Moving to Glendale? This LA suburb offers close proximity to Hollywood, outstanding schools, state-of-the-art facilities, and a lively entertainment scene. Check out these 14 things to know about living in Glendale!

Experience Safe, Affordable SoCal Living

Glendale retains a small-town vibe while offering big-city amenities, making it the perfect place for luxury living. While Glendale’s cost of living is higher than the national average, it’s still more affordable than most major U.S. cities. The city offers a number of low-income programs to take advantage of, including exemptions for disabled and senior citizens. Compared to the rest of the U.S., wages in Glendale are distributed more evenly, making it easy to move in and earn a living. Its reputation for safety keeps Glendale consistently ranked among the top safest cities in the U.S. Compared to other California cities, Glendale’s crime rate is among the lowest. So, while Glendale isn’t the most budget-friendly place to live, it is a fantastic option in California for those looking for community and access.

Graduate From Glendale Colleges

If you’re looking for higher education, there’s no shortage of universities in Glendale! Attend the largest Glendale school, Glendale Community College, which offers degree programs in over 27 different fields. Train to become a medical assistant or surgical technologist, or earn your Bachelor of Science in the RN-BSN program at Glendale Career College. Dive into quality, hands-on, and industry-related education in a variety of information technology disciplines at Brand College. Or explore your independent research while pursuing one of 45 majors at one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States, Occidental College.

Find Your Dream Job in Glendale

Employment in Glendale offers exciting prospects, especially given how its job growth is anticipated to be higher than the national average over the next ten years due to slated commercial development. Glendale’s Three-Year Economic Development Plan focuses on building a roadmap for its arts, culture, and entertainment sector, as it’s home to major media companies like DreamWorks Animation and ABC Holding Co. Jewel City also has a vibrant tech ecosystem featuring major companies like leading education technology innovator Age of Learning and Avery Dennison, a multinational Fortune 500 manufacturing company specializing in adhesive materials. Get employed at International House of Pancakes (IHOP) headquarters, which is Glendale’s largest employer. Or find work at other top businesses in Glendale—like online public auto auctioneer RepoKar.com and comprehensive medical provider Glendale Adventist Medical Center, which is one of America’s best hospitals.

Ride Around Jewel City

Getting around Glendale is easy! The city is considered highly walkable and features an established Bicycle Transportation Program—which includes citywide parking, 300+ bike racks, and reservable bike lockers. Young professionals in Glendale can travel through 12 fixed routes via the Beeline Bus—while senior citizens or those with disabilities can utilize Glendale’s curb-to-curb transportation system, Dial-A-Ride. You can even ride from Glendale to Downtown Los Angeles with the Metrolink or Amtrak rail stations, located at the Glendale Transportation Center. The Los Angeles metropolitan area has over 60 regional transit partners, so Glendale transportation can meet your travel needs whether you’re a recent visitor or a long-term resident. Finally, the City of Glendale is home to Los Angeles’ first commercial airport and a beloved landmark of U.S. aviation history, the Grand Central Air Terminal.

Trek Through the Verdugo Hills

With roughly 285 sunny days per year and temperatures averaging between 50 degrees to 76 degrees, Glendale is a scenic, California city perfect for enjoying outdoor recreation. Jewel City is home to over 5,000 acres of natural open space and 7.5 miles of single-track trails for avid hikers. Soak up the morning sun relaxing at beautiful Brand Park before ascending the Brand Library Loop for a 360-degree view of Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles. Participate in Glendale hikes through the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains at Deukmejian Wilderness Park, which features 709 acres of stunning spots and picnic areas. Or travel to the Verdugo Mountains for a challenging hike through famous trails like the 5.5-mile Beaudry Loop or the sycamore-lined La Tuna Canyon Trail. Something to keep in mind—due to Glendale’s close proximity to the Verdugo fault line—the city is susceptible to earthquakes, so take note of appropriate precautions and procedures.

Tee Off at Glendale Golf Courses

Jewel City is a premier destination for avid golfers! If you’re looking for somewhere to practice your swing, there are plenty of Glendale golf courses to tee off. Improve your game by taking part in a challenging nine-hole course and driving range at the Desert Mirage Golf & Practice Center. Enjoy panoramic views from the Verdugo Mountains while teeing off at William P. Bell designed-Scholl Canyon Golf & Tennis Club. Stop by scenic Griffith Park to enter an 18-hole game at the Wilson & Harding Golf Course, one of the largest golf courses in LA with over 7,000 yards of green area. Join exclusive clubs like the Chevy Chase Country Club, which is home to lively restaurants, bars, lounges, and golf courses nestled deep in the Glendale mountains. Or attend the premier golfing, dining, and social events at the Oakmont Country Club.

Visit the Home of Dreamworks

Just a stone’s throw from Hollywood, Glendale is a historic hot spot for film and tv animation. Walk through the 13-acre campus of DreamWorks, which employs over 1,400 employees working in active films and television—including artists, animators, and technologists. Even Disney has a presence here in Glendale’s Grand Central Business Centre, with Marvel Animation Studios and the Imagineering campus. Additionally, from 1985 to 1995, Walt Disney Animation Studios (then-known as Walt Disney Feature Animation) was headquartered in the Grand Central Business Centre, meaning that most of the films of the Disney Renaissance era were developed in Glendale. You can also keep things local and immerse yourself in Glendale animation production at Rough Draft Studios, which has produced over 300 half-hours of primetime animation and theatrical shorts.

