Tarzana, CA

Although legend has it that Tarzana got its name from Tarzan, Edgar Rice Burroughs actually chose that name when he lived in Tarzana. He purchased 550 acres of land, then sold it for residential development. The neighborhood evolved into an exciting community packed with businesses, homes and even a couple country clubs.

The Tarzana Community & Cultural Center preserves the history of the neighborhood. Its collection of memorabilia, many of which relate to "Tarzan, Lord of the Apes," gives residents a chance to learn about the past of the place they call home. An oral history program, which involves residents being video taped talking about Tarzana's history, showcases the center's creativity and commitment to documenting the neighborhood's past.

The Jingle in the Jungle holiday festival takes place every year at the Tarzana Village Walk. Get into the holiday spirit with live music and a tree lighting ceremony.

A variety of charming cafes and elegant restaurants, many located on Ventura Boulevard, gives residents of this neighborhood options for brunch, dinner and everything in between.

For a fast, affordable Lebanese meal, visit Ariana on Ventura. The cafe keeps things simple with its decor, but the food tastes like it came straight from Lebanon. Try the chicken shawarma pita sandwich wrap for well-cooked poultry wrapped in full and fluffy pita bread.

Peasant Wine Bistro, also on Ventura, perfectly blends old and new into an upscale dining experience. Modern amenities, such as the TVs on the wall, mix with the classic chandeliers and solid-wood walls to create a truly unique atmosphere. The bistro bases its menu on the season and the local market. The meat and cheese board delivers high-quality meats and cheeses with fig jam and honey to add to the flavors.

Those looking for the taste of Greece should head over to Firehouse Restaurant. You'll find it easily from the big blue-and-white sign, and the cozy atmosphere makes every guest feel at home. If you feel like eating, get the gyro sandwich, which comes loaded with toppings. Get the tzatziki dip on the side, as it has a flavor that mixes well with meat, sandwiches or fries.

Nightlife in Tarzana tends to be relaxed and casual, but it also has bars and clubs suitable for partying. Petie's Place is an easygoing sports bar that offers an excellent music venue. Featuring a different band every Friday night, this joint will get you out of your seat and moving your feet. Locals call it the coolest dive bar in town because of its homey and welcoming feel, but don't miss out on all this place has to offer. There's something for everyone, including a long list of beers, games on the big screen on Sundays and some quality pub food.

Los Angeles may be known as a car city, but Tarzana gives its residents other ways to get around without relying on an automobile.

The neighborhood's size and the lack of congestion on most of its streets make local drives easy. Ventura Boulevard, the main street running through Tarzana, has some traffic during peak hours. Running north-west and south-east, U.S. 101 lies in the middle of the neighborhood and can take you to the rest of Los Angeles. Metered or street parking make parking simple in Tarzana.

The LA Metro services the neighborhood, which provides several route options. For the most transit options, go to the Reseda Orange Line Station. It provides free parking, bus access, and you can take the Metro Orange Line for quicker travel than a standard bus. Taxis and rideshare companies like Uber service the area; however, pick-up times vary.

The north half of Tarzana, where most of the attractions are located, can be traveled on foot or bike. Flat terrain, sidewalks and bike lanes on many streets make it safe and fun to walk or ride. The south half has more hills and should be traveled by car if possible.

A recreation center, several parks and even a local cave provide places for you to live an adventurous, active lifestyle.

A facility designed with both children and adults in mind means you can take the whole family to the Tarzana Recreation Center. Sign the kids up for a youth basketball league while you play some volleyball. If you want to do an activity together, take a family karate class. Fees vary based on the activity. Classes and camps rotate seasonally.

If you feel like exploring, take Vanalden south as far as possible, then hike the trail to the Vanalden Cave. The hike takes about 10 minutes, and you can take your dog along. Make sure to check out the face carvings when you get to the cave; they look even better with the sun shining down through the top of the cave.

Life in Tarzana carries an above average price because of its location and community features. The cost of leasing apartments or houses can be reasonable. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs about $1,200 a month. A Metro ride to the city center costs around $1.75 while gas prices come in about 14 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at the local pub will set you back about $6.

A lineup of both affordable and upscale boutiques, most of which can be seen on a stroll down Ventura Boulevard, define the shopping experience in this neighborhood.

For classy and unique women's clothing, check out CC Boutique. The store focuses on quality clothing at a reasonable price. The layout has clothing intricately placed throughout the store, providing just enough open space to browse the large selection of pieces. With a friendly sales staff and owner, you'll have a fun time putting your next outfit together.

Those with children should head over to Meant 2 Be. Featuring baby and kids' clothing hand picked by the owner, this shop has all the brands to make your kids look and feel good. A colorful layout and a staff that enjoy interacting with kids means the whole family will like coming here.

Whether you want natural food choices, a chain grocer, or an upscale grocery store, Tarzana has you covered. The neighborhood is home to a Whole Foods, Vons and Gelson's Market. Farmers' markets can be found in the surrounding neighborhoods. If you don't want to travel, try Good Life Organics. Based in Tarzana, the company delivers boxes of fresh produce from local farms. You can set up a delivery schedule, and if you don't want to pay a delivery fee, just pick up the box from one of the delivery sites.