McNeil - Burbank, CA

Early settlers who had formerly bought property in the Burbank area decided to make it a city. In 1911, the town barely had enough residents to request incorporation from the State Legislature, but on July 8, 2011 incorporation was approved. The same year, the Pacific Electric Railroad completed its stretch from Los Angeles to Burbank.

Real estate offices sprouted up in the business district due to booming land development. Burbank also added a general store and bicycle repair shop, along with a dry goods store and hardware shop.

When the four Warner brothers decided to call Burbank home to their motion picture business in the 1920s, the city became a major player in the entertainment industry. History was made in 1927 when Warner Bros. released "The Jazz Singer," the first movie with sound.

The city celebrates media arts by hosting the annual Burbank International Film Festival.

Head to West Magnolia Boulevard for an array of popular chain restaurants. Satisfy your taste for pizza, burgers or home cooking at a sit-down eatery.

Before you stop by Quenelle for a blueberry pie frozen yogurt, head to Ribs USA on West Olive Avenue. Don't be shy as you dig into a spicy slab of baby back ribs at this quintessential barbecue joint.

If authentic Mexican cuisine tempts you, swing by Los Amigos Restaurant Bar and Grill. Located on West Olive Avenue, Los Amigos lures diners with terrific guacamole and budget margaritas. Order the chicken enchiladas for a real taste of Mexico, then hit the karaoke stage.

To rub elbows with the locals, stop by Coffee Commissary at night. The popular spot on West Olive Avenue serves salted caramel Rice Krispie treats to die for. Grab a late-night cup of joe before you head to the Blue Room for some dancing.

Proudly touted as a dive bar, the Blue Room on South San Fernando Boulevard plays music that gets you out of your seat, all doused in cool blue lighting that tops everything.

Although McNeil is safely walkable, most residents travel by car. Locals enjoy easy access to some of L.A.'s major highways, including Interstate 5, Highway 101 and State Routes 134 and 170. Parking can be a challenge in the densely populated urban locale, but free parking remains available except in restricted lots and on major thoroughfares.

Bob Hope Airport located in Burbank offers a convenient alternative to Los Angeles International Airport. From here locals can hop on Metrolink and Amtrak trains, which stop at the Bob Hope Airport Station and take you straight to downtown Los Angeles.

Cyclists may explore the neighborhood by bike, but should use caution, as the area contains no dedicated bike lanes.

To enjoy a great park that inspires leisure, visit Johnny Carson Park on South Bob Hope Drive. The small venue near the NBC studios draws McNeil residents to its lush lawns and rocky scenery. A lovely creek threads through the grounds, creating a calming atmosphere in the middle of a big city. Exercise fanatics can clock fitness laps, and dog-walkers find an ideal spot for their canine clients. Remember to keep dogs leashed to encourage a family-friendly environment. The park welcomes group events by providing picnic benches and restrooms. Clear sidewalk visibility makes Johnny Carson Park a safe choice for visitors.

Lincoln Park on North Buena Vista Street gives McNeil residents with children a great option. Parents love the paved sidewalks to push strollers, and little ones squeal over the "little mover" toys. Throughout the playground you find mobile toys such as scooters and mini cars for entertainment. Moms and dads appreciate the large dome covering the play area and the sandy ground to cushion falls. Whether you have an infant or a kindergartener, you'll find Lincoln Park offers a perfect setting for playtime with your child. Because of the appeal to families with kids, visitors should keep pets on leashes.

A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,796, compared to $1,322 in Burbank's Vega neighborhood just 2 miles north. This expensive cost for housing makes McNeil's cost of living higher as well.

Drivers can expect to pay roughly 25 percent more for gas than the national average price. Public transportation remains affordable, allowing riders to commute to downtown Burbank for $2 base fare.

A beer at a local pub runs around $4.

Once you find an apartment in McNeil, you can spend Saturday mornings at the farmers market in downtown Burbank or exploring Warner Brothers Farmers Market every other Wednesday.

To indulge in retail therapy, head to the Burbank Town Center on East Magnolia Boulevard. Get lost in over 150 stores as you scour the latest trends. Visit Old Navy for practical sportswear or stop by Macy's for designer favorites. Try on a sheath dress by Rachel Roy and pair it with a new handbag.

Shoppers who want great prices should check out the Empire Center big-box stores. Follow North Victory Place to Empire Avenue and visit Nordstrom Rack. Penny-wise fashionistas love the Rack for its wide array of high-end fashions at discounted prices. Circle the store for just the right pair of 7 for all Mankind jeans or those Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses.

Express your individuality with selections from Playclothes. Located on West Magnolia Boulevard, this store sells vintage prom dresses and styles from almost every era of the 1900s. Stumble upon a pair of classic Chanel pumps or costume jewelry you'll find nowhere else.