Park Mesa Heights - Los Angeles, CA

Ygnacio Machado built the Centinela Adobe in 1834 on Rancho Aguaje de le Centinela. After an area railroad station was built in 1888, Inglewood became the first settlement on the 25,000-acre Centinela Ranch. The town's 300 residents opened a school and enrolled 33 children in a stable while they waited for a school building. With a population of 1,200, Inglewood was incorporated on Feb. 8, 1908.

Park Mesa Heights grew into a thriving neighborhood in the 21st century. A number of businesses sprouted in the region, which later attracted former NBA player Earvin "Magic Johnson" to invest money into Inglewood. Magic Johnson Theater and the Johnson-owned Starbucks remain proud legacies in the community.

A number of popular restaurants surround Park Mesa. For "hard-to-beat" ribs, follow the scent to Woody's Bar-B-Que on South Market Street. Since 1975, Woody's has served finger-lickin' barbecue that draws lines of people outside the door. Try a slab of pork ribs with a side of greens and cornbread, then treat yourself to a hunk of peach cobbler. Locals love the Inglewood location for its rich banana pudding on the daily menu.

When you want to combine good eating with a night of dancing, head to the Green Horse Nightclub on West Centinela Avenue. Reviewers rave about taco Tuesdays, where you get the "best dollar tacos in L.A." After you satisfy your hunger, grab a drink and shoot some pool in the club's cool ambiance. Don't shrink away from the loud music; just enjoy this popular spot in true Park Mesa style.

Inglewood lies close to interstates 405, 10, and 110, allowing convenient access to drivers. Free parking remains accessible but limited in the densely populated neighborhood.

Park Mesa residents enjoy round-the-clock Metro buses that run along the main thoroughfares. L.A. Metro Number 40 travels through Inglewood to Redondo Beach with stops at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and the Inglewood Transit Center.

Many locals walk throughout the neighborhood, finding ample sidewalks to traverse safely. Several taxis offer service in the area, including L.A. Yellow Cab and United Taxi; simply call for a pickup. To utilize Uber, download the app and request a ride.

Drive along South La Cienega Boulevard to discover the park that has everything. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area stands out as an area favorite, featuring more than seven miles of trails for horseback riding, running, or hiking. Try hiking the Bowl Loop for a great workout. Stop by the Japanese garden while you enjoy the cherry trees in the spring. Dogs and children can play in relative safety, although locals warn you to beware of stray fishing hooks. Kenneth Hahn allows free parking during the weekdays, so enjoy.

Basketball players head to Rogers Park on West Beach Avenue. This neighborhood favorite offers a skate park, tennis courts, and a playground for kids. Grab your little ones for a tee-ball game or relax under a shade tree. Join the badminton club to hone your skills and don't forget to peek into the portable boxing ring. Convenient parking surrounds the area.

Park Mesa Heights carries a low cost of living compared to neighboring cities. A one-bedroom apartment in Park Mesa runs roughly $962, but residents in Culver City pay $1,500 on average for comparable quarters. The cost of living averages 53 percent less in Park Mesa.

Fortunately, public transportation makes commuting affordable. A trip on an L.A. Metro bus costs $1.75 for a base fare. Depending on the origination point, residents can travel to the center of Inglewood for around $2. Drivers pay about 12 percent above the national average for gas, and a beer at a local pub runs close to $3.50.

You'll find a number of retail stores in this urban city, concentrated along the main streets. Grocery shoppers go to Ralphs and Buddha Market on West Slauson Avenue, or they head to Food 4 Less near South Western Avenue. For bargains on select items, stop by Big Lots and Dollar Tree in the area. Brenda's Produce on South Inglewood Avenue provides a fresh alternative to a farmers market.

Step inside the Slauson Super Mall on West Slauson Avenue for a real Inglewood experience. Not the type of swap meet you'd expect, this place sells every adornment imaginable at rock-bottom prices. Pick out the hottest sneakers and sweatshirts for guys, or let girls go crazy with the jewelry and dresses. You can even get your eyebrows arched.

For the best mall in the area, locals direct you to Westfield Culver City on Sepulveda Boulevard. Known as "Fox Hills" by residents, the sprawling complex lets you shop in style. On the lower level of Fox Hills mall, BCBG sells runway-worthy designs with feminine flair.