Temple City, CA

Pliny Fisk Temple settled in Pueblo de Los Angeles in 1841 and was granted the La Merced Rancho, which he made home. Located 12 miles east of Los Angeles, the site was near the original Mission San Gabriel.

A drought and financial failures in the 1870s caused Lucky Baldwin to foreclose on Temple's land. In 1903, Pliny Temple's tenth child, Walter, purchased 400 acres east of San Gabriel. The land was part of Lucky Baldwin's Rancho Santa Anita. Soon after, the site became known as the Town of Temple, birthing the community.

The town was renamed Temple City in 1936, but it wasn't incorporated until after World War II, on May 25, 1960. To preserve the town's history, the Historical Society of Temple City was established in June 1987. No museums exist in the neighborhood, although residents enjoy the annual Camellia Festival, a celebration of family fun.

You can't visit Temple City without trying the best Asian food around. Drop by the House of Mandarin Noodles on Temple City Boulevard for the minced pork and rice, a savory entrée served with steamed spinach. Locals also recommend the Chinese toon pancake and the beef wrap.

Another dining gem on Temple City Boulevard, El Ruizeñor Grill serves up hearty Mexican fare. Be brave, and order the famous Big Daddy burrito. This enormous burrito fills an entire platter and comes stuffed with fresh ingredients. If you save room for dessert, order the sweet chimichangas.

To enjoy the nighttime atmosphere, Temple City locals head to Crest Lounge, also found on the main thoroughfare. People love this dive bar for more than the ambiance. Where else can you get a steak dinner for under $10? The Crest Lounge invites you to grab a drink, shoot some pool and listen to the jukebox as you celebrate a great night out.

Locals use a combination of walking, driving and public transportation to get around Temple City. With convenient access to Interstates 10, 210 and 710, drivers easily access the region's main freeways. The neighborhood offers free parking, although parking may be limited during community events.

Cyclists and pedestrians can travel with relative safety, utilizing paved sidewalks and bike lanes. Taxis and Uber service the region, but prepare to call ahead for rides.

Metro buses run faithfully throughout Temple City. Along Las Tunas Drive and Temple City Boulevard, several buses carry commuters traveling to outlying cities. The El Monte Transit Center lies close by, along with access to Metrolink trains.

Well-known as a city with an array of events for every season, Temple City draws scores of locals and visitors to its neighborhood parks.

Temple City residents hold Live Oak Park on Rogue Street in high regard. Known for more than its football and soccer fields and tennis and basketball courts, Live Oak hosts the popular Camp-A-Palooza event each July. Grab your tent, sleeping bag and snacks, and pick a spot to camp out under the stars. Mingle with the community, and tell stories while the warm summer night drifts away. A perfect location for families and pets, Live Oak Park is free to use and has ample parking.

Since 1941, Temple City has hosted the Camelia Festival to celebrate the city's official flower. Attracting thousands of children and adults, the festival includes a parade with floats, along with dozens of other activities. Held the last week in February, this exciting event concludes with the crowning of local first-graders as Camelia King and Queen, followed by a three-day carnival at Temple City Park.

To dance to the latest funky hits, oldies or country music, go to the summer concert series, also held at Temple City Park, every Wednesday night from June to August. The area around this park hosts many city events, so parking can be limited during peak times.

A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1,173 in Temple City, which is a savings compared to neighboring cities in San Gabriel Valley. For example, the popular Pasadena area found just 3 miles northwest of Temple City rents one-bedrooms for $1,500, on average.

Driving costs remain reasonable, with ample free parking around town, but gas runs around 10 percent above the national average. Bus riders pay $1.75 for a base fare on the Metro, which enables them to commute locally or to Los Angeles for under $2.

Expect to pay about $3.50 for a pint of beer at a Temple City bar.

Temple City residents have multiple grocery store options. For traditional groceries, locals shop at Ralphs or Valu Mart. Metro Super Market and Temple City Ranch Market supply a good selection of ethnic foods. Each Sunday the farmers market draws the community for farm-fresh produce, flowers and baked goods. Conveniently situated just a few miles northeast of Temple City, Westfield Santa Anita mall attracts shoppers in droves. With an outdoor veranda adorned with sofa-like chairs and umbrellas, you can grab a seat under a palm tree in between retail therapy. The popular mall features over 100 stores, from high-end choices such as Michael Kors and Guess to the trendy-yet-affordable H&M. Sample the aromatic goods at L'Occitane en Provence, and pamper yourself. With lush items made in France, L'Occitane sells ravishing body creams, skin care elixirs and soaps that help you treat yourself like royalty. Try the Crème Divine or Divine Youth Oil to experience these fine products. When you want to scour local bargains, check out the City of Hope Thrift Shop on East Live Oak Avenue. The shop stocks sweaters and T-shirts, along with small knick-knacks and occasional furniture items.