Check Out Family-Friendly Attractions

There are tons of family-friendly things to do in Glendale that make spending the day with your kids priceless. View picturesque botanic gardens showcasing native plants and stunning water features at the Descanso Gardens. Go on a bug safari, climb inside Los Trompos, or dig into the Muddy Boot Farm trowels at the Kidspace Children’s Museum. Sign up for recreation programs, attend special events, or stroll through one of the many Glendale parks through Glendale’s Community Services & Parks. Explore the cosmos with advanced digital projection at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium—or visit astrological exhibits with the whole family at the Griffith Observatory. See over 2,100 mammals, birds, reptiles, and 270 species of fish at the Los Angeles Zoo. Participate in Roller Roo and Super Skater beginner courses or try skating with family in Glendale at the Moonlight Rollerway. Or play classic games and state-of-the-art laser tag while chowing down Nintendo Nachos at Project Play LA.

Shop at Bustling Business Districts

Want to shop ’til you drop? Look no further than the best shopping in Glendale! The Glendale Galleria is one of the largest malls in Los Angeles, home to a variety of casual shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations along West Broadway. Check out the Galleria’s nearby stunning attractions like the last remaining Downtown Los Angeles winery, the San Antonio Winery, and a state-of-the-art Glendale concert hall hosting everything from classic to Contemporary, world music, and jazz concerts, Walt Disney Concert Hall. Experience world-class outdoor shopping at The Americana at Brand. Visit a cluster of restaurants and small businesses nestled on Kenneth Road between Sonora and Grandview at Kenneth Village. Or stop by Glendale’s historic Old Town and browse local businesses while picking out fresh fruits and veggies from the Montrose Harvest Market at Montrose Shopping Park.

Get Rowdy for Glendale Sports

Come to Glendale to root for your favorite sports teams! See the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) hit grand slams at historic Dodger Stadium. Cheer on the UCLA Bruins (NCAA) as their basketball team swishes buzzer-beater shots at Pauley Pavilion, or while their baseball team hits pop-flies at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Grab a seat on the bleachers at Sartoris Field to watch the GCC Vaqueros (SCFA) make passes and score touchdowns. Step into the Commerce Casino to see pro wrestlers hit clotheslines and spring off the top rope at Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. Support local volleyball teams as they spike over the net in the San Gabriel Volleyball Club. Or get little ones involved with youth soccer programs in Glendale or compete in the All-Star playoffs at Region 88.

Appreciate Vibrant Arts & Culture

From stunning art museums to packed theatre shows, Glendale is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, as well as extraordinary Art Deco architecture. Walk through the hacienda-type adobe home built in 1865 by Tomas Avila and Maria Sanchez, Casa Adobe de San Rafael, which stands as one of the historic sites of the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West—and is one of the oldest homes in Glendale! Admire a collection of over 300 electric and kinetic works, from neon clocks to flashing signs at the Museum of Neon Art. Tour rotating exhibitions of classic paintings and stained glass architecture, or permanent exhibits like The Last Supper and The Poet’s Windows at the Forest Lawn Museum. Take a seat for the latest concert, ballet, or commemorative event at the world-class performing arts and entertainment center Alex Theatre. You can even explore a professional library and gallery, as well as visual and performing arts programs like Art Tuesday and Music Animated at the Brand Library & Art Center.

Attend Festivals Throughout the Year

Glendale is full of year-round events and festivals for everyone—no matter their interests. Visit a selection of over 250 fine artists, farmers, vendors, and entertainers at one of the largest public events in Glendale, the Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival. Swing over to Brand Boulevard to appreciate some of the finest pre-1985 classic cars, modified imports, and exotic vehicles at Glendale Cruise Night. Celebrate the art of filmmaking and the contribution of cinematic arts by local, national, and international films and filmmakers at the Glendale International Film Festival. Walk through a mile-long luminescent forest flush with interactive nighttime exhibits in the most beloved areas of the Descanso Gardens at the Enchanted Forest of Light. Jam out to a multigenerational lineup of the biggest names in Latin music at Besame Mucho. Or express yourself by attending LGBTQ-friendly events like Rainbow Ride and Pride in the Park at glendaleOUT.

Explore a Foodie Paradise

There’s a whole host of Glendale restaurants for passionate foodies. Pull up a chair for sweet and savory specialties like Carrot Crumb Loafs, Spinach Feta Empanadas, and Sourdough Baguettes for the best breakfast in Glendale at Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. Enjoy hearty Southwestern-style eats like Carne Asada and Tostada Grande at the 60s-style diner Foxy’s Restaurant. Order home-cooked Armenian meals like Falafel Plates and Chicken Breast Shish Kabob at family-run Mini Kabob. Dine on a Hawaiian-style Glendale seafood and sushi spread of Salmon Tempura with White Rice and some Extra Spicy Ponzu sauce at Poke N Roll. Have a dinner of Nebraska Angus Boneless Ribeye Steak or USDA Prime Sirloin Coulotte Steak while enjoying Damon’s Famous Mai Tai from the tropical tiki bar at Damon’s Steak House. Or crunch on fresh and fiery Chicken Sliders and Jumbo Tenders with a side of Steve’s Fries at Chick Next Door.

Enjoy an Active Nightlife

With plenty of unique ways to spend your evenings, don’t let a setting sun stop the fun! Grab a weekly craft cocktail like the French 75, Cherry Lime Rickey, or an Oso Margarita in the eclectic lounge of The Famous. Groove to live Latin music or get down on the dance floor while sipping tequila cocktails at Giggles Night Club. Order an old-school ale from a selection of over 50 craft beers, including a Schalchner Weisse Pale Wheat Beer or an Enhanced Surroundings IPA at The Glendale Tap. Sample specialty in-house spirits, whiskeys, and Glendale wines, or enjoy crafted cocktails like Dead Eye and Fyre Fest in the cozy upstairs area at The Oak & Vine. Or celebrate Happy Hour by sipping Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule specialty drinks, or trying out Fat Tire and Boont Amber beers at the relaxed Glendale pub Mr Furleys.

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