Westmont - Los Angeles, CA

This region was originally a small Mexican town, and it became American territory when California was annexed in 1850. Many original inhabitants stayed behind and were joined by a flood of immigrants from within and outside the US. Proximity to LA helped this neighborhood to grow during the later part of the 19th century.

There are no major museums or arts center or historical centers in Westmont, so you have to travel to downtown LA or El Segundo neighborhoods. If you love dinosaurs, head to the Natural History Museum on Exposition Blvd in downtown LA. Also, make plans to visit California Science Center and Space Shuttle Endeavor, both located in the vicinity of Natural History Museum. For auto enthusiasts, automobile driving museum located on Lairport Street in El Segundo provides fun rides in different cars. Though this museum is free, you can give a small donation if you so desire.

Cultural diversity manifests itself in all aspects of Westmont life, and food is no exception. To get your taste of Honduran food, go to La Casa Honduras on Vermont Street. With a clean and warm ambiance, this restaurant serves excellent dishes, such as fried chicken and conch coconut soup, pollo catracho, and the popular baliadas and pupusas. La Casa Honduras transforms into a nightclub after about 7 p.m. If you want to dance to Latin American music, head here for dinner. After a sumptuous meal, dance punta, cumbia, bachata or salsa for a fun night experience.

Bottom Line Cocktail Lounge on Manchester Avenue serves good drinks and great vibes. Its karaoke cocktail lounge fills with people on Fridays and Saturdays. A well-stocked bar and an enthusiastic DJ attract local crowds. The specialty drinks include apple martini and grand marnier, while snacks include turkey and pork tacos that cost only $1. Come here to enjoy a fun-filled night with your friends and to meet new people.

Westmont's proximity to downtown LA makes it well-connected by public transport. Take bus routes 745, 754 and 117, or take the Blue Metro Expo Line and 754 to go to downtown LA. A 30-day pass costs $100. Many people prefer to take their car to cover the 10-mile distance to downtown or to go to other neighborhoods due to proximity to I-105 and I-110 and also due to the availability of parking spaces. When you want to take a break from driving, hail a local cab or use Uber for a ride. Residents prefer not to walk or bike due to long distances between neighborhoods and also due to good public transportation.

You have to drive down to Inglewood or Gramercy Park for a good park. Edward Vincent Jr Park on Warren Lane in Inglewood is a good choice as it has many parks for kids of different ages. It also houses a skateboarding area, basketball court, tennis courts and swimming pools that you can enjoy for free. Alternately, go for a day out with your kids and dogs at Atlas Park on Broadway Park. It has three playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball ground and a dive pool that you can use for free. Other than walking trails, there aren't any exercise-centric parks in this area.

Communities near the Pacific Coast and San Bernandino mountains cost more because of their breathtaking views, and Westmont is no exception. Compared to the rest of the country, Westmont's cost of living sits 28.9% higher, which is reflected in the increased price of amenities and products. A one bedroom apartment rents at an average of $1,384, while a pint of beer costs $4.85 in the local pub. A gallon of gas sits at 10.45 percent higher than the US national average.

There are no major shopping malls in this area as most locals prefer to go to downtown LA to shop. To shop at a chic mall with upscale shops, head to The Grove on Grove Drive in LA. If you are looking to buy from brand-name outlets, visit Citadel Outlets on Citadel Avenue in LA. To enjoy a personalized shopping experience, Westmont houses one of the best thrift stores in this area.

For the best flowers and gifts for your loved ones, stop by Nancy's Flowers and Gift Shop on Vermont Avenue. The owner, Elizabeth, makes flower arrangements suited for all occasions at affordable prices.

For all your grocery needs, head to Jose's Water Mini Market on Vermont Avenue. If you want farm fresh produce, drive up to Athens Park Farmers Market on South Broadway in Los Angeles.