Vermont Harbor - Los Angeles, CA

Vermont Harbor got its start as a neighborhood in 1910 when the city built Manual Arts High School in the middle of an expanse of bean fields. In 1913, Vermont Square Branch Library was opened to serve the growing community transitioning from agricultural to urban center.

As manufacturing boomed during the '40s and '50s, Vermont Harbor's prime location near the 110 and 10 intersection made it a popular district for working-class families and individuals traveling in all directions around the city.

To this day, much of the area's events center around the library, which offers programming for kids and adults as well as access to the County-wide collection of books. Slip away to find one of the most astonishing pieces of folk art in Los Angeles, a front yard art display built in the tradition of the Watts Towers and dubbed affectionately by locals as 'The 10th Wonder of the World.'

Residents of Vermont Harbor choose from a wide range of dining within a few blocks of their neighborhood, which offers casual dining and neighborhood bars. If you're hungry for a hamburger or a burrito, don't settle for fast food. Head down to the much-beloved Fred's Burger where your food gets the loving attention it deserves. Locals circumvent the lines by calling their order in before they head over to pick it up.

For more hearty fare, belly up for Texas-style ribs, brisket, tri tip and all the fixings at The Original Texas Barbecue King. It was originally a catering business, but Angelenos demanded more of the chef's authentic Big Sky Country recipes and so a restaurant was born.

If you feel like going an adventure, make a late visit to the Los Carnales Taco Truck. Open from five in the evening to one in the morning, this truck will be surrounded by crowds of people lined up past the cooks' rotisseries and condiment tables. Grab one each of the tacos el pastor, carne asada and pollo - you can afford to eat big when each taco is only $1.50.

Vermont Harbor is primarily a residential community, and it's heavily served by public transportation, so commuters love how easy it is to get around all of Los Angeles right from their doorsteps. Located practically in the physical center of larger LA area and bisected by several major thoroughfares, LA Metro buses and light rail run every few minutes.

Hop aboard the Silver Line bus route for fast transit directly into Downtown Los Angeles or south to the Harbor Transit Gateway Center. From Exposition Park, you can grab a seat on the new Blue Line light rail that carries passengers out to the Westside cities or northeast right to Union Station.

Many residents combine biking or walking with public transportation to get around, taking advantage of dedicated bike lanes along Hoover and Raymond. The streets have seen considerable improvement with new street lights being installed.

You'll need a phone call to catch a traditional taxi service or a newer service like Uber or Lyft. Those who do have their own vehicles may get around easier, particularly on the nearby 110 and 10 freeways, but they have to deal with finding parking which is hard on the crowded streets of Vermont Harbor.

One of the most famous and beloved parks in Los Angeles can be found right along the north side of Vermont Harbor: Exposition Park. Within the park's 160 acres lie museums, sports arenas and some of LA's most beautiful gardens. In one day, you can enjoy a picnic in the Rose Garden, catch a football game in Coliseum and top it off with a visit to the space shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center.

Exposition Park hosts several city events. Join a fundraising marathon or walk, meet your favorite author at the Los Angeles Festival of Books or rock out at indie rock weekend FYF Fest.

If you want to relax without the crowds, you can head to one of Vermont Harbor's other parks. At the Jackie Tatum Harvard Recreation Center, join a pickup game on the basketball courts or bring the family to the brightly colored playground. On rainy days or hot days, head inside the gymnasium for sports and homework help for kids.

Further south are the 20 acres of Jesse Owens Park. Formerly Sportsman Park, athletes still prefer this park for its world-class exercise facilities. Take a swim in the heated indoor pool, hit a few balls at the adjacent nine-hole golf course or take part in one of the recreational teams that play baseball, flag football, basketball, soccer, tennis and aqua aerobics.

As a home to many working-class individuals and college students, Vermont Harbor features economical rental rates. Find a one-bedroom rental for the mid-$900's per month which is 13 percent lower than the California average.

Many locals save themselves the expense of a car by taking public transportation. LA Metro costs just $25 a week or $100 a month for unlimited travel on buses and rails. If you do own your own vehicle, gas in the area tends to be only a few cents more than the national average, which is cheap for Los Angeles.

You can also find great deals on local dining. Pick up tacos for $1.50 each from a truck, or grab a beer at a local corner bar for $4.

As many residents get around on foot or by public transit, you'll find quaint mom-and-pop mini marts and shops clustered along the main thoroughfares. More-specialized shops can be found off the beaten path.

Get the freshest seafood for your table at the All Seas Fish Market, then head right across the street to pick up your fruits and carnitas at Luis Meat Market Inc. Finish off your shopping with veggies grown only a few miles away at the St. John's/CSU Produce Stand. Run by Community Services Unlimited, this organization brings organic produce from local urban farms and mini farming operations to under served communities. For your other essentials you can visit the Food 4 Less, Ralph's or Big Lots locations in the surround communities.

If you're looking for a gift, pick up a new deck or some wheels for you or someone you love at Nostalgic Skateshop where the enthusiastic staff are happy to share their knowledge and hook you up with classic styles and the latest pop culture trends. Find something special for the crafter in your life at Parcheh Inc. — a fabric store that specializes in organic materials.