Pacific-Edison - Glendale, CA

The Pacific-Edison neighborhood blossomed as the city of Glendale established itself and expanded. Glendale’s population skyrocketed in the early 20th century, and the city became a thriving commercial hub. The last two decades of the 20th century saw the influx of several thousands of immigrants from the Middle East, Armenia, Asia and Mexico. This increase in diversity contributed substantially to Glendale’s shift from a simple suburb of Los Angeles to an exciting international cultural scene.

Catch a dance performance or film screening at the historic Alex Theatre on North Brand Boulevard. Test your American history at the Sons of the Revolution Library and Museum on South Central Avenue. While Pacific-Edison holds no annual events, you can attend the nearby Montrose Arts and Crafts festivals, the largest public festival in the Glendale region.

Residents of Pacific-Edison have access to many different types of ethnic restaurants in the vicinity, including Middle Eastern, Mexican, Korean, Thai and Filipino. The busy streets outlining the neighborhood house most of the restaurants, namely West Colorado Street, South Brand Boulevard and West Chevy Chase Drive. With one of the country’s largest Armenian communities gathered in this area, locals frequent Gavar Cuisine, one of the best Armenian eateries in the neighborhood. The welcoming staff serve traditional Armenian-style dishes such as marinated beef, lamb or veal served with potatoes and pickled vegetables. Feast on any of the charbroiled kebab plates or a hearty bowl of borsch on a chilly day.

If you can’t decide whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Asian or a burger, stop at Toro Grillhouse for all three at once. Sink your teeth into a giant breakfast burrito or some veggie egg rolls. Locals obsess over the sesame chicken Wings of Wall Street, and the Toro Fries come with a hefty mountain of savory toppings.

Mamita Peruvian Restaurant serves as a local favorite for authentic Peruvian fare. Start your journey with fried plantains or the seafood ceviche before moving onto the signature dish, lomo saltado, consisting of strips of tender beef fried with fresh tomatoes, onions and crispy french fries.

The nightlife in Pacific-Edison offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for cocktail lounges, dive bars or pool halls. Locals consider the Glendale Tap the area’s mecca for craft beer with over 50 varieties on tap along with knowledgeable staff to explain the secrets of each type. Spin a track on the house jukebox, and then indulge your inner mess-maker by throwing the shells of complimentary peanuts right onto the floor. Shoot some pool with friends on one of 12 pool tables available at Billiards Corner off of West Chevy Chase Drive. The Famous, another popular watering hole, hosts happy hour, trivia, bingo and live music throughout the week and serves a wide variety of elaborate cocktails. Head over to the Oak & Vine to enjoy a glass of wine or beer, sample the cheese board or have a salad, and perhaps hear live music.

While many locals have cars or utilize public transportation in this neighborhood, Pacific-Edison ranks as the third most walkable neighborhood in Glendale with a wide range of shops, businesses and restaurants within walking distance. The Beeline Bus System transports residents to most areas of Glendale, and the Larry Zarian Transportation Center serves as a hub for Amtrak, Metrolink, Geryhound and other modes of travel between Glendale and locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

Hail a cab with ease in this neighborhood, especially on the busy thoroughfares surrounding the residential streets. You can also schedule a ride with the ever-convenient Uber, which services most sections of Los Angeles. Pacific-Edison sits a few blocks east of the major north-south freeway I-5 and also has close access to U.S. Route 101. Not many bike lanes exist within the neighborhood itself, so you’ll feel safest riding a bike along the smaller, residential streets as opposed to the busy main roads. You’ll also find parking widely available near establishments in addition to the neighborhood streets.

The Pacific Park and Community Center is the only park within the Pacific-Edison neighborhood limits, and it provides locals with a swimming pool, soccer and baseball fields, gymnasiums, picnic tables, and a playground for the kids. Outdoor fields are free to the public, and the swimming pool and activities have various fees depending on age. You can also opt to purchase a $25 annual activity card for unlimited use. This park does not specifically hold annual events; however, you can attend the Eat See Hear outdoor movie, live music and food truck festival series held throughout the summer at Griffith Park just west of the neighborhood. General admission tickets cost $10.

Pacific-Edison residents take advantage of a cost of living that rests about 11 percent lower than Glendale’s average. A one-way fare to go anywhere on the Glendale Beeline system costs $1, and a 10-ride pass costs $9. Be prepared to pay $1,902 on average for a one-bedroom residence in this area, and a pint of beer will run you about $7. Gas prices average roughly 22 percent higher than the national average in this neighborhood.

In terms of shopping, you’ll benefit from endless options in the Pacific-Edison neighborhood. You can finish most of your shopping in one trip at the two major shopping malls located on West Colorado Street, The Americana at Brand and the Glendale Galleria. Head to the Galleria for high-end boutiques and department stores, such as Louis Vuitton, Porsche Design for men’s accessories or Pirch for upscale home decor and furnishings. The Americana houses mostly women’s affordable clothing stores, such as Forever 21 and H&M, but you’ll find a Nordstrom, a Barnes & Noble and a movie theater in this center as well.

Local boutiques and specialty shops speckle the streets throughout the district. If you’re in the market for a new violin or cello, stroll into Metzler Violin Shop, and let the owner help you select the perfect instrument. Inside the picturesque adobe building, you can take a lesson or peruse the massive collection of accessories and sheet music library. Lil Monster Clothing supplies the little tykes in the area with stylish, affordable outfit. The staff will even gift wrap your purchase for you.

For groceries, the A & G Deli provides an unassuming, mom-and-pop feel and has a diverse offering of fresh produce, meats and cheeses. Check off all of the major grocery items on your list at the nearby Ralphs, or head over to Glendale Ranch Market for great deals on international ingredients as well as grocery staples. Stock up on local fruits and veggies at the Glassell Park Farmer’s Market on North San Fernando Road, open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.