Northwest District Burbank, CA

The Northwest District’s industrial success began in the 1930s with the relocation and rising success of the Lockheed Corporation, an aerospace company. Houses sprang up around the air terminal, and the facility that morphed into Bob Hope Airport is still a vital piece of the neighborhood’s economy today. Empty farmland became hectic intersections, and thriving businesses offering goods and services became the core of the district’s identity.

The Northwest District’s aerospace heritage stands for all to see in the Portal of the Folded Wings, an intricate shrine built in 1924 that stands in Valhalla Memorial Park. Curious residents can also walk through the cemetery to find the final resting places of various aviation pioneers. After viewing the monument, walk through the Burbank Aviation Museum for a trip through time.

The neighborhood also houses an artistic presence in its various studios, stores and performing arts schools. Stop by Michaels for great deals on arts and craft supplies, or visit the Victory Theatre Center to see your favorite play or watch a band perform live.

Whether you prefer hometown diners, local cafes or restaurants serving international cuisine, the Northwest District blends style with value in its diverse offerings. Walk down Burbank Boulevard for low-key local establishments, or venture east of the freeway for your favorite chains or East Asian eateries.

Don't bypass Santoro's Submarine Sandwiches, a small deli that has been serving up tasty hot pastrami sandwiches since 1956. Be sure to try the Italian sub with soft bread and a hearty helping of freshly chopped vegetables.

For a meal with flair, enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at Exotic Thai. Locals love this fun eatery for its honey roast duck over rice, and they often top it off with a cold glass of Thai iced tea.

When you're looking for a few drinks and entertainment, join the neighbors for live music and a game of pool at The Park Bar and Grill. Watch the Dodgers score on a big-screen TV, and enjoy the specials on beer and grilled Dodger Dogs.

Whether you own a car, ride a bike or take the train to work, the city is at your fingertips when you find a home in the Northwest District. Hop on the Golden State Freeway for a fast trip to work, and enjoy ample street parking along the quiet residential roads. If you need a quick ride to the airport, call up a taxi or an Uber driver for a speedy pickup. Taxi drivers wait near the airport when they aren’t carrying passengers, so you can always expect a quick response.

Hop on a train at the Metrolink or Amtrak stations near the airport for a speedy commute to the rest of Burbank or Los Angeles, or catch a bus for a cheap ride to work. If you prefer to explore the area by bike, enjoy bike lanes along Victory Boulevard, Chandler Boulevard and Hollywood Way. The Northwest District also caters to pedestrians with wide, smoothly paved sidewalks running along most streets. A high concentration of stores scattered throughout the neighborhood makes running your errands as easy as catching a flight at Bob Hope Airport.

Several public parks decorate the Northwest District, providing a tranquil refuge for residents. Located just north of the railroad tracks, Gross Park entices locals with its carpet of shaded grass and paved walking path for joggers. Despite its name, this hidden gem offers a pleasant getaway for families with plenty of picnic tables and grills. Enjoy a good old-fashioned softball game in the lighted ball field, or let the kids climb around on the modern playground.

Larry L. Maxam Memorial Park lies near the north end of the neighborhood, catering to families with its large playground, basketball courts and picnic gazebos. Attend a local baseball game at the ball field, or take your dogs for a stroll through the thick grass. Just be sure to bring your own water bowl for your pooch.

The Northwest District lets you enjoy the eclectic charm of Burbank with a much lower cost of living. The areas of the district closest to Bob Hope Airport which lie under the flight path have to deal with greater levels of noise disturbances from air traffic, lowering their value significantly. Of course, most aircraft take part in a voluntary time curfew of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to cut down night time disturbance, and eligible homes can receive free sound-proofing upgrades from the city. Take advantage of the city’s rock-bottom housing prices of around $583,000 for a standard home or $756,000 for a townhome, much lower than Burbank’s average home value.

Upscale apartments also tower over the major streets, providing rental opportunities for singles and small families. Rent is about average for Burbank at $1,200, but affordable grocery options and an abundance of value stores still keep the cost of living in the Northwest District well below average for the city.

Although high-end retailers abound in other Burbank neighborhoods, the Northwest District has become famous for its large selection of high-value stores. Small businesses and chain stores alike thrive in this neighborhood, supplying everything from grocery stores and electronics shops to boutiques and hat shops. Stroll along Burbank Boulevard to find everything you need for your weekly shopping trip housed behind small storefronts. Pick up groceries for your family at Ralph's or Trader Joe’s, or enjoy more local produce from Sprouts Farmers Market.

Thrift shops and second-hand stores dot Burbank Boulevard, and discount retailers with the latest fashions await at Empire Center, a sprawling strip mall just off of Empire Avenue. Stop by Nordstrom Rack to get the hottest deals on all your favorite brands. When searching for a parking spot, park on the retail side instead of the restaurant side for more spaces and a more navigable lot.