers.

Located between the major commercial centers of Burbank and Glendale, Grandview provides a low key dining and nightlife experience. Sipan Bakery serves Middle Eastern pastries, different than the fare sold at most bakeries. This bakery specializes in Mediterranean dips, offering zahtar and muhammara textured with herbs and spices. For those wanting something less exotic, the falafel wrap or chicken kabob fills you up for under $8. Sitting in the quiet region of Kenneth Village, Mi Corazon presents Mexican food focused on hormone-free, non-GMO meats and fish. Even paying for organic cuisine, the food remains modestly priced, with burritos ranging from $12.50 to $15.50. Grandview contains few late night options but has access to many worthy choices. The beloved Winchester Room welcomes locals, including a number of regular customers. Serving as the neighborhood's dive bar, many come for the cheap beers, weekend karaoke and nightly happy hour, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Just south on the opposite side of the Ventura Freeway sits Golden Road Brewing, the largest craft brewer in Los Angeles. The facility contains an expansive family friendly beer garden along with a dozen of home brews on tap. The establishment also serves excellent pub fare. Aim for the sweet potato tater tots or spicy pulled pork sandwich.

With blocks spaced far apart, most choose driving as their primary mode of transit, taking advantage of the proximity of the Ventura and I-5 Freeways. While most businesses provide parking, the side streets afford few available spots.

Metro provides the most robust transit options, with lines running down San Fernando Road and Glenoaks Boulevard for $1.75. For the locals, the Glendale Beeline navigates the side streets for only $1 a ride.

Metrolink serves as a commuter train with access to Union Station. Grandview sits a couple of miles away from a station, but a $5.50 fare gets you to Downtown Los Angeles in 20 minutes.

Taxis do not largely frequent the neighborhood, but Uber, Lyft and other ride share programs remain available.

Many do not choose to walk because of the available parking in the neighborhood. Glenoaks Boulevard contains the only bike lanes in the area, but many choose Kenneth Road to avoid competing with the higher traffic speeds.

Grandview doesn't contain any park space within its constraints but has access to many opportunities nearby. On the opposite of Grandview Avenue, Pelanconi Park provides enough green space for a children's playground and a ball field.

Further north up Grandview Avenue sits Brand Park on the former grounds of Leslie Coombs Brand's estate. This park includes a library, hiking trails, swimming pool and a large children's play area, all open to the public.

For those with more active lifestyles, head south to Griffith Park for extensive running trails, bike lanes, equestrian facilities and golf courses. The park also contains the only off-leash space for dogs in the area.

Kenneth Village hosts an annual harvest festival at the end of October, presenting dance demonstrations, goods from local merchants and produce to bring in the fall season. The largest annual event, Glendale's Cruise Night, attracts thousands to Brand Avenue every July, featuring classic rock performances and blocks of vintage cars.

The cost of living in Grandview is 5.3 percent less than Glendale as a whole but 5.6 percent more than Los Angeles. Rent in Grandview averages $1,292 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Metro connects you to Downtown Los Angeles for $1.75, including transfers, but the trip takes over an hour.

With few choices, going out for a night on the town cost less when you stay in Grandview, but there are expensive options nearby in Burbank and Downtown Glendale.

Compared to the national average, gas prices in Los Angeles cost about 15 percent more. Expect to pay just less at the Union 76 on Glenoaks, while the Valero in Kenneth Village costs approximately 20 cents more per gallon.

Grandview doesn't contain any major shopping areas. Most locals and visitors head up San Fernando Road to the Burbank Town Center or the Americana in Glendale for a wide selection of chain stores.

Most retail lies along Glenoaks Boulevard, including Robin's Hobby Shop, featuring a wide selection of radio-controlled helicopters, planes, cars and boats. Robin's also repairs all miniature vehicles, and the staff excels in customer service.

The Larry Larson Music Store provides everything for the budding musician. Serving Glendale since 1953, the store provides instruments, sheet music, studio space and lessons from Larry Larson himself.

Jon's and Ralphs serve as the area's major supermarkets, while the Trader Joe's on Alameda Avenue acts as a popular alternative.

Grandview doesn't host any farmers markets, but most go either to the Downtown Glendale Market on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or the Burbank Certified Farmers' Market every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.