Westchester Los Angeles, CA

Westchester holds a proud spot as a historically hidden gem, quietly nestled inside west side Los Angeles. Originally an agricultural farming community, the growth of the aerospace industry helped put Westchester on the map. In 1932, the town hosted the equestrian event for the Summer Olympics, setting the bar for what was to come for this otherwise quiet area. Recognized in 1989 in an article published by the Los Angeles Times, the suburban tract-home community was described as a "raw suburb created willy-nilly in the 1940s." Greater Los Angeles holds several annual events, including the largest Cinco de Mayo street fair in the world. Spanning 1 mile, the event attracts more than half a million people each year. Located within minutes of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the community remains focused on arts and science, with the Flight Path Learning Center-Museum on W Imperial Highway being a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts.

Located in the populous region of Los Angeles, California, common chain and fast food restaurants can be found most anywhere, though independently owned eateries provide excellent choices for anyone looking for something different. Truxton's American Bistro on Truxton Avenue serves up fresh, seasonal items prepared to your individual liking, from ultra-healthy to sinfully indulgent. Whether you prefer familiar fare or want to shake things up with more exotic seasonings and spices, the knowledgeable and friendly staff explains the menu in detail to help you create your perfect plate. Offering both dine-in and take-out options, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Ayara Thai Cuisine on E 87th does not disappoint, serving the best crab fried rice in the city. Dine-in and take-out options, great hours seven days a week, and superb catering services take this Thai food restaurant to a new level of spectacular. Feast on drunken noodles or pad see ew in this casual and friendly establishment, but be prepared for plenty of leftovers. Every garlic fanatic in town must visit Alejo's Presto Trattoria Italian Restaurant on Lincoln Boulevard, as this cozy, family friendly establishment serves patrons a generous portion of signature bread and garlic upon being seated. End your week with an Italian feast full of fine wine, scrumptious appetizers, hearty servings of pasta or pizza, and a decadent slice of tiramisu. Add some flair to your plate by ordering the three color ravioli, or treat your taste buds to the pizza raviatta topped with fresh veal and roasted peppers. Make sure to check the website before your visit to learn about daily specials, or choose from a number of coupons for a budget-friendly meal. There's no end to the nightlife in Westchester, whether you feel like watching the game, seeing a live show or just hanging out with friends. The Game Sports Bar Restaurant & Lounge on W Manchester Avenue combines big-city living with family friendly fun. Come early to enjoy a superb happy hour and some tasty nachos, or stay past 9 p.m. to root for your team as the DJ sets up to spin and scratch your favorite jams. Full menu options and friendly service keep you coming back to this local hot spot time and again. If you crave live music, get your general admission tickets for the standing room only El Rey Theater. Built in 1936 in the art deco district of Los Angeles, this registered historic monument was converted into a live music venue in 1993, 50 years after operating as a first-run movie theater, though the lobby still pays homage to the art deco scene. With magnificent staircases, a VIP balcony and a grand ballroom that houses a full stage, party-goers wish the night would never end. If you prefer a more classic dive-bar experience, head over to Sepulveda Boulevard to hang with friends at Melody Bar and Grill, where the drinks are cheap and the company familiar. The retro atmosphere sets the tone for feeling like you've just walked into a place where everybody knows your name.

With its close proximity to both the 10 and 405 freeways, residents of Westchester can choose between their personal car, public transportation and the Uber app on their smartphones to locate and arrange taxi, ride share and shuttle services within minutes. The Metro Green offers affordable public transportation to residents in the city for a reasonable fee, with lower prices for its elder riders. Shuttle2LAX offers economy, premium and first class transportation options beginning at $20, while PrimeTime Shuttle provides the same levels of service for a lift to the airport, with several discounts available upon booking one of its vehicles. Westchester has several public parking garages located within the city, with most costing $6 to $8 per hour. United Valet Parking on S Spring Street costs about $7.50, while City Center Parking on S Broadway runs around $7 per hour. With countless garages to choose from, be sure to do your research before heading into the city.

Health and wellness go hand in hand with living in California, and the parks in Westchester do not disappoint. For the pet- and family oriented resident, Westchester Recreation Center on W Manchester Boulevard has everything you need. This fully gated park has plenty of walking and cycling trails, play structures and picnic areas, all in one safely confined space. If you're the more active type, visit Recreation Park on Sheldon Street to enjoy the shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pit, tennis courts and the increasingly popular designated lawn-bowling areas. Be sure to arrive early to stake your claim on one of the highly coveted lawn spots for the park's annual Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza.

The cost of living in Westchester is relatively high. Renters can expect to pay $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in one of the area's standard luxury complexes. A one-way ride on the metro costs $1.75 with a discounted price of 75 cents for senior citizens, while a pint of beer at the local pub holds steady at around $5. The price of gasoline in Westchester is roughly 10 percent higher than the national average.

The greater Los Angeles area boasts some of the finest shopping establishments in the country, while local shops in Westchester remain just as popular. Eco-Pet features dog grooming services such as hair cuts, nail trimming, tooth brushing and ear cleaning. The doggie salon uses special hydrosurge bath technology to gently shower your pampered pooch. Eco-Pet sits on La Tijera Boulevard. Founded in 2011, upscale Silverlining Designer Resale Boutique and Vocational Training Center in nearby Culver City has everything from the latest clothing and shoe trends for men, women and children to classic vintage apparel and accessories. What sets this boutique apart remains its commitment to students with autism spectrum disorders and various types of learning differences through The Help Group. The store serves as a vocational training center by providing real-world work experience that helps increase students' knowledge, confidence and self-esteem. Silverlining Designer Resale Boutique and Vocational Training Center happily accepts high-quality merchandise donations year-round. Westfield Culver City has everything from high-end to high-value stores. Stop by Target for your everyday essentials, peruse the latest in high-fashion footwear at Baldi London, or browse the newest must-have handbags in the upscale Coach store. Open all year, the Westchester Farmers Market has plenty of local produce and healthy foods to choose from every Wednesday. Check the hours of operation before you head out to select from the wide variety of healthy foodstuffs. Trusted grocers Trader Joe's and Ralphs, both located on South Sepulveda, make planning your meals for the week a breeze by supplying all of your everyday household needs.