Vineyard - Glendale, CA

Glendale was the home of Tongva Native Americans. The area was used by Spanish ranchers after the first wave of settlers in the area and became Mexican territory in 1822. After California was ceded to the US in 1848, a railroad was constructed linking Glendale with Los Angeles. The great partition of 1871 opened up space for more settlers who engaged in agriculture. The name Glendale, Scottish for "valley," was selected due to the nature of the geography.

The town grew rapidly during the early 20th century, and Brand Boulevard developed into a major commercial and entertainment destination. In the 1980s and 1990s thousands came to Glendale from Armenia, the Middle East and Korea.

The Museum of the American West and the Autry National Center showcase the fascinating history of westward expansion. The Alex Theater hosts local and national dance troupes and theatrical performances.

The Vineyard area presents and abundance of dining and entertainment options, cafes and more on the main commercial strip of Brand Boulevard. Many varieties of foods and ethnicities are represented here, from Middle Eastern dishes to Peruvian and Filipino cuisine.

Carousel Restaurant showcases amazing Lebanese food in an inviting atmosphere with live music and performances. With over 60 mezas or small plates, there are an infinite number of amazing taste combinations. Among classic items like hummus and baba ganoush stand unique dishes like frog legs provencial and quail, pan fried and sauteed with sumac pepper and citrus sauce. Carousel offers a very authentic Lebanese experience with great dancers, singers and performers.

Set in a low-lit atmosphere with relaxing music, Lola's Peruvian Restaurant serves as a lovely introduction to the cuisine of Peru. Featuring a ceviche bar and a wide list of entrees, Lola's pleases all types of clients. For a classic regional dish, try the pollo saltado, sauteed in wine sauce and served with a bed of rice and veggies. Lola's also showcases over two dozen wines and offers wine pairings with the tasty dishes.

Vineyard has several options when it comes to entertainment and drinks. For Latin dancing and club vibes, check out Giggles Night Club with two stages and a capacity of 1,200 people. The wide selection of nightlife activities available highlights the exciting vibe of the after-hours scene in Vineyard.

Glendale's Beeline Transit System takes riders to downtown Los Angeles and points beyond. Much of the neighborhood is walkable and bike-friendly as well, with amenities within a short distance from Vineyard. Bike lanes are available in some areas. Hailing a cab is possible, but call a local service for guaranteed pickup. Uber presents another option for ride shares. Public parking remains available and free in the residential areas but can be harder to locate near Brand Boulevard. Access to expressways and highways remains convenient.

Parks are lacking within the Vineyard neighborhood boundaries, but just outside the area to the west lies L.A.'s largest wildlife area and park system.

Griffith Park stands as an urban oasis for the L.A. area, providing extensive nature trails and wildlife recreation in addition to other great amenities like the L.A. Zoo, the incredible outdoor Greek Theater and the Griffith Observatory. Comprising over 4300 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest parks in an urban area for the whole country and is free for regular use. It hosts multiple annual events as well as ongoing exhibits and attractions, including 5K runs, and is pet-friendly.

The L.A. Zoo hosts over 1,000 animals, from exotic reptiles, birds and amphibians to rarely seen mammals. The botanical collection contains over 800 species of plants located in several gardens. Check out showcases like the Rainforest of the Americas, an immersive rain-forest experience that replicates the climate and wildlife of these amazing biomes. The zoo is a great stop for children and adults alike.

The Greek Theater is one of L.A.'s most historic outdoor venues with state of the art acoustics and over 5,000 seats. The theater is delightfully enclosed in forest of Griffith park. The Observatory provides great downtown views with the naked eye and access to a range of telescopes and exhibits which stimulate a sense of wonder.

The cost of living in Vineyard sits below the city average and is comparable with the overall rate in California. Public transit to downtown Glendale costs $1, and $2 to downtown Los Angeles. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence averages to $1,193. The typical price of a beer at a local pub costs around $5, depending on the type of drink. Gas prices remain at about 17 percent higher than the national average.

Shoppers delight at the dozens of retail options within the area just beyond the bounds of Vineyard. Shops line both sides of Brand Boulevard, and a 3-story mall sits just south of the neighborhood.

Book lovers should make a beeline for Mystery and Imagination, a book store showcasing the exciting genres of mystery, science fiction, fantasy and horror since 1975. Mystery and Imagination hosts fun book readings and signings by major authors and local creators. Check out the expanded selection of fiction, poetry and children's literature.

Those looking to dazzle on a night on the town should pay a visit to Iness Couture, featuring works some of the hottest designers and the top formal and elegant-wear in the L.A. area. Iness also features an amazing selection of wedding and bride's maid dresses. The family-owned business prides itself on providing great customer service and assistance with picking the perfect dress. The ambiance is lovely too, making for a pleasant shopping experience.

There aren't any grocery stores in the immediate area, but Trader Joe's and Costco can be found within a mile or two of the neighborhood bounds.