Mountain View - El Monte, CA

Missionaries and Spanish soldiers stopped in El Monte in the early 1800s, naming the region for its meadow and wooded space. Weary travelers sought rest in the area, and the first permanent residents settled around 1850. Other pioneers arrived to survey California's gold fields but found agricultural promise in El Monte.

Southern Pacific built the first railroad through town in 1873, and the first drugstore opened in 1892. After the El Monte Union High School District was organized in 1901, school enrollment grew to 65 students by 1908. In 1912, the town was incorporated.

The El Monte Historical Museum explores the area's early history, featuring artifacts and displays and offering guided tours. The annual summer concert series celebrates the city's culture through musical arts.

Along Garvey Avenue you find a number of fast-food restaurant choices. Snag a burger or pizza for something quick, but for authentic Mexican food, let El Taco Man take care of you. Located on Magnolia Street, El Taco Man lures hungry crowds with its asada tacos and al pastor. Dig into a carnitas bowl for the symphony of spicy beef and onions topped with homemade salsa. The menu offers everything from fajita chicken salads to sopas, which look like little Mexican hamburgers. Locals love the low prices, and remember to bring cash because El Taco Man doesn't accept credit cards.

Mountain View satisfies your craving for Asian food as well. The Asian-fusion restaurant WeChat Cafe on Valley Boulevard serves Cantonese dishes like no others. WeChat offers Indonesian fried rice and Thai seafood fried rice that locals rave about. Try the curry beef, or be daring and order the German-style pork knuckle.

El Monte stands out as a major hub for public transportation. Just two miles north of the Mountain View neighborhood, you can find El Monte Transit Center -- the largest bus facility west of Chicago. From here, residents can catch Greyhound, El Monte, and Foothill Transit, as well as Metro buses. Commuters may also ride Metrolink trains from this location to travel to outlying counties.

Most El Monte residents drive personal vehicles to get around. Mountain View lies conveniently between State Route 60 and Interstates 10 and 605. The neighborhood welcomes pedestrians by providing paved sidewalks throughout the area to heighten safety. Many locals travel by bike. If you choose to cycle, use caution because Mountain View offers few bike lanes. Taxis may be reserved by calling ahead, and Uber ride-sharing is available by accessing the app.

Enjoy free parking at Mountain View Park on Elliott Avenue. Sit under a shade tree blooming with bright flowers, or grab a seat on the lawn. An unassuming locale with no bells or whistles, Mountain View Park remains a neighborhood staple in El Monte.

To take a stroll or jog along a paved path, visit Rio Vista Park on Ranger Avenue. Located near El Monte Airport, Rio Vista offers a great place to bring kids for entertainment. Children can climb the jungle gym or play Frisbee on the lawn while airplanes fly overhead. Pack a picnic lunch and sit under the canopies for a quiet day of leisure. Locals treasure this spot as a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although it may be a bit difficult to find, it's well worth the effort. Rio Vista Park welcomes leashed pets and provides parking.

Mountain View residents enjoy a lower cost of housing compared to neighboring cities. A one-bedroom apartment in Mountain View runs around $1,022 per month. Real estate prices run considerably higher in nearby Arcadia, with the cost of living running 73 percent lower in Mountain View.

Commuters benefit from low bus fare in El Monte. A Metro ride to downtown Los Angeles averages $1.75 base price. Drivers pay about 15 percent above the national average for gas, and a beer at a local pub costs around $3.50.

The shopping hub for Mountain View lies along Valley Boulevard and Garvey Avenue. Here you can find electronics and video game stores along with popular drugstores. For groceries, Food 4 Less and Tito's Market on Garvey Avenue provide affordable options.

The Sketchers Factory Outlet is located along Valley Boulevard. The shoe giant stocks a large selection, from wallaby shoes and snow boots to sandals and running sneakers. Find apparel for every member of the family, including athletic gear for all seasons.