Northwest San Pedro - San Pedro, CA

The San Pedro bay was first discovered in 1547 by Juan Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer. Over the next two centuries, San Pedro was pivotal in bringing supplies to Southern California communities. In the mid 1800s, the city became home to the Port of Los Angeles, and in 1909 it was annexed as part of the City of Los Angeles.

San Pedro was proud to welcome U.S.S. Iowa, the only battleship on the West Coast. The historical vessel has served in World War II and the Cold War, along with the first Gulf War. Located at 1st Street and Harbor Boulevard, the vessel draws crowds to its museum for memorable tours.

Every summer locals flock to the Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival. Home to the world's largest lobster festival, the event has garnered several Guinness World Records.

The San Pedro Art Association faithfully fosters the town's artists since 1936.

For the best in old-fashioned sandwiches, San Pedro residents head to Pirozzi's Italian Deli on West 8th Street. This neighborhood favorite serves turkey and cheese submarines, and tasty chicken balsamic sandwiches. Grab a blood orange Pellegrino with a Pirozzi's homemade sausage for a top-rated lunch.

If you ask locals for the best sports bar, they point you to San Pedro Brewing Company on West 6th Street. Here you can have a port-town porterhouse and onion rings with the best longshoreman lager around.

To check out San Pedro's dance scene, head to Crimsin on West 6th Street. At Crimsin, you find the best music for dancing all night. Residents love the cool ambiance, heightened by red lighting and contemporary art on the walls.

Northwest San Pedro makes it easy to commute on foot. Many residents walk to neighborhood delis or parks, or hop on a bike. You find safe streets that invite locals to take it easy.

Drivers also have several travel options. They can use Interstate 110, known as the Harbor Freeway, to head north to Los Angeles. This popular freeway intersects with state route 91 and Interstate 10. Residents also have the Vincent Thomas Bridge, state route 47. From here drivers must pay a toll to reach mainland L.A., while other drivers use state route 213, or Western Avenue.

You find more free parking in Northwest San Pedro than in the southern region, and those who choose to cycle have multiple bike lanes available on city streets. For bus commuters, Metro, Amtrak and Greyhound conveniently service San Pedro.

Taxis and Uber ride-sharing may be utilized by calling ahead.

Averill Park on South Dodson Avenue proves a serene gem in the Northwest San Pedro neighborhood. The facility has a waterfall and flowing stream, home to geese and wild ducks. Families enjoy taking their children for picnics and barbecues, while bridal parties often take pictures next to the gazebo.

For a great scenic choice, you can't go wrong with Deane Dana Friendship Park. Perched on top of a hill on West 9th Street, Friendship Park gives a stunning panoramic view. On a clear day, view Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, and Catalina Island in the Pacific Ocean. Residents choose this 123-acre park for its numerous amenities. Visit the nature center before you hike the trails, or host a children's birthday party next to the playground. To celebrate Memorial Day, join in with Friendship Park's Environmental Fair. You find free parking and leashed pets can enjoy the site, as well.

A great benefit to living in Northwest San Pedro remains the lower cost of living. Compared to the southern tip where a one-bedroom averages $1,400, you find the $1,246 average more affordable for a one-bedroom rental. This median price reflects the neighborhood's savings for being a bit farther from the harbor.

Public transportation remains an economical option; a one-way trip on Metro runs $1.75 for the base fare.

Drivers can expect to pay around 10 percent above the national average for gas. A happy hour beer averages $4 at a local pub.

Locals head to Weymouth Corner Shopping Center for the town's best boutiques. Rok 'N' Ell Baby Boutique on West 8th Street draws women to its cute collection of gift items and children's clothing. Pick up a Little Yellow Chick blanket or some decorative items for a baby's room. Hailed by residents as the "best place to shop in San Pedro," Mandyz Boutique at the Weymouth Shopping Center draws stylish ladies. With trendy sandals and jewelry, as well as blouses that stand apart from department store choices, Mandyz remains a local favorite. For groceries, people in Northwest San Pedro shop at the area Vons. The farm-fresh fare leads locals to the San Pedro's Farmers Market on 6th Street. Known for much more than produce, this farmers market serves up the best carne asada fries around.