Pacoima, CA

Pacoima, which means "rushing water," was named for the great streams of water that flowed through the region down from the mountains when the Gabrielino Indians settled in the area. Pacoima's written history began in 1769, when the first group of European settlers crossed the valley en route to Monterey Bay.

In 1887, Jouett Allen bought 1,000 acres from the Maclay Rancho Water Company. He kept 500 acres for himself, turning the rest into 1-acre tracts, which later became the town of Pacoima. During the 1960s, Mexican immigrants began moving to the area because of its manufacturing and jobs low-cost housing.

The Andres Pico Adobe house gives you a peek into the oldest home in the San Fernando Valley, where Andres Pico lived after serving in the Mexican-American War. Annual events like the Holiday Parade & Festival provide residents a true sense of community pride.

With plenty of restaurants to choose from, dining out in Pacoima has become increasingly popular. Hot-pink walls and wood tables give Myke's Cafe on Van Nuys Boulevard a trendy, retro feel. A favorite breakfast spot among locals, the signature red velvet pancakes satisfy your sweet tooth, while the breakfast burrito — stuffed with three eggs, cheese and your choice of potatoes — leaves you feeling full until dinner. Lunch and dinner options add to the allure of this modern cafe.

A relaxed, laid-back vibe and fast, friendly service make Cocohut Thai Food on Laurel Canyon a must for anyone looking to add a little spice to lunch or dinner. Affordable prices and dine-in or take-out options make it convenient for you to satisfy your orange chicken fix. Pair the green curry with a cup of traditional Thai tea, then end your meal with the warm coconut milk rice mango dessert.

Savory, smoked pulled-pork, moist cornbread and down-home macaroni and cheese set Big Pop's BBQ and Grill apart from the average barbecue joint. Order the full rack of pork ribs, and take your pick among a number of sides. Picking just two isn't easy, but you won't be disappointed no matter which you choose. Make sure to save room for the deep-fried pickles before thanking the friendly staff for excellent service. The casual, country-style atmosphere feels more like a backyard barbecue with friends, leaving you to wonder when to expect the next get-together.

Small-town Pacoima delivers big-town nightlife, with something for everyone. Serving as a bar and live music venue, Lillipops Cantina on Hoyt Street has a stacked jukebox filled with your favorite tunes, though live bands play the jams several times throughout the week. The fun, friendly staff make finding your way through the maze-like entrance worth it, while the free shots on your first visit ensure you come back.

Gulp Restaurant and Brew Pub is a good hangout where you can find your favorite brews and some good pub food. Featuring dozens of different beers, wines and cocktails, you never go home thirsty. It's also a great place to visit while waiting out LA’s evening rush hour, for a mid-day lunch or to spend an evening sipping your favorite wine in a laid-back atmosphere.

Being located near Interstates 405, 5 and 210 makes getting around Pacoima easy for residents. If you prefer to use a service instead of commuting by car, Uber will send out a car in minutes when summoned from your smartphone. You can also use Flat Rate Car Service to hire a limo, taxi, or airport shuttle.

When it comes to public transportation, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Authority has several bus and train routes running throughout the day for reasonable fares. Dedicated bike lanes and cyclist-friendly roads give residents the option of a commute via bicycle, and walking throughout the neighborhood remains a safe and popular option.

Not much need exists for public parking garages in the immediate area, though plenty of options are available in surrounding counties, such as Athena Parking in downtown Los Angeles. You can expect to pay a flat rate of $9 per day and $4 after 4 p.m.

Many residents of California maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, and Pacoima supports the trend by housing several parks and recreation areas. With child- and dog-friendly spots and exercise-centric trails, you won't have trouble finding the right fit.

Named after a legendary Pacoima resident, the Ritchie Valens Park on Laurel Canyon has a little bit of everything at no cost to the general public. Basketball and tennis courts, wide-open spaces, dog-friendly walking and jogging trails and a renovated playground help capture the spirit of the talented young man for whom the park was named.

No California experience would be complete without a trip to the water park. The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center provides all-day fun in the sun for young kids, teens and adults. Choose between the covered or open water slides for a wet ride down to the pool, or work on your tan as you relax on the sandy beach. Work up an appetite with a game of beach volleyball before enjoying a picnic with family and friends. Admission costs $1 for kids and $3.50 for adults, making your day at the Hansen Dam well worth the price.

The cost of living in Pacoima sits high compared to the national average, though it still falls 14 percent lower than the Los Angeles average, with a one-bedroom apartment costing $1,250. A ride on the metro runs $1.75, with a bag of ten tokens available for $17.50. The price of gas settles in around 1 percent higher than the national average, and you can expect to pay $5 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

Pacoima has several amenities in the area, which makes it easy for you to find what you need when shopping. Swap meets have been a tradition for residents for years, providing everything from discount prices on authentic Ray-Ban sunglasses to half-priced original Ugg boots. Visit Pacific San Fernando Swap Meet to browse the furniture, purchase the perfect new lamp, invest in the latest technology or buy fresh, locally grown produce from the farmers-market section. Open every day except Wednesday, convenient hours and countless vendors help you cross almost everything off your shopping list in one trip. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, because it will likely take you several hours to cover the entire area.

If you prefer to find unique merchandise without the crowds, Nova's Boutique on Van Nuys has plenty to offer. The shop specializes in women's fashions, letting you find the perfect maxi dress or tank top to go with one of the bold and exciting pieces of jewelry from the store's collection. Pair it with a stylish hat and you're sure to get noticed.

With grocery stores on just about every corner, you never have to worry about running low on supplies. Stock up on bulk items like toilet paper, cereal and snacks at Smart & Final on San Fernando Street, or pick up daily items like milk, cheese, bread and eggs from Ralph's on Laurel Canyon Boulevard.