Rossmoyne - Glendale, CA Area Guide

Rossmoyne originated from the Spanish San Rafael rancho, which was established in 1789. After the Mexican-American War resolved in 1848, parcels of the ranch were sold and subdivided. The township of Glendale formed in 1887 and later incorporated in 1906, two years after the railroad linked the city with the rest of the region. The neighborhood primarily took its shape between 1923 and 1950, with a variety of Spanish Colonial, Tudor, and French-influenced designs. To attract homeowners, Rossmoyne perched a sign atop its hills, similar to the one in Hollywood. Rossmoyne doesn't contain any museums, but the Glendale Historical Society in nearby Brand Park tells the area's history.

The neighborhood doesn't host much of an art scene or annual events, though residents often head into Glendale, where the Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival features more than 300 artists, vendors, musicians and entertainers every June.

Rossmoyne contains few businesses because of its small size; Brand Avenue, the neighborhood's western boundary, contains the majority of activity. A few blocks south of Rossmoyne on Brand Avenue sits the original location of Porto's, a Los Angeles institution. Expect lines containing up to 100 customers. This restaurant efficiently serves some of the best breads and pastries in the city. It has an extensive menu, but try its famous Cubano sandwich, loaded with pork, ham and Swiss cheese, and supplement it with a potato ball on the side. Impress your friends with Porto's signature 10-inch tres leches cake.

Rossmoyne's residential character means finding a nightspot often takes you out of the neighborhood. Head into Glendale to check out the Famous, a charming spot with strong drinks and a varied whiskey selection. Watch the game on the bar's big-screen TVs, or come with a group of friends to take advantage of the large board game collection.

The 103 Lounge, a more vibrant spot for dancing and late-night action, lies in central Glendale on the opposite side of the Ventura Freeway. The nightspot focuses on the weekend crowd with dancing until 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Locals like to dress up to come here, so be sure to dress appropriately.

Rossmoyne's simple framework leads most residents to choose driving as their primary option for getting around, especially with the Ventura and Glendale Freeways within 1 mile of the neighborhood. Because of a small amount of businesses, free street parking can easily be found, except where regulated by permits in the northeast section, by Glendale Community College. Taxis do not frequent the neighborhood, but can be called to arrange a pickup, as can Uber and Lyft. Metro buses services Rossmoyne with a couple of routes along Glenoaks Boulevard and Glendale Avenue.

People walk in the neighborhood mainly for recreation. Rossmoyne doesn't contain any bike lanes, but many use Mountain Avenue as a cut-through to get from Burbank to Glendale Community College.

Nibley Park serves as Rossmoyne's only public open space. Small in size, the park provides a children's playground, picnic areas, tennis courts and basketball courts in a secluded environment.

Sitting just north, Verdugo Park is a much larger park. The exercise-centric facility sports areas for baseball, skateboarding and basketball, as well as extensive space to simply roam around. Many joggers cross the bridge over Verdugo Road to run the track at Glendale Community College.

Glendale doesn't contain any off-leash dog parks, but many head to the adjoining Verdugo Mountains to take their pets and families for a hike.

The biggest annual event, Glendale's Cruise Night, happens every July, attracting thousands to the streets to hear classic rock and see blocks of vintage cars.

Living in Rossmoyne costs about 11 percent more than Los Angeles and 2.3 percent higher than the rest of Glendale. Getting to central Glendale can be done with a 20-minute walk or paying $1.75 to ride the bus. For the same cost, Metro gets you to downtown Los Angeles, but the ride taking over an hour and three transfers.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,370, 25 percent higher than Los Angeles' average. Assume to pay upward of $2,000 for most two-bedroom apartments.

With Glendale a little more affluent than the rest of Los Angeles, expect to pay $6-7 dollars for a beer at local bars. Prices at the only gas station in Rossmoyne costs nearly $1 more per gallon than the local average, so many drive a few blocks to find more reasonable prices.

Rossmoyne contains a few shops along Brand Avenue and Glendale Avenue. Many head to the nearby Glendale Galleria or Americana for most of their shopping needs.

Karma Express is a small, but charming, store that specializes in women’s clothing from India. They carry a full line of garments, as well as a large selection of accessories. Many of the items in the store are handcrafted.

Bookfellows/Mystery & Imagination Bookstore provides a selection of science fiction, horror, detective and fantasy literature. In addition to new and used books, it also collects many rare first editions.

Ralphs functions as the closest major supermarket, on Central Avenue, while the popular Trader Joe's occupies the southwest corner of Rossmoyne, on the corner of Brand & Glenoaks. The Montrose Harvest Market takes place on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.