Vega - Burbank, CA Area Guide

Rancho San Rafael and Rancho La Provedencia formerly occupied Burbank in the late 1700s. In 1867, a New Hampshire dentist traveled to Los Angeles and purchased both ranchos. Dr. David Burbank combined the land into a sheep ranch and also built a ranch house that later became the back lot for Warner Brothers.

Dr. Burbank fostered railway service through the region by selling Southern Pacific Railroad travel rights for $1. People streamed into California, and in 1886 Dr. Burbank sold his property to speculators for $250,000. After booming into a business district with surrounding farms and residences, the population grew to 500. In 1911, the City of Burbank was born. The aviation and entertainment industries prospered in Burbank in the 1920s. Lockheed Aircraft Company purchased land, and the four Warner brothers founded their motion picture business in the city.

To celebrate its roots in the cinematic visual arts, Burbank hosts the acclaimed Burbank International Film Festival each year.

Satisfy your palate with a diverse selection of food in Burbank, from Cuban and Argentinean to Korean or Mexican. If you need to snag something on the go, head to the southern tip of Vega, where you'll find popular fast food choices along North Hollywood Way.

To eat like a local, stop by Porto's Bakery & Cafe on West Magnolia Boulevard. Diners rave about the chicken croquettes and the Cubano sandwiches. Served on fresh Cuban bread, these sandwiches are stuffed with slow roasted pork combined with ham and Swiss cheese for a symphony of flavor in every bite. For a special sweet treat, take home a tres leches cake.

Known as "Burbank's best pizza spot," Ameci Pizza Kitchen brings Italy to your taste buds by way of New York. Head to North Glenoaks Boulevard and stop in for a slice of pepperoni or the hearty meat lover's pizza. Vegetarians love the veggie calzone, stuffed with farm-fresh goodies and prepared with California crushed tomato sauce.

For nightlife, most Vega locals head to downtown Burbank proper. Check out Marche Wine Bar on West Magnolia Boulevard for a classy night of wining and dining. Order the lobster mac and cheese or the chicken confit, then pair your meal with a recommendation from one of the wine experts.

If the dance floor calls, the Blue Room promises to answer. Located on South San Fernando Boulevard, this local dive bar draws crowds to the cool mood created by the blue lighting and hot jukebox.

Nearly 80 percent of residents drive personal vehicles in Vega. They enjoy close access to Interstate 5, State Route 134, and Highway 101. Free parking abounds in the neighborhood but may be limited on smaller residential streets. Pedestrians and cyclists can commute in relative safety, although dedicated bike lanes are minimal.

With Bob Hope Airport only a mile to the west, taxi services and online transport companies such as Uber remain popular in the area. Call for a taxi pickup or download the Uber app to reserve a ride. Passengers can also take advantage of Amtrak and Metrolink trains that stop at the Bob Hope Airport Station on West Empire Avenue. MTA Metro, Glendale Beeline, and Santa Clarita Transit bus lines faithfully service the Vega area.

Ralph Foy Park makes a leisure outing easy. Located on West Victory Boulevard, the venue provides stress-free parking and tons of shade trees to ward off the hot Burbank summers. Locals head here to let children enjoy the playground and to play hockey or baseball. Bring your pet for a peaceful day of kicking back.

For a serene day of hiking, head to Stough Canyon Nature Center on Walnut Avenue. Nestled at the foothills of Verdugo Mountain, Stough Canyon offers convenient free parking at the trail head. Listen to the blue jays sing as you hit the trails for a relaxing adventure, stop by the Nature Center to peek at the giant tortoise, or scale the fire road on your mountain bike. The park also has handicap accessibility, and it provides restrooms and drinking fountains. Stough Canyon Nature Center is available to rent for birthday parties and similar get-togethers.

The cost of living in Vega is 67 percent more expensive than other California neighborhoods. Most of the neighborhood consists of owner-occupied real estate, and a one-bedroom apartment in Vega averages $1,322 monthly.

Metro buses remain affordable. Riders can commute to downtown Los Angeles for under $5 or travel locally within Burbank for about $1.75. Drivers pay about 25 percent above the national average for gas. A beer at a local pub costs roughly $4.

Southeast of Vega, you can find a plaza of retail stores on North Victory Place. Peruse the great buys at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, or scour designer goods at Nordstrom Rack. Those who like to entertain find exceptional choices for wines at BevMo. Want to check out the hottest new Wii game? Head to Best Buy, located next door to a Michael's craft store.

American Way Thrift Store has stood the test of time and enjoys a reputation as a local staple for bargain hunting. Pick up a pair of Express jeans for a song, and pair them with a trendy clutch purse. A day spent at American Way may uncover a vintage lamp or obscure T-shirt you can't resist.

For traditional groceries, locals shop at Ralphs Grocery on West Victory Boulevard or Sprouts Farmers Market on Walnut Avenue. To stock up on ethnic fare, residents love Raffi's Market, located on South Glenoaks Boulevard. This budget-friendly store provides traditional grocery staples along with a large offering of European teas, jams, and fresh-cut meats.

On West Clark Avenue, Otto's Import Store & Delicatessen greets visitors with rare Hungarian spices. This unique store provides a huge selection of products, including imported beer, European chocolates, and marzipans. Pick up a few gifts along with your salami and lekvar -- including Hungarian DVDs, videos, embroidery, and more.