Lomita, CA

Translated from Spanish, Lomita means "little hills," although the origin of the name remains a mystery. Originally 7 square miles, adjacent cities annexed portions of Lomita in the 1950s, bringing it down to 1.9 square miles. The population grew rapidly after World War II, and Lomita incorporated as a city of Los Angeles county in 1964.

The Lomita Railroad Museum stands as a monument of the past. As part of the family friendly atmosphere, anyone can climb aboard the locomotive and caboose. The six annual events at this museum include a wine tasting and a community day with free admission.

The community's developing art scene includes Summer Studios, an art gallery that also has classes. The gallery features art by students and local artists. With classes available for every age and skill level, anyone can become a better artist here.

The city's dining options tend to be Asian restaurants with reasonable prices, although you can find other cuisine choices as well.

For a traditional Japanese meal made from fresh ingredients, check out Yanagi Bistro. The simple yet refined decor, including the hardwood floor and plants, gives this restaurant a down-to-earth atmosphere. Try the halibut sashimi, and make sure to get a warm spring roll with it. Those who enjoy the food south of the border should visit El Jacalito. Many of the menu items come from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, including the mole negro enchiladas. Get a horchata with your meal, as this restaurant adds cactus fruit for extra flavor.

If you like Japanese food but want to get something other than sushi, try Tamaen Japanese BBQ. Generous servings of meat at an affordable price make this an ideal place to take friends or family. Don't leave without trying the Kobe-style U.S. beef filet for tender meat with a soft texture. Add a Tamaen original pancake on the side - a fried egg baked into a pancake for an unexpectedly good flavor.

Nightlife in Lomita consists primarily of local bars, and the city doesn't have any big night clubs. For a fun evening out, locals head to Pete's Place. Owned by a hands-on manager who likes his patrons to have a good time, Pete's Place offers standard "hometown" fare with "uptown" taste. Try the burgers and onion rings, or tap into your British side with an IPA, a sausage roll and a pasty. The venue gets packed on the weekends when it offers live music.

With nearby freeways and public transportation, residents have several options to travel the city and commute to other neighborhoods.

Drivers can get around the area quickly with several local roads. The Pacific Coast Highway runs through the center of Lomita and can be taken for trips up the coast. Interstate 110, running north and south, lies east of the city. Interstate 710, which lies south-east of the city, also runs north and south. Traffic to other neighborhoods gets congested during rush hour. You can park on the street, just check the signs when you do.

The Los Angeles Metro and Torrance Transit buses both service the community. Frequent fliers should take Metro route 232 to Los Angeles International Airport. Taxis and ride share companies like Uber service the area. Pick up times vary.

Lomita's small size makes it easy to walk or bike around for local errands. Most streets don't have bike lanes, so you'll have to ride on the street or sidewalk.

Several parks and a recreation center keep Lomita residents active and connected with the rest of their community. Parks in Lomita don't allow dogs.

At over 7 acres in size, Lomita Park claims a place as the city's main park. Its facilities encompass all age groups, with swings and slides for the kids, a senior walking path with workout stations and sports fields available for everyone. The lighting system provides an ideal backdrop for an evening tennis match or basketball game. Tom Rico Center, the recreation center located at this park, has a variety of classes available for different age groups. Fees vary based on the activity. Bring the kids on Halloween for an annual costume contest held here.

Veterans Park gives tribute to veterans from the Lomita area. Stop by for the opportunity to relax in a serene environment with the American flag flying overhead. Bring a good book and spend a couple hours in this quiet memorial.

Life in Lomita carries an average cost of living compared to the rest of Los Angeles. The city has a variety of housing options, and the cost of leasing can be reasonable. A one bedroom apartment usually costs about $1,100, although you may find cheaper arrangements.

A Torrance Transit ride to the city center costs $1, and gas prices come in around 14 percent higher than the national average. You can expect to pay about $4 for a pint at the local pub.

Lomita doesn't have any shopping centers or central shopping areas, but plenty of boutique and thrift stores can be found.

Butter 2 Honey Boutique sells both used and vintage clothing and features a friendly, helpful staff. This boutique maintains a simple yet elegant vibe, with classy clothing displays and pictures of Marilyn Monroe on the wall. The prices tend to be very low, and deal hunters should be sure to check out the dollar rack.

Vintage clothing lovers love visits to Retro Reload. The shop carries a bit of everything, but the variety of flashy sweaters highlights the shopping experience. Make sure to check out the eye-catching accessories before you leave.

The city has a few mini-marts, but for Latin American and gourmet fare in particular, shoppers head to the Continental Gourmet Market. This market features a range of fresh vegetables, wine and pantry items and also sells freshly baked bread and tasty empanadas in its deli. While neighboring communities have farmers markets, Lomita doesn't have one of its own.