Welcome to Glendale
Classic suburban living meets city sophistication in this Los Angeles enclave
Once inhabited by the Tongva, or "People of the Earth,” Glendale is a comfortable, diverse suburb of Los Angeles. Its cultural richness extends to dining, with the Iranian, Armenian, and Lebanese communities offering culinary hotspots. In fact, Glendale’s origins are based in a confectionery favorite - one of the city’s claims to fame is that it was home to the first-ever Baskin Robbins.
Set in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Glendale offers an abundance of outdoor recreation and stunning scenery. Full of walking and hiking trails, the nearby Verdugo Mountains offer equestrian routes and hilltop lookouts. Also home to Dreamworks, which frequently appears on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, Glendale is a laid-back but dynamic community with easy access to Los Angeles.
What to Love
- Residential oasis
- Culturally diverse
- Outdoor recreation
- Proximity to LA’s best attractions
People & Lifestyle
Low-key, with none of the pomp and pretense of nearby Los Angeles, Glendale is the ideal blend of residential serenity and bustling city life. Residents tend to be laid-back and choose neighborhood dive bars over fancy mixologist hotspots in the city.
Locals can be found indulging in the culturally rich culinary scene, enjoying the California sunshine on the Verdugo Mountain trails, or at the Deukmejian Wilderness Park. Residents tend to work in the entertainment industry or the buzzy restaurant scene.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Glendale’s restaurant scene is full of landmark spots and legendary neighborhood favorites. Damon's is a Polynesian-themed tiki bar known for mai tais, prime rib, and backyard barbeque.
This historic SoCal restaurant first opened for business in 1937 and is considered one of Glendale’s local gems. For a taste of the Middle Eastern fare Glendale is known for, head straight to the Original Kabob Factory for kebabs, salads, and dips at this cozy, health-conscious eatery.
Another Glendale institution is Porto's Bakery. Established in 1960, this bustling Cuban cafe offers sandwiches, Latin snacks, and specialty desserts. The best part? You can consider these savory and sweet baked goods guilt-free because a portion of the bakery’s proceeds supports Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Head over to Kenneth Village, an outdoor mall in the northwest section of Glendale, for old-world charm. Grab a snack from the French bakery, take a yoga class, treat yourself to some shaved ice, or take the pups for a walk in this adorable setting. The Montrose Shopping Park Association offers year-round events and a wide range of fun activities, from arts and crafts fairs and car shows to Halloween festivals and Valentine’s shopping.
Things to Do
Whether you’re looking for a day in the sun, a little art and culture, or a serious shopping spree, Glendale has so much to offer. Here, you’ll find everything you need without ever hitting the 101. Follow the scent of fresh strawberries to the Montrose Harvest Market every Sunday. This traditional farmers market offers the best produce, flowers, baked goods, nuts, and prepared foods from certified Southern California growers.
Now that the kitchen is taken care of, treat yourself and your closet at the Americana at Brand, Glendale’s impressive retail complex. Offering world-class shops, restaurants, entertainment, and even residences, this L.A. favorite boasts established retailers like Tiffany and Co. and Sur La Table, as well as an AMC movie theater, pizza, fresh-pressed juice, and cupcakes from confectionary connoisseur Sprinkles Cupcakes.
Once you’re all shopped out, head to the Alex Theatre for a night of entertainment. A Glendale landmark since 1925, the theater was originally a Vaudeville house and movie palace and is now home to Alex Film Society and the Los Angeles Ballet.Schools
Hollywood meets academia at the Glendale Community College, a top public college with above average academics and stand-out graduates, like “Community” writer Dan Harmon.
