Morningside Park - Inglewood, CA

Inglewood was one of the fastest-growing cities during the 1920s. The Inglewood Park Cemetery, established three years before Inglewood was officially incorporated as a city, remains a popular landmark today. Notable interments include Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Every Nov. 2, families gather with food, drink, and flowers to honor their ancestors and celebrate the Day of the Dead.

The Hollywood Park Racetrack constitutes another notable historic landmark. Designed by noted racetrack architect Arthur Froehlich, the track opened in 1938 and still hosts horse races. The casino offers card games, restaurants, and events that include live concerts and boxing matches.

Morningside Park harbors a few excellent eating and drinking spots, most of which lie along the neighborhood's western border of Prairie Avenue. For a quick bite, residents have their pick of fast-food options along West Century Boulevard, and Manchester Avenue constitutes yet another dining destination.

As any Los Angeles foodie knows, much of L.A.'s best eating happens in little hole-in-the-wall establishments, and Morningside Park proves no exception. Leading the pack of hidden gems, Bourbon Street Louisiana Fish and Grill operates out of the site of a former gas station, serving up the area's best in Cajun cooking. From po' boys to red beans and rice, the flavorful dishes transport guests from SoCal to the enticing dining scene of New Orleans.

Equally hidden from street view, Lee's Caribbean Restaurant & Market provides guests with an authentic Jamaican eating experience. Located a few blocks from Bourbon Street Fish, Lee's occupies a small corner of a little-known Prairie Avenue shopping plaza. As evidenced by its steady stream of regulars, Lee's proves itself worth the trip. The classic jerk chicken satisfies Caribbean-fare newbies, while adventurous eaters tend to go for the cow foot soup or oxtail stew. Even the beverage options feel exotic, with drinks such as ginseng tea and Irish Moss.

Bottom Line Cocktail Lounge offers a taste of nightlife without the trip downtown. As its name suggests, the lounge features an extensive cocktail list, including fresh-fruit martinis. A ceiling of colored lights provides a fun ambiance in which patrons can sip and relax or even show off their vocal talents on the karaoke stage.

Like most of Los Angeles County, Morningside Park residents get around mainly by car. Because the neighborhood sits halfway in between the 110 and the 405, Morningside is a great option for commuters.

Public transportation is also available. The 115 bus, the main route running through Morningside, brings riders down Manchester Avenue, from Playa del Ray to Norwalk. Various stops intersect with other routes for access to further destinations. Take the 210 bus to the Redondo Beach Station, where you can hop on the Metro Green Line for car-free commutes into downtown LA.

Residents have several options for parking, including a public lot on East Nutwood Street. Many also choose to ditch the car and walk along the neighborhood's well-maintained streets, as many shopping and restaurant destinations prove walkable within the neighborhood.

For a recreational bike ride, throw the bikes on the back of the car, and head down to the beach for a scenic ride along Playa del Rey's Vista del Mar.

Just across the street from Inglewood Park Cemetery, Edward Vincent Jr. Park offers the best in outdoor recreation. With 55 acres of open field, playgrounds, a picnic area, and a pool, Edward Vincent has activities for kids, parents, and even the dog, all free of charge. Derby Park, located in the center of the neighborhood, provides a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skateboard park. Jesse Owens Park is located off the southeast corner of the neighborhood and includes open fields, a playground, and an indoor swimming pool.

At an average rental rate of $1,180 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, Morningside Park residents save compared to residents in the rest of the city, where average rent hovers around $1,769 per month. Local gas proves slightly more expensive than nationwide rates. Though the bus typically doubles travel time into downtown Los Angeles, the price entices at a fare of a mere $1.75 one-way. For a night on the town, beer stays within the budget, mirroring nationwide averages at around $4 to $6 per brew.

The area's major shopping districts run along the borders of the neighborhood, with specialty stores on South Prairie Avenue and large chain outlets at the intersection of West Century and Crenshaw Boulevards.

Sabrak Boutique on Manchester Blvd. is a women's boutique that sells funky, classy, and fashionable finds. The customer service is friendly and willing to help you choose the perfect outfit from the small but unique selection of dresses and jewelry.

A nod to the local Hispanic population, Antigua Restaurant & Bakery features a wide variety of Latin-American baked goods, from cakes and cookies to savory breads. Beyond these delicacies, the bakery doubles as a restaurant, serving authentic Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine.

For a wider selection of Hispanic products, try El Rincon Market on South Freeman Avenue, just south of the neighborhood's official borders. This local favorite offers fresh tacos on the premises, alongside their impressive offering of imported Hispanic foods. Local full-service chain supermarket Vons, located on East Manchester Boulevard, sells groceries at an affordable price.