Rancho Adjacent - Burbank, CA

Burbank remained fairly rural until the 1930s. Rancho Adjacent began filling in residually from adjoining neighborhoods closer to the Los Angeles River or railroad.

With the opening of the aqueduct in 1913, The City of Los Angeles tried annexing the greater part of the San Fernando Valley. Burbank avoided integration having water reserves of its own.

Aviation played a large role in the area's growth stemming from nearby Burbank and Glendale Central Airports. Both served as military production facilities during World War II, attracting a transplanted workforce from across the nation.

Burbank's arts scene connects with its history of the movie studios and recording industry. Olive Avenue contains many actor's workshops, music rehearsal spaces and art boutiques. The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival annually attracts over 100 artists every April. The Gordon R. Howard Museum hosts the Burbank Historical Society giving background to the area's history.

Rancho Adjacent sits on the edge of many hot spots, but locals prefer the smaller restaurants and late-night scene.

World Empanadas serves a range of these sought-after stuffed pastries for just $2.50 each. Try a few of their varieties, such as the Spicy Santa Fe Chicken, Creamy Corn or Apples and Dulche de Leche.

Ribs USA appeals to families wanting great barbecue at a reasonable price. Order one the combination meals, but make sure to include the beef ribs and pulled pork.

The intersection of San Fernando Road and Alameda Avenue provides two of the neighborhood's favorite dive bars. The Blue Room provides lively action along with stiff drinks and $5 Fireball specials at this cash-only bar. Across the street, the Corner Bar functions as a more low key, cost-effective option. Happy hour happens Monday through Friday from 5-7 pm with a dollar off well drinks, which normally start at $4.

On the western portion of Rancho Adjacent, the Los Amigos Bar and Grill attracts the after-work crowd with patio seating and $5 margaritas during happy hour from 2-6 pm. Many stay for the karaoke held on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

With Rancho Adjacent's circuitous public transportation system, residents prefer driving as their primary method of getting around. Most apartments and shopping areas conveniently provide their own parking.

Metro services Rancho Adjacent accessing the greater Los Angeles region for $1.75 including 2 hours of transfers. The Burbank Bus provides local connections for just $1. The Metrolink Station near Verdugo Avenue and Interstate 5 yields a commuter train option for reaching Union Station for $6.25.

Cabs sparsely inhabit the area with most stationed near St. Joseph's Hospital, Downtown Burbank or the Metrolink Station. Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies service Burbank as well.

Rancho Adjacent caters to pedestrians east of I-5, while cyclists have better access on the west. Even with few bike lanes, the roads are wide enough to accommodate bikes.

Rancho Adjacent contains little public green space but has access to many outdoor opportunities nearby. Abraham Lincoln Park targets families with its enclosed playground and picnic areas. The park also hosts Buena Vista Library, a large facility providing children with books and daily activities.

Just south of Alameda Avenue, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center serves as the focal point for the many homeowners who ride their horses through the neighborhood.

Those with more active lifestyles can head across the Los Angeles River to Griffith Park for golf courses, bike lanes and 53 miles of running trails. Pet owners also head to the park or to Whitnall Park in North Hollywood for its off-leash space for dogs.

A tradition since World War II, Burbank on Parade brings residents to the streets every April with bands, floats, equestrian units, classic vehicles and local celebrities.

Rent in Rancho Adjacent averages $1,489 for a one-bedroom, 28.8 percent higher than in the greater Los Angeles area.

Without a direct transit route, Metro provides the best option for reaching Downtown Los Angeles, spending $1.75 to bus to the North Hollywood Red Line Station and then connecting with the subway.

Compared to the national average, gas prices in Los Angeles cost about 40 cents per gallon more, which is 10 cents more than you'd pay in Rancho Adjacent. Grabbing a drink costs less from the smaller establishments, where beer can be found from $2 to $4.

Overall, the cost of living in Burbank is 9.9 percent higher than in Los Angeles.

Rancho Adjacent doesn’t play towards the higher end boutiques but includes an assortment of small businesses. Olive Avenue contains the most variety, while the eastern portion carries more chain stores.

The House of Secrets stands as one of the few comic book stores remaining in Los Angeles. Fans spend hours browsing the selection, while the friendly staff accommodates the casual enthusiast.

Vons and Ralphs serve as the major supermarkets, while the popular Trader Joe's sits on the eastern border. Residents choose to buy the bulk of their goods at Costco, located at the intersection of Victory and Burbank, or the Burbank Town Center which contains a Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond and IKEA.

Burbank hosts its own farmers market every Saturday morning from 8 am to 12:30 pm at the intersection of Olive and Glenoaks.