Rowland City of Industry, CA

Rowland Heights grew from farmland in the 1800s when it was part of Rancho La Puente and then part of the Workman Temple homestead during the days of California's great ranchos. As the Pomona Freeway extended, farmland gradually gave way to residential development.

The Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum in the City of Industry provides a step back in time to see what life was like in the neighborhood in the 1800s. Frank & Son Collectible Show in Industry City serves as a mecca for fanboys and girls all over the San Gabriel Valley, hosting several annual conventions celebrating cosplay, comic books, and animation.

There are many Asian restaurants in Rowland Heights, ranging from simple takeout places to high-end restaurants fit for special occasions. Many of the neighborhood restaurants stretch out along Colima Road.

Ichi Ichi Fusion Shabu & Tempura on Colima Road serves up plentiful portions of melt-in-your-mouth beef in its shabu dishes along with a sauce bar where you can choose or concoct your own sauces. Locals rave about the spicy pork bone broth, but the restaurant features another 20 or so choices, including kimchi, Szechwan and Thai coconut. Choose your favorite then spice it up with gomu, ponzu, garlic chips or barbecue sauce for a personalized taste explosion.

The Dragonfly Tea house serves a wide variety of smoothies, teas and shakes, in addition to an extensive menu featuring homemade pho. Those craving Vietnamese in the middle of the night appreciate that The Dragonfly stays open until 4:00 am.

For a special occasion, head just across the Pomona Freeway to the Red Restaurant at the Pacific Palms Resort hotel. Between the Asian fusion dishes, steaks, and seafood, not to mention the terrific service, everyone in your party should end up happy here. Relax and enjoy the beautiful golf course views and the live jazz on some weeknights, and then order from a menu that includes Chilean sea bass, rack of lamb, and walnut shrimp.

With a wide variety of bars, lounges, hookah bars, pool halls, and karaoke spots, Rowland Heights has plenty to keep you occupied after hours. Head to Egypt Smoke for smooth hookah, great hip-hop spinning, and excellent customer service. Era Billiards Club doesn't serve alcohol, but the 20-somethings lined up for the billiards and snooker tables don't seem to mind.

Foothill Transit provides bus routes down Colima Road, the main drag of Rowland Heights, as well as on other major thoroughfares, and the La Puente Hills Transit Center serves as a meeting point for most routes in the area. Check the bus schedules when you need to get to El Monte, Hacienda Heights, the La Puente Mall, Azusa, or West Covina, as well as Chino Park, Industry, Diamond Bar, Glendora, Whittier, or Pomona. Call for a taxi or airport shuttle, or use your Uber app when you need more personalized transportation within the area.

Most residents, especially those who live in the hills, choose to drive their cars for commuting and errands. With an abundance of free residential parking and large parking lots provided by businesses, you can find a place to leave your car anywhere in Rowland Heights. California State Route 60, the Pomona Freeway, runs right through the neighborhood to connect you to downtown Los Angeles and Pomona, and State Route 57, the Orange Freeway, takes you south to Orange or north to Glendora.

Schabarum Regional Park wanders through 575 acres of the Rowland Heights hills. Soccer fields and tennis courts give neighbors a chance to play together, and free exercise classes help keep the community in shape. Wander through the hills on foot, on a mountain bike, or even on horseback to enjoy the untouched wilderness, and come back in spring to marvel at the beauty of the blooming cherry blossoms. Free concerts in the park each summer let the neighborhood come together to enjoy everything from traditional mariachi music to classic rock.

Pathfinder Community Regional Park gives kids a chance to play on playground equipment specially designed to help them learn balancing skills. Basketball courts, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds complete the recreational opportunities here.

Life in Rowland Heights runs about four percent above the average cost of living for Los Angeles in general. A one-bedroom apartment in Rowland Heights is about $1,244 per month, and if you want to grab a beer on your way home from work, expect to pay about $6 in general or as little as $2 at happy hour.

When you plan to use your car, gasoline should run you about 17 percent over the national average. However, $1.90 gets you to Pomona via the Foothill Transit bus lines.

Puente Hills Mall, just across the Pomona Freeway from the neighborhood, serves as the epicenter for most major shopping excursions in Rowland Heights. Anchored by Macy's, Burlington Coat Factory, Forever 21, and Sears, the mall also features 24-Hour Fitness and a large movie theater.

In addition to Puente Hills Mall, several smaller malls with Asian themes populate the neighborhood, and you can find an excellent selection of smaller specialty shops as well. Head to Jeweltique when it's time for that special piece of jewelry. You'll receive courteous service, honest dealing, and beautiful, delicate workmanship.

Hello Goodie on Colima Road supplies your basic fix of all things K-pop, including DVDs, CDs, stuffed animals, and accessories. While you'll find a Stater Brothers market nearby for your grocery shopping needs, Rowland Heights really shines when it comes to Asian markets. Stop by 99 Ranch Market for all your Asian food needs, including noodles, veggies, fish, and precooked meals as well as Japanese shampoos and skin care products. The Greenshower Organic Farm, a working farm right in the middle of Rowland Heights, sells all organic produce. Although the farm only opens to the public on Saturdays, call ahead with your order and you'll find it ready and waiting for you when you show up on Saturday morning.