Tropico - Glendale, CA

Tropico was put on the map as a fertile agricultural spot in the late 1800s. Shortly thereafter, the town began distancing itself from the rest of Glendale. In 1911, the neighborhood formally succeeded in becoming an independent entity for a short time until the 1920s.

Neighboring cities house a variety museums including the Museum of Death, Hollywood Wax Museum and Kidspace Children's Museum — all within 20 minutes of Tropico. The Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park, less than 5 miles away, has dedicated itself to trains and has locomotives & cars on display.

Keep an eye open at Griffith Park for the annual half marathon & 5K and frequent family activities. A favorite among residents remains the Griffith Observatory; visitors enjoy beautiful Los Angeles views and the Hollywood sign through telescopes in addition to exploring exhibits and watching live shows in the Planetarium.

Tropico offers an eclectic selection of dining choices including Eastern European, Japanese, and Southern cuisines while the nightlife provides a variety of entertainment establishments for every personality.

The traditional Old Village Restaurant features authentic Georgian, Russian, and Armenian specialties in comfortable quarters with live music on weekends and 20 percent off your bill during lunch hours. The classic borscht tastes like a Russian grandmother made it fresh just for you, the spicy Georgian ostry beef stew delights even the pickiest patron, and the homemade fruit juices are delicious.

Dinah's Chicken remains the top spot in the area for southern home cooking going back over 20 years, and its mouth-watering fried chicken is a must-try. Diners never miss the opportunity to grab some of the delectable sides such as the pineapple cole slaw, macaroni & cheese, and much sought after rolls with apple butter.

For a chic local pub, locals head to 1300 Bar for amazing drink specials, big screen TV's and pool tables. For a more laid back experience, try the Glendale Hookah Lounge with a full menu in a cozy atmosphere featuring lounge furniture, Persian rugs and rich lighting; be sure to try the Middle Eastern Sampler for the full experience. For a more lively nightlife, take a taxi over to Hollywood Boulevard, and go club hopping for an exhilarating adventure.

Residents generally drive their cars, take the bus and walk to get around the neighborhood. A well-established bus line in the area provides many stops around town. Taxis are also commonly seen but not relied on as last-minute transportation in residential areas. Taxis frequent popular areas such as malls, bars and attractions but don't usually seek customers in other areas unless specifically notified in advance.

Uber remains a viable option for ride sharing in this densely populated Los Angeles neighborhood. While free public parking is scarce, there is plenty of meter and paid parking, and the area allows for easy access to highways and expressways. Tropico is 1/4 mile east of Interstate 5, 1 1/2 miles west of Highway 2 and less than 3 miles south of Highway 134. On the other hand, riding your bike and taking a stroll around the parks and cemetery are highly recommended. If you seek a more challenging workout, follow the steep road that leads to the Griffith Observatory.

Tropico has one big, beautiful park on the south side of the neighborhood. The 59,520 square foot Cerritos Park features a wide variety of amenities including a fantastic updated playground, a water play structure, picnic tables, security lighting, pedestrian walkways, restrooms and stunning landscaping.

Just west of Tropico lies Griffith Park, Los Angeles' urban oasis that features many activities such as hiking and equestrian trails, fantastic city views, a merry-go-round, the Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre, and the L.A. Zoo. Before heading off with your fine furry friend, check to make sure the area of the park you're visiting is dog friendly. Check out the multitude of annual, monthly and even weekly events that occur at this popular outdoor destination.

Residents in Tropico enjoy affordable living in a respectable city close to many Los Angeles hot spots. The overall cost of living in the neighborhood is only 1.8 percent greater than the Glendale average, and you can expect to pay about $1,195.00 for a one-bedroom apartment.

This eclectic neighborhood has the same conveniences and vibrant pulse as the more popular areas such as Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles, yet the cost of living remains substantially less. The typical price for a pint of beer at a pub will run you around $6.00, and the gas prices in the neighborhood sit 21.1 percent above the national average.

Located just north of Tropico Glendale Marketplace offers brand-name stores, restaurants and a movie theater. Speciality shops such as Treasure Boutiques feature custom made fine jewelry, and Tika's Coach Collection specializes in re-selling top quality products from designers such as Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Prada, Fendi, Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs. Luckily, both stores are within a block from each other, making it easy to spend the day shopping your favorites.

Less than a mile north from the two boutiques, residents and visitors have access to the best women's couture clothing in Paris. Madlen, the owner of Madlen's The Lobby Boutique, has had a "keen eye for quality and style for more than 20 years" and frequently returns from Paris with personally selected items from French designers including Didier Parakian, Lauren Vidal, Double Jeu, Parfums Et Couture, We Love and ME. The store is a definite stop for the avid shopper.

The grocery stores that service the neighborhood are Von's and the member's only bulk retailer, Costco. Farmer's markets are plentiful in surrounding areas. Atwater Village Farmers Market is held in the Wells Fargo parking lot on Glendale Boulevard every Sunday.