Linda Vista - San Diego, CA

The original neighborhood of Linda Vista began in 1886 before a flood in 1916 destroyed it. It owes its reconstruction to the war effort in 1940, when the government set up housing for aircraft workers in three months. Starting with only one road, the area has developed its own infrastructure and become a thriving community in San Diego.

The community shows pride in its culture by holding the Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair and Parade every year. Hop on a few rides at the carnival zone, look for a piece made by a local artisan at the world arts village, then finish your day with a bite to eat at the international food court. With so much to do and a parade in the morning, you'll want to get there bright and early.

The area's dining choices include a varied selection of American favorites with a few international restaurants in the mix.

For all-American favorites including burgers, pizza and beer in a bright, casual atmosphere, check out Stacked at the Fashion Valley Mall. The restaurant creatively combines food and technology with an iPad ordering system that allows you to choose every ingredient for your meal. You won't have to worry about an inaccurate order, because the second you submit it, it gets sent over to the kitchen.

If you prefer the wild side of American cuisine, try Bull's Smokin' BBQ Restaurant. Bull's smokes it pulled pork and brisket for 11 to 14 hours, ensuring you get well-smoked meat cooked Texas-style. This inviting restaurant has an outdoor patio where you're free to bring your dogs, and Bull's will even give your dogs some free bones. Free ice cream and balloons for the kids and a projector screen for watching TV make this the ideal place to bring the whole family and chow down on barbecue.

JV's Mexican Food provides you with an option for affordable Mexican food. Home of the surf and turf, don't leave without trying JV's surf and turf burrito. Leave plenty of room as this restaurant provides generous portions at a low price.

The nightlife in the area focuses on local bars, but you'll have clubbing options too when you want to get wild. Check out Brick by Brick to see one of the local bands perform, and get ready for some noise, because this club gets loud. A packed dance floor makes this a fun place to party on weekends, but the club keeps it interesting during the week too, with events like Metal Mondays.

With freeway access, multiple bus routes and bike lanes on the main roads, the area gives you options for getting around town.

One main road running through the area and several freeways in close proximity make commuting easy for motorists. California State Route 163, running north and south, borders the area on the east. It connects with Interstate 8, which runs east and west, after a short drive south. Linda Vista Road runs diagonally through the area and provides local access to most of the community. The area has street parking available for drivers. Check the signs to make sure you stay in compliance with any restrictions.

Bus routes 25, 41, 44 and 120 service the area. The Fashion Valley Transit Center and Trolley Station sits just south of the Fashion Valley Mall. From there, you can take a short local bus ride, or hop on the trolley and see the rest of San Diego. Taxis and ride share companies like Uber service the area. Due to the area's popularity and location, you shouldn't have to wait long for a pickup.

A car will make your errands more convenient, but the area can be traveled by foot or bike. Linda Vista Road has a bike lane, giving bikers safe access to most of the area. Hills populate some of the land, so riding around town can be a workout. The neighborhood can be enjoyable to walk through, because of all the attractions and the amount of people you'll see.

The area contains a park and recreation center, giving its residents and visitors activities they can enjoy.

Sign the kids up for drama class, then head to the weight room and get a workout, both of which can be done at the Linda Vista Recreation Center. A 15-acre facility, the center provides activities for the whole family. Dogs are welcome too, just make sure to keep them on leashes. Activity fees vary based on the program. Every year, the center holds a spring Easter egg hunt, so bring your kids for a day of fun. Kids will be grouped by age, and there are prize bags for the top egg collectors. The outdoor field area has plenty of space for a game of soccer or softball.

Linda Vista carries a reasonable cost of living based on the community features and its accessibility to the rest of San Diego. The cost of leasing apartments or houses can be lower than expected. A one bedroom apartment will usually cost about $1,200, although you may find cheaper arrangements.

A Metro ride to the city center costs about $2.25, and gas prices tend to be around 11 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pubs will cost you about $5.

A shopper's paradise, the Linda Vista area features many boutiques and shopping centers, including the oldest shopping center in San Diego.

For a mix of affordable merchandise and upscale stores featuring the finer things in life, visit the Fashion Valley Mall on Friars Road. This outdoor shopping center takes advantage of southern California's warm weather and features over 200 stores and restaurants. Grab a pair of sunglasses at Gucci and try on some dress shirts at Macy's. The mall provides free WiFi access for its shoppers, so bring your laptop and check out the latest deals while you shop.

Boutique lovers will want to check out E & Ocean Boutique, located on Linda Vista Road. The welcoming staff can help you pair together the eclectic mix of clothing into a unique outfit. The shop always has plenty of items on sale, so you should be able to find a deal.

The grocery stores in the area tend to be local markets. If you prefer to buy organic, Stehly Farms Market has you covered. The produce comes from farms in the county, including the 300-acre Stehly Farms Organics. You can find specialty foods here, such as black apples, and end your trip with a nutritious drink at the juice bar.