Villa Parke - Pasadena, CA

Known for the Tournament of Roses parade and Rose Bowl football games, Pasadena has a rich history that dates back to the Hahamogna Tribe of Native Americans, a group of people who lived on resources provided by the land in villages all the way down to South Pasadena. On September 8, 1771 after Spaniards arrived, the San Gabriel Mission was established. These Native American people were converted to the religion of the Spanish and made to provide labor for the mission.

The railroad and resulting real estate boom around the 1880s led to quick development of the area, until in 1940 it became known as a twin city to Los Angeles.

Pasadena enjoys an active arts scene with many annual events, including the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Doo Dah Parade and the Pasadena Chalk Festival.

Regular chains and restaurants can be found all over Pasadena, but the neighborhood also contains many mom-and-pop businesses. Food choices include many ethnic cuisines, including Japanese, Mexican, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and a wide variety of American-style eat-ins.

A cute cafe-style atmosphere with local artists' work featured on the walls greets you at Pencil, a mom-and-daughter-run establishment serving smoothies and sandwiches to those ordering takeout or dine-in meals. Located near many chain restaurants, this independently owned restaurant settles cravings for a homemade lunch with options that include a turkey avocado or smoked salmon sandwich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi while sipping on a fresh-made banana smoothie before heading back out into the world.

A Pasadena staple for deli-style cold-cut sandwiches handmade while you wait along with fresh ravioli to take home for dinner, Roma Market has been owned by the same family for three generations. The family who originally opened this deli marketplace joined the Pasadena area in the ‘50s. Call in advance if you want to order the fresh-baked olive oil bread (nicknamed "good n' ugly"), which quickly sells out. Pair it with cheese, salami and charcuterie selections.

Set up as a corner stand with walk-up ordering windows, hole-in-the-wall hamburger stand Super Burger caters to those craving a juicy American hamburger. Service is quick, so scarfing down your bacon burger doused with Thousand Island dressing and American cheese won't take long.

At night, head to historic, immaculately tended Old Pasadena, nicknamed "The Real Downtown." For an authentic British pub experience, check out Lucky Baldwin's British Pub and Cafe. Beer lovers will appreciate the extensive range of brews on tap. The pub also offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu featuring traditional meat pies, burgers and sandwiches. Also of note are The Blind Donkey and The Speakeasy, both known for down-to-earth bartenders who whip up unique drink combinations such as the Moscow mule with kombucha.

Many people in Pasadena drive due to the large geography of the city even though one of Pasadena’s seven guiding principles states the city endorses convenient car-free travel for visitors and residents alike.

As far as public transportation, a multitude of options exist. The ARTS bus, traveling throughout Pasadena, costs a mere 75 cents for a single fare — children ride free. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses connect Pasadena residents with the MTA light rail for travel to the greater Los Angeles area. They also connect with Amtrak trains serving the area.

Shuttles provide service to the Bob Hope Airport, which sits 18 miles away in Burbank, and the LAX airport, which lies 28 miles away in Los Angeles.

Cyclists can choose from 50 miles of routes while commuting to public transportation, jobs and shopping centers due to Pasadena being called the most bike-friendly city in Los Angeles County.

Many public parking facilities exist to accommodate the shortage of street parking. Parking can be difficult in heavier trafficked areas, such as Old Pasadena. It costs money to park on the streets near where businesses are clustered. Rules disallowing parking exist for the early morning hours between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on city streets.

Cab service isn't particularly popular in Pasadena even though many cab companies exist. Residents use Uber to get around the neighborhood. Hop on Interstate 210 easily from this neighborhood for travel inside Pasadena and beyond.

Parks in Pasadena vary in topography, from steep canyon to flat meadow. Most are free. The only question to ask yourself about the parks in Villa Parke is which one to choose today.

Meander through native trees, pick a free orange from an orange tree, play Bocce ball or host a picnic at Arlington Park. For swimming and hiking trails, head over to Brookside Park, or pick from multiple hiking paths ranging in difficulty at the Eaton Canyon Natural Area. Memorial Park has an exercise walk for outdoor fitness enthusiasts.

Choose from two children’s play areas at Washington Park, where tall trees provide plenty of shade while you push your little one on the swings. Let your canine roam a large grassy area without a leash at the Pasadena Off-Leash Dog Park. Water fountains and free poop bags making tending to your pet’s basic needs a cinch if you forgot to pack well.

Don’t forget to check out the Tournament of Roses Parade. Pasadena is famous for this event that takes place on New Year’s day to celebrate the Rose Bowl college football game in town, with floats, marching bands and horses.

Cost of living in Villa Parke comes in much lower than the city average. A one-bedroom residence runs you around $979.24. Beer at the local pub sets you back around $6 for a good craft beer or as low as $1.50 for a PBR. Gas prices in Pasadena rise 9 percent higher than the national average. A ride to the center of downtown Pasadena using the ARTS bus system costs only 75 cents.

With no shortage of places to go for groceries, clothing and boutiques of all shapes and sizes, Pasadena could be called a shopping mecca. Outlets and retail malls sit clustered in the Playhouse and South Lake districts and all throughout Old Pasadena.

Old Pasadena contains retail outlets galore, including Juicy Couture, Urban Outfitters, The Apple Store and many other big department store selections as well as high-end specialty stores. The alleys of Old Pasadena yield up many boutique store finds if you hunt around.

At Sailubju Boutique, you’ll find vintage tribal and floral prints to pair with one-of-a-kind clutches and hand-knit scarves.

A haven for those seeking a vintage steal, The Rose Bowl Flea Market operates on the second Sunday of every month. Choose from among hundreds of vendors selling goods. Make sure to bring cash for admission and parking. Brush up on your haggling skills to score boots and knock-off designer clothing at heavily discounted prices.

Choose from Von’s, Ralph’s, Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods for your grocery needs. Stock up on the fresh produce California is famous for — including avocados, artichokes, and oranges — at The Pasadena Farmer’s Market. Open weekly, it’s only a short 0.3-mile walk from the neighborhood.