Baldwin Park, CA

The Baldwin Park Historical Museum tells the intriguing history of this small city. Before becoming incorporated in 1956, the area once known as Vineland was part of the cattle-grazing land belonging to the San Gabriel Mission. In 1906, "Lucky" Baldwin threatened to establish a nearby town, to be named Baldwinville. While entering a Vineland grocery store, Baldwin slipped and was prevented from falling by a community member. The man was so grateful, he withdrew his plans, and the town was later re-named Baldwin Park.

A trip to Baldwin Park offers fantastic food and vibrant entertainment. At Main Burgers on Maine Avenue, the cooks make the best selections for every taste. Juicy hamburgers with zucchini fries, crispy fish 'n' chips and hefty burritos feed neighborhood diners.

On Olive Street and Maine, stop by the busiest pizzeria in Baldwin Park. With bench seating, the Baldwin Park Pizza Company packs crowds into its tiny space. Locals order the thick pies for the intense flavor and best combination of toppings. If you can't decide what to order, try a half-and-half veggie and pepperoni pizza.

When night falls, locals head to The Republic in neighboring Covina. Popular for its simplicity, this bar features an excellent variety of craft beers at great prices. If you ask anyone about this place, they tell you the bar's most popular activity is darts. For an evening of dancing, check out the Red Covina Lounge & Restaurant on Citrus Avenue, also in Covina. Locals like dressing up for the all-around entertainment they find at Red. Known for serving incredible food and staffing the best DJs for dance music, this nightclub remains an unmatched favorite.

Locals in Baldwin Park take advantage of several commuting options. Those without cars frequently use Baldwin Park Transit, Foothill Transit and LA Metro buses, along with the Metrolink train system. Baldwin Park has its own Metrolink station, located next to City Hall. Commuters can travel to downtown Los Angeles or nearby El Monte Station, the largest transit center west of Chicago.

Many residents ride bikes, though no dedicated bike lanes exist beyond Arrow Highway. Few people use taxis or Uber services. Pedestrians frequently walk through the neighborhoods, along with children going to and from school.

Baldwin Park stands out as a convenient locale for driving. The neighborhood sits just 1 mile from Interstates 10 and 605, and Interstate 210 is approximately 7 miles away. The city provides plenty of free parking, though there are some limitations on residential streets.

Head to Walnut Creek Nature Park on Frazier Avenue for a great day of peaceful recreation. Locals love this park for its perfect group setting and walking trail. Feel free to picnic and barbecue under the shelters while children enjoy the playground against the rustic landscape. Bring your pets without worry, and parking here is never a hassle.

For a more athletic venture, check out Syhre Park on Vineland Avenue. Here, you can play a baseball game or host a tournament. Locals flock to this locale for its athletic amenities and family setting, equipped with restrooms and easy parking.

Children love the Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the city in Morgan Park each spring, and during summer, residents bring a blanket to grab a seat on the lawn for concerts in the park.

Baldwin Park takes pride in recognizing the "Let's Move" campaign to fight childhood obesity by hosting recreational festivities to encourage fitness and providing healthy eating choices. The host of city parks geared toward children, such as Barnes Park, with its huge athletic field, shows Baldwin Park's commitment to families.

Compared to many other cities in San Gabriel Valley, the cost of living in Baldwin Park runs low. Average rentals run about $907, which would cost closer to $1,200 in nearby Pasadena. With easy access to Los Angeles for those wanting big-city entertainment, Baldwin Park remains an attractive choice.

Clothing shoppers head to the Plaza West Covina for diverse choices, located in neighboring West Covina. Here you find popular favorites like Nordstrom Rack and H & M, along with independent boutique shops like Vintage Galeria. Featuring unique vintage and retro inspired designs influenced by modern LA style, Vintage Galeria’s clothes are designed locally and proudly made in the USA. In addition to adult and children’s clothing, you will also find an assortment of retro inspired jewelry, accessories, artwork, figurines, aprons and housewares.

Health enthusiasts enjoy a surprise offering at the Plaza. Baldwin Park residents work out at Gold's Gym, then go to the Amapola supermarket, also located at the mall. They offer a variety of ready-made options at the hot and salad bars, as well as an assortment of produce.

For more grocery choices, locals shop at Vallarta Supermarket, Superior Grocers, as well as Food 4 Less and Walmart. Every Friday, you find the popular Baldwin Park Farmer's Market on Baldwin Park Boulevard